By Edward Roske
GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico — In the heart of San Patricio Plaza, Guaynabo, a new beacon of culinary and retail excellence has risen: Liberty Square. This newly inaugurated space opened in November 2023. Covering 70,000 square feet of walkable outdoor area, is not just a destination but a vibrant testament to the evolving tastes and preferences of Puerto Ricans and visitors alike.
The New Face of San Patricio Plaza
Liberty Square represents a significant transformation for San Patricio Plaza. It brings a fresh, open-air environment that contrasts with the traditional mall experience in Puerto Rico. This new area is adorned with eight digital screens that animate the space, showcasing content and announcements from its tenants.
A Feast for Foodies and Shoppers
The allure of Liberty Square lies in its eclectic mix of dining and shopping options. It’s a haven for food lovers and fashionistas alike. Among the new stores are fashion-forward brands like Studio F, Tous, and Beamina. Locally beloved bookstore The Bookmark, has moved out of the San Patricio parking garage, increased the size of its space at San Patricio, added a lot more light (and higher ceilings), and expanded their coffee house vibe to add light meals and other drinks.
For gastronomes, the options are equally enticing. Paulina Escanes brings her renowned culinary skills to the table with brunch and diverse meal options, alongside her famous desserts. Nacionsushi introduces its first Puerto Rican location, offering an array of Asian options. Pimentón opens its third Neapolitan pizza locale on the island. With the largest space in Liberty Square at 8,500 square feet, Ocean Lab debuts its first stand-alone brewery location, complete with a bar, stage, store, restaurant, and five exclusive beer flavors (per Platea PR’s article en español). Lastly, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse will be opening one of their signature locations in Liberty Square (theoretically) before year-end.
An Interview with a Local Culinary Star
In the midst of this gastronomic renaissance stands Paulina Escanes, the chef-owner of Paulina Escanes in Condado. Originating from Guadalajara, Mexico, and now a long-time resident of Puerto Rico, Escanes has a rich history in the culinary world, first starting as a baker before opening her renowned restaurant in San Juan in 2018. Her offerings at Liberty Square are a blend of her upbringing, world travels, and local ingredients, promising an unforgettable dining experience. Her new restaurant opened on November 8, 2023 bringing a farm-to-table ethos to Liberty Square including several tasty vegetarian and vegan options.
Interview Excerpt: Paulina Escanes shares what drove her to select this as her newest location: “We looked everywhere and this was the only place that really gave us safety for hurricanes, parking, the security of my clients – they can be in a space that they know and feel 100% safe going in and out. I’m super picky in every detail and this space, this concept, I loved it.”
She also praised the other concepts coming into Liberty Square especially Ocean Labs, with whom she has a good, long-term relationship. [The in-depth interview with Paulina Escanes will appear in a later write-up. Subscribe at American News to see the article when it comes out.]
What This Means for Guaynabo and Puerto Rico
The opening of Liberty Square is more than just a commercial development; it’s a cultural and economic milestone for Guaynabo and Puerto Rico. It promises to be a significant draw for both locals and tourists, seeking a taste of Puerto Rico outside the traditional San Juan dining scene. The diversity of offerings reflects the island’s rich culinary heritage and its openness to global influences.
Local business owners express optimism about the potential influx of visitors and the positive impact on the local economy. Customers, too, are excited about the new experiences and flavors that await them in this unique space.
Only 15 minutes from the cruise ship terminals – barring Old San Juan traffic if you’re on one of the Northern cruise spots – this could become a great spot for cruisers looking for a higher-end food and shopping experience. (And if any of you cruisers are reading this and are feeling intimidated about leaving San Juan, everyone I talked to spoke English.)
Visit Liberty Square
Liberty Square is more than just a collection of eateries and shops; it’s a symbol of Guaynabo’s and Puerto Rico’s dynamic and evolving landscape. It invites residents and visitors to explore, indulge, and experience the best of what the island has to offer. As these new businesses open their doors, they also open up new possibilities for the culinary and retail scene in Puerto Rico.
