cafe gran batey

As when we arrived it was closed we were very disappointed. Then we called but no answer. Next day Monday morning we called and were told they only open on week ends. So I guess you want to call and have them confirm that they will be opened before committing for the long drive on narrow roads.

It almost seems silly to add another glowing review, because it seems unanimous that Gran Batey is perfection! Family run, they'll give you a your of the farm and process, as well as free coffee! How: call ahead and let them know you'll be coming. Their son, Daniel, who speaks impeccable English, is there on weekends and holidays. Where: google maps takes you straight there. But be warned that you'll be driving on wind-y mountainous roads for at least 30 min to get there. When: both times we called, it seems they don't give yours after 3pm. Cost: free! So buy a bag of coffee before you leave! If you taste it, you won't be able to help yourself anyway. Why: I knew NOTHING about how coffee got into my cup each morning. But more than that, this family is so unbelievably warm and passionate about their work. Meeting people like this is what traveling is all about!

Great visit. Warm charming family. Fantastic coffee Francisco is extremely knowledgable and speaks good enough English. His son Daniel who speaks perfect English is there on sat and sun. Fantastic warm atmosphere, AMAZING coffee. One piece of advice: Use a map and/or get directions. We had to drive about 10km through the mountains on a dirt road. I think 111 to route 10 is the way to go, less dirt roads and more populated. Must see!!

We visited on a day when the owners' son, Daniel, was home helping with the farm. He speaks English very well, so we didn't have to rely on my choppy Spanish and the owners' English (although we were making ourselves understood without many problems before Daniel arrived). We enjoyed the delicious coffee, Lotty's pound cake, and the informative tour. Besides buying some of the coffee, my mom also bought a napkin holder made of a polished coconut -- one of the crafts made by a farm employee. Highly recommend, especially since it is so close to Caguana Indigenous Ceremonial Park just up the road.

As part of my tour with Carlos, we went to the Gran Batey coffee plantation, a family-run business. Very informative to see the hand-picked (no tree shaking here) coffee beans being toasted in small batches to make the most amazing, smooth and great tasting coffee I have ever had. I love flavored coffee and will normally avoid regular coffee. But this coffee is amazing and we bought a bag to take home (will order some for delivery in the States at a later date). The family is warm and welcoming and we had a fantastic time.

My wife and I went to el Café Gran Batey coffee plantation a few weeks ago and had an excellent day sharing with the owners. They welcome us and even had coffee at their table. We felt like home and Danny, their son gave us an excellent tour where we learned all the process for the recollection, treatment and production of coffee. This a family owned property and is an honest to God fully operational coffee plantation. It was a great family day in the mountains of Utuado.

A few weeks ago we paid a visit to the Café Gran Batey in Utuado, a really easy find off of road 111. Ideally you could visit here and then head over to the Caguana Indigenous Ceremonial Park, a short drive down the same road and then finish everything off with some ice cream in Lares. At first, it looked like we had missed the boat on buying a couple of bags of coffee but after gawking at the geese and petting a friendly cat we were soon greeted by a wonderful lady by the name of Lotty. After introductions and telling her a little bit about ourselves she invited us inside, along with her adorable grand daughter.Soon, her husband joined us and we were having a great time discussing their extensive knowledge of coffee production, the history of the farm and each others work and family life. During our chat, we were graciously offered a cup of coffee and fell in love with it instantly. Let’s just say I have never been a coffee person but I was converted that day. I highly recommend anyone pay this charming establishment a visit, btw, they ship to the states for a very reasonable price if you don't have room in your suitcase or you just want to send some to someone special.Btw, check out the sweet vintage Land Rover and no, he’s not selling, I asked! :)

We took a tour of the plantation and the coffee making process here. This place blew my expectations out of the water! This is a family run business that is passionate about what they do and the finished product shows it. The owners make you feel like part of their family and they are delighted to have you. Best coffee I've ever had and I can't wait to visit again!!

Carlos (our awesome tour guide) took us here for a cup of coffee. It is his favorite coffee on the island and after trying it, we agreed. Although it is quite the trek from San Juan, it was some what convenient for us since we were already touring that part of the island with Carlos. It is worth seeing. Family owned and run. Very enjoyable experience! So happy for them that they were just rated the best coffee in Puerto Rico! We bought 10 lbs of coffee to take back to the states since it was sooo good. If you have the time and are a coffee enthusiast, this is worth seeing!

My girlfriend and I went because she wanted to see a coffee plantation. For some you had to pay 15 bucks, but this one was free, so initially I was a bit of a sceptic, but in the end I was so wrong.The family that owns the plantation was extremely nice. The grandmother gave us cake, the owner gave us unlimited amounts of coffee and the uncle gave us fresh oranges. Everyone was extremely hospitable and the coffee was GREAT!We also were given a tour, and I can hands down say it was one of the most interest parts of my trip to Puerto Rico. If you are even remotely in the area, GO TO CAFE GRAN BATEY. Even if you remotely like coffee, you will love the experience.

This is the coziest place to drink coffee at and the most delicious coffee I have ever tried. When we got there we started by taking the tour which educated us on how they cultivate and process coffee. It was wonderful to see the plants and learn more about the coffee beans. It was even more delightful to feel and absorb the passion the owner has towards coffee. After the tour, we sat down and waited for the coffee to be made fresh for us. Again, this is definitely the BEST coffee I have ever tried. I had to ask for seconds. The owner is the sweetest lady, and as I said earlier she is also passionate and very knowledgeable. After learning how meticulous they are when picking their coffee and after trying how delicious the coffee is, I had to buy two big bags of coffee and I will be keep buying their coffee monthly. I got a great tour, met a wonderful lady, and bought the most delicious coffee.

We visited this lovely family-run coffee farm on Mother's day. Our hosts (the entire family!) graciously invited us to participate in their coffee tour even though it was a holiday where many businesses were closed. Daniel, the son and our tour guide explained they work 7 days a week and dedicate their lives to their farm. Daniel was very patient in giving us directions when we were on our way. Just watch for mile maker 11 on road (Carr) 111. You will see a big trailer and the el Gran Batey sign.The tour started with the introduction and orgin of different coffee species and then we took a nice stroll through the coffee farm. After a short while, Daniel's beautiful wife and daughter joined us. She was also very knowledgeable about the coffee process telling us she works at the farm sometimes to help out. She was so caring and accommodating, offering us fresh bananas from their land and going to search for a specific kind of coffee fruit for demonstration. The genuine love and passion is notable immediately. Daniel's knowledge of agriculture and horticulture is abundant. After showing and explaining to us the process of coffee from their farm to table, we sat down in their lovely indoor cafe area for a sampling of fresh roasted (the batch was roasted while we picked oranges from their yard!) coffee and Lotty's delicious sweet bread. The coffee is sublime! We sat and talked story for a while longer before having to part ways. We couldn't fathom such a intimate and enriching tour like this one existed, they really dedicated their time to us and we truly could not have asked for a better way to spend our time in Utuado. They sell their coffee there and to other cafes in the area. There's absolutely zero hard sell of their coffee, Daniel and the family simply want to pass on their tradition and knowledge of coffee. We have done coffee tours in Kona, Hawaii, but nothing holds a candle to a tour like this one. Don't miss your chance to try some of the best tasting and locally grown coffees around!

The coffee is the best and the owners are also. It's a little tricky to find, but just pay attention to the mile markers, look for their sign and go down the driveway to the right.

This place is a true gem. Amazing hospitality. The family will show you around and explain the whole process. It is great to see people who have such love and pride for what they do. The Coffee and sweet bread are AMAZING!!! Coming from someone who is not a big fan of the taste of coffee, I was in love with this coffee.

We are dairy farmers from Wisconsin and agriculture runs through our veins so we really enjoyed learning all about how REALLY FINE coffee is grown, harvested and processed in Puerto Rico from Daniel who was able to answer all our questions (in English) with ease. Lotty, Bernardo, Daniel and the rest of the family were such accommodating hosts even though Sunday was the only day we could visit. Lotty made us phenomenal coffee and sweet bread to go along with it. She also picked several oranges for us as they happened to be in season. Our 12-year old son even skipped the sugar in his coffee because it was so good without! This was one of the highlights of our trip to Puerto Rico. If you are staying in the North or Northwestern part of the island, this Hacienda is more easily accessible than most.