When you imagine the bars in Puerto Rico, you might assume it's all thatched-roof beachfront bars slinging umbrella-topped mojitos and piña coladas. While there are plenty of sand spots to choose from, the island's drinking scene is a lot more diverse than that, so get rid of those images of Margaritaville dancing in your head. Bartenders and chefs have turned the island into an authentic dining destination and are embracing exotic and local ingredients.
From elegant bars serving original craft cocktails to tap beers with rotating local brews, there's a bar in Puerto Rico to suit every flavour, mood and price point. Here is a list of the best bars in Puerto Rico you should definitely visit.
9 Best Bars in Puerto Rico
La Penúltima
Source La Penúltima perfectly balances a hip and industrial-chic vibe with a cosy neighbourhood ambience. It's one of those rare bars in Puerto Rico that feels creative and cool without being the slightest bit pretentious. Cocktails are simple and well-crafted—no foams or unnecessary frothing here. We recommend the daiquiri and the Isla Borinquen Fizz, a creamy and carbonated blend of rum, gin, pineapple, coconut, and soda. There are also a few good local beers. All of it brings out the local crowds.
Address: 1359 Avenida de la Constitución, San Juan, 00907, Puerto Rico.
El Batey
Source For those searching for authentic dive bars in Puerto Rico, El Batey is the right place for you. The club has cave-like, graffiti walls smeared in business cards and pictures of celebrities and local legends who have partied there over the years. The bar has windows open to the beautiful cobblestone streets of the old city with views of the Gothic San Juan Cathedral and other architectural landmarks. Shoot pool, pick from jukebox classics and sip rum drinks for the perfect, never-ending Caribbean night. Trivia: The Rolling Stones frequently visited El Batey whenever they were in Puerto Rico.
Address: 101 Calle del Cristo, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico.
Tamboo Bar and Seaside Grill
Source Restaurant, hotel and bar, all in one, this triple delight is located right by the beach in Rincón offering some of the most stunning views in the area. Offering delectable American-Caribbean cuisine, live music, and signature cocktails, Tamboo Bar compels you to stay. Let the aprés-surf affair pull you in as the young and vivacious crowd dances the night away.
Address: Carretera 413 Ramal, Rincón, Rincón 00602, Puerto Rico.
La Factoría
Source Shimmery fairy lights, live music, and a labyrinthine design characterise this intimate drinking and dancing spot, making it one of the best for nightlife in San Juan. La Factoría is the club where the famous Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee’s “Despacito” music video was shot. The club provides an incredible cocktail menu, giving a taste of local flavours and an authentic atmosphere that trickles out of every crack of paint on the walls. One dance floor changes into another and new bar tops keep popping up every time as you pave your path through the club, surprising you every time.
Address: 148 Calle San Sebastián, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico.El Bar Bero
Source El Bar Bero has a slightly more informal setting. However, its creativity makes up for the lack of elegance. A barbershop by day, mixologist haven by night, this charming and lighthearted local joint can be best described as moustache themed, featuring various barber chairs from different periods and craft cocktails with hairstyle-related names. It is a welcoming and friendly bar with its drinks menu listed on a large chalkboard. Try the homemade ginger beer without a miss.
Address: 1507 Calle Loíza, San Juan, 00911, Puerto Rico.
Jungle Bird
Source A cosy little tiki bar nestled at the edge of La Placita, Jungle Bird serves up fun tropical vibes. Beautiful bamboo furniture, big leafy plants, sexy mood lighting, and gorgeous cocktails make it a hip cocktail bar. Despite its whimsical name and vibes, you'll find some serious rum drinks made from Caribbean ingredients like fresh coconut, pineapple, and sugarcane. They do not serve those overly sweet, pre-made piña colada mixes here. The food is made by Chef Paxx Caraballo Moll, who has been getting national accolades for his work better than you can get at almost any other bar in Puerto Rico.
Address: 254 Calle Canals, San Juan, 00907, Puerto Rico.
Taberna Boricua
Source Taberna Boricua is a hip neighbourhood bar with a leafy beer garden and live acoustic bands making every Friday and Saturday night musical. It gets crowded and full of buzz on weekends but otherwise pretty mellow, exactly the kind of place you can unwind for a few hours. Taberna was the first beer garden to open in Puerto Rico, and it boasts one of the most extensive menus on the island with more than 200 craft beers. There's an endless selection of local brews, too; ask your bartender to pick one, or, better, get him to custom-curate for you.
Address: 418 Cll Agueybana, San Juan, 00918, Puerto Rico.
Kai Beach Bar and Restaurant
Source Strong cocktails, soft reggae music, and terrific ocean views - everything that one can desire for. Kai rests on Playa Jobos in surfing hotspot Isabela in the northwest. The bar stores ten kinds of international beer primarily, and about the same number of cocktails are on the menu plus the six different kinds of margaritas. Note: The cocktails taste tropical and sweet, but they are powerful. A few rum punches may just knock you out, but you cannot go wrong with a cold rum punch, a plate of mofongo, and the spectacular vistas over the beach.
Address: Isabela, 00662, Puerto Rico.
La Copa Llena at The Black Eagle
Source Encircled beautifully by swaying palms and decorated with delicate fairy lights, La Copa Llena feels like a rom-com setting. Though the restaurant is known for its tapas-style appetizers, the cocktails alone are worth the trip to Rincón. There is a thoughtful selection of light craft cocktails, like the Spicy Parchatini, a vodka Martini with a splash of chilli-filled passionfruit juice. They also offer easy-sipping concoctions like the Rincón Shandy, made with Medalla beer, gin, lime, and orange. Additionally, there are beers from the Boquerón Brewing Company and a lovely wine list featuring some nice whites from Spain and Chile.
Address: Black Eagle Marina, Rincón, 00677, Puerto Rico.