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El Batey

I have to be honest here and say that this was one of my favorite bars in Old San Juan. This dive bar puts you right into a scene from Pirates of the Caribbean with its metal barred windows and dim lighting. You can immediately feel the history and the presence of the thousands of people who have passed thru here.

People who have visited this bar since time ancient have covered the walls with messages. The light fixtures have everything from business cards to metro tickets stapled around them.

We went here late afternoon and had the pleasure of having the entire bar to ourselves. The owner of the bar was also there looking every bit the descendant of a pirate. He has the the unique quality of being able to provide very stimulating conversation. Our bartender Carlos was a pleasure to talk to and made me my very own cocktail. If you are in Old San Juan, then this is one bar you should absolutely not miss. 

La Factoria

Tucked inconspicuously into a corner this bar in San Juan is a gem. It’s a speakeasy so the name isn’t advertised on the front door. The interior though really gives you the tropical San Juan feeling with locals perched on tall chairs. Mixology is an art at this bar and the bartenders make you your own drink if you can tell them what flavors you would like.

If you prefer to order off the menu, there is a chalk board on the corner with the cocktail menu. The entrances to four secret rooms are opened as the night progresses, each with their own menu and theme.

One of the rooms is a mellow royal wine room. Another one is blasting salsa music to invite you to dance. This is probably why this place as voted as one of the top 50 bars in the world for 2 years and featured in the video for Despacito.

Barrachina

Of all the bars in San Juan this one if definitely very famous. The birthplace of the “If you like Pinaaaaaa Coladassss”. This is the place credited with conjuring up this delicious drink. Its located inside a tourist family hotel so you can expect families with their kids from all over the world eating dinner here.

They have four huge machines that keep the Pina Coladas churning. The bartender will pour a huge shot of rum into the glass before filling it up with this delicious creamy liquid. As you can tell, I loved it.

Chocobar Cortes

This is an upscale restaurant cum bar located in Old San Juan and boasts a large menu of items where everything contains chocolate. They have a good selection of both drink, food (spicy and sweet) with chocolate in it which was very impressive. The huge selection of drinks with chocolate it in makes it a unique experience.

My friend got a rum chocolate drink which I was told was delicious. I got a dessert that wasn’t on the menu but the chef had just made that day. It was a rum infused chocolate cake topped with chocolate mouse and chocolate pieces.

The portions may look small but the amount of chocolate they have in them leave you feeling very full. The restaurant is more expensive than ones around it but it is worth going there just for the experience.

Oceans Lab Brewing Co.

I had the good fortune of being able to visit this place the day I was leaving Puerto Rico and lunch there was the perfect end to this already perfect trip. This restaurant is located right across the beach and the beach looks straight out of the covers of one of those Traveller magazines. Famous for the huge variety of beers that you can order, their beer sampler comes with six different beer in shot glasses perfect for tasting.

This has a relaxed beachy vibe and is located within the hotel premises which promise quiet and peace. Completely white powdery sand and aqua blue water. It sits next to the most beautiful beach in San Juan. The loaded potato chips I ordered also came absolutely filled with cheese, guacamole and everything yummy. I was definitely very happy with this place.

Cannon Club Piano Bar

From the words of one of the friends that I visited this place with, “I have been to some of the most beautiful places in the world but I have yet to see anything as beautiful.” And I might just have to agree. This is a hotel that has a tiny bar in the front room with a piano room to the side.

It boasts an unusual interior. There are heavy draped curtains and a beautiful outdoor gardens teeming with plants. It has tiny rivulets and stone statues that the owner herself has carved. The hotel extends four stories without having a proper stone structure filling up any floor. It’s a magical place where I would gladly get lost forever.

One of the four parrots who lives there has also developed a taste for beer I was later told. The most exhilarating feeling this place gave me was when we reached the top most roof. This is higher than most buildings around and you can see the ocean extending so far that the globe curves. It was nighttime, the stars were all out and I could see the entire city in all its glory.

Taberna Los Vasquez

This is also one of the bars located in La Placita de Santurce. Its one of the bigger bars with a very lively dance scene. If you are interested in some Spanish karaoke or want to dance some salsa this is the place to go to. The party spills out into the road which is blocked off for pedestrians and you can see people of all ages dancing the night away. 

Garabatos Sports Bar

Located in La Placita de Santurce, a plaza straight out of a tropical music video, here tourists tend to hang out less as the local crowd dominates the scene. This is a sports bar located on one side of the plaza and has tables which overlook one of the roads where people love to mingle and drink. I liked this bar because if you get there early enough you can sit on one of the tables and observe Puerto Ricans living it up.

In My Opinion

San Juan has gone from a tourist tropical destination to one of the greatest destinations in the world for connoisseurs of booze and wine and any lovely elixir. I recommend you follow their lead and try out some of these amazing bars as well.