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Small dive bar located in San Juan that we stopped in for a had a drink while exploring the town. Graffiti and stickers on all the walls, advertising bands,.products, etc, and of course, the initials and dates of everyone that had come in. Staff was friendly and attentive. A unique place.to check out if in the area!
This was our second stop in San Juan. The bartender Fernando was super impressive. He gave us great food and drink suggestions all over the island and made me drinks from scratch. He improves his skills by working with other bartenders in the area. This should be a first stop in old San Juan!
This is a must stop in you are in OSJ. Yes it is a divey bar but the service is great, the dinks are fairly priced, and the ambiance is intriguing with plenty of stuff to see and read. You may even think about bringing something reflective of your hometown to contribute to the decor. Note that they do allow smoking at the bar and even sell cigarettes. I am not a smoker but sat at the bar anyway and it did not bother me given that the doors and windows are wide open. If you sit at the tables you will be away from the smoke.
El Batey is a dive bar/pub directly across the road from El Convento. It's very small here, a great welcome oozing with charm and ambience. A fond memory I'll keep. We actually came in here several times because we loved it so much no nonsense no frills. They offer cocktails, shots, beers, and local culture and not to mention it's very affordable. It has a mix of local people, tourist and industry workers in the area. The building is hundreds of years old with thick stone walls inside. A great spot to escape the heat and have a refreshing drink. The doors windows are open to the street which is great for people watching. Of course, who could forget the resident cat which lives on top of the counter.
Was recommended this place by some acquaintances and it was a delight. A dingy delight. This no fuss dive bar is grungy and dark and fun. Came here early and it wasn't too busy. The menu is set but there's something for all. I had a $6 rum and soda while my friend had a $5 shot and beer combo. The bartender was kind and gave a great recommendation for dinner. The atmosphere was light and chill. I'd definitely stop by here again!
Is this the oldest bar in Old San Juan? Maybe. It's at least 55 years old at this point. Is El Batey the cleanest bar I've been in? Not a chance. Do I sometimes dream of this bar, years later, while stuck inside during a global pandemic? Absolutely. It's been 2 full years since I came to El Batey with my partner on a vacation which was supposed to kick start a year of vacationing abroad. Obviously that never happened, so maybe that's why I hold our visit to San Juan, immediately after a series of earthquakes knocked out power to the island, in such high regard. Even without rose-tinted glasses, you can view El Batey for what it is: a reprieve from the consistent 80 degree, humid weather where you can get a cold drink in a smokey area. Do I smoke anymore? No. Do I really appreciate a smokey bar? Absolutely. El Batey makes you feel as if time stood still. There's little to make you realize that it's 2022, or whatever year it is you're reading this. The stale smoke clings to the walls along side graffiti from long gone tourists, foreign currency, and soft yellow lights. A ceiling fan or two crank along with the hum of the conversation where you would almost expect to hear Hunter S. Thompson himself drunkenly chatting with passersby. The only hint, to me, that it was a recent time was an anti-trump picture... which only made me love the place more. To those who got mad at it, perhaps they forgot how he left Puerto Rico to suffer after natural disasters? Regardless, it made the charm of El Batey even more endearing to me. Coming here and people watching while drinking for dirt cheap in an authentic dive bar on an Old San Juan hill is one of my favorite memories and will replay for years to come until it's safe to visit once more.
If you're looking for the perfect dive bar experience in Old San Juan, this place absolutely nails it. From the moment you walk in, you feel the vibe. It's small, loud, a little gritty, and completely inviting--exactly what a true dive bar should be. The walls are covered in graffiti and stickers from years of visitors leaving their mark, and honestly, that's part of the magic. You can't help but look around and smile at all the personality packed into such a cozy space. One of my favorite details? Look over to the right corner of the bar and you'll spot what looks like a vintage cash register straight out of the 1800s. Then right in the middle of the bar you've got the modern point-of-sale devices. The contrast is hilarious and perfect--old-school charm meeting modern bar life. There's a pool table, plenty of seating for such an intimate spot, and yes, a restroom inside (always appreciated in Old San Juan!). But what really makes this place stand out is the service--the staff is fantastic, welcoming, and they pour seriously strong drinks that are also refreshingly affordable. This is the kind of place where you come for one drink in the afternoon and suddenly the whole evening disappears in great conversation and good vibes. If you're wandering the streets of Old San Juan and want authentic dive bar energy, great drinks, and a place full of character, this is absolutely a must-stop. Highly recommend. read more
7 months ago
Always a good time here. Love the grunge vibe. The Pina Batida was delicious! Service was friendly! read more
We stopped by El Batey for some drinks per recommendations from a local. It's a cool dive bar, dark and grungy with a pool table lots of art. It was small so hard to find a table but is a great place to strike up a conversation and mingle with others! Bar was sticky but bartender was fast and made good drinks. read more
3 months ago
Great music, quick service, loud bar, very crowded. This bar used to be a jail house. Not sure about the food, drinks were quick. I would recommend stopping here if only to take pictures. read more
1 year ago
1 year ago
2 years ago
Found this on Pinterest and thrilled that we stopped!! Hard to tell it's a super cool dive bar from the outside but atmosphere awesome inside! No food, but full bar and great beer choices. Would recommend if walking through Old San Juan for a cold one! read more
Small dive bar located in San Juan that we stopped in for a had a drink while exploring the town. Graffiti and stickers on all the walls, advertising bands,.products, etc, and of course, the initials and dates of everyone that had come in. Staff was friendly and attentive. A unique place.to check out if in the area! read more
2 years ago
Cheap stiff drinks, great old watering hole. Actually it's the oldest operating bar in San Juan. This is not fancy but has a ton of ambiance and charm. Luis will take care of you and leave a dollar with a note. read more
2 years ago
Eclectic dive bar in San Juan with lots of history. Great music and no nonsense service. A must visit when in Puerto Rico. read more
3 years ago
This was our second stop in San Juan. The bartender Fernando was super impressive. He gave us great food and drink suggestions all over the island and made me drinks from scratch. He improves his skills by working with other bartenders in the area. This should be a first stop in old San Juan! read more
3 years ago
This is a must stop in you are in OSJ. Yes it is a divey bar but the service is great, the dinks are fairly priced, and the ambiance is intriguing with plenty of stuff to see and read. You may even think about bringing something reflective of your hometown to contribute to the decor. Note that they do allow smoking at the bar and even sell cigarettes. I am not a smoker but sat at the bar anyway and it did not bother me given that the doors and windows are wide open. If you sit at the tables you will be away from the smoke. read more
2 years ago
My favorite bar to visit when I'm in old San Juan. The vibe is perfect. The bartenders are cool no matter the time you roll in. Just ideal for having a good night out. read more
El Batey is a dive bar/pub directly across the road from El Convento. It's very small here, a great welcome oozing with charm and ambience. A fond memory I'll keep. We actually came in here several times because we loved it so much no nonsense no frills. They offer cocktails, shots, beers, and local culture and not to mention it's very affordable. It has a mix of local people, tourist and industry workers in the area. The building is hundreds of years old with thick stone walls inside. A great spot to escape the heat and have a refreshing drink. The doors windows are open to the street which is great for people watching. Of course, who could forget the resident cat which lives on top of the counter. read more
4 years ago
Was recommended this place by some acquaintances and it was a delight. A dingy delight. This no fuss dive bar is grungy and dark and fun. Came here early and it wasn't too busy. The menu is set but there's something for all. I had a $6 rum and soda while my friend had a $5 shot and beer combo. The bartender was kind and gave a great recommendation for dinner. The atmosphere was light and chill. I'd definitely stop by here again! read more
Is this the oldest bar in Old San Juan? Maybe. It's at least 55 years old at this point. Is El Batey the cleanest bar I've been in? Not a chance. Do I sometimes dream of this bar, years later, while stuck inside during a global pandemic? Absolutely. It's been 2 full years since I came to El Batey with my partner on a vacation which was supposed to kick start a year of vacationing abroad. Obviously that never happened, so maybe that's why I hold our visit to San Juan, immediately after a series of earthquakes knocked out power to the island, in such high regard. Even without rose-tinted glasses, you can view El Batey for what it is: a reprieve from the consistent 80 degree, humid weather where you can get a cold drink in a smokey area. Do I smoke anymore? No. Do I really appreciate a smokey bar? Absolutely. El Batey makes you feel as if time stood still. There's little to make you realize that it's 2022, or whatever year it is you're reading this. The stale smoke clings to the walls along side graffiti from long gone tourists, foreign currency, and soft yellow lights. A ceiling fan or two crank along with the hum of the conversation where you would almost expect to hear Hunter S. Thompson himself drunkenly chatting with passersby. The only hint, to me, that it was a recent time was an anti-trump picture... which only made me love the place more. To those who got mad at it, perhaps they forgot how he left Puerto Rico to suffer after natural disasters? Regardless, it made the charm of El Batey even more endearing to me. Coming here and people watching while drinking for dirt cheap in an authentic dive bar on an Old San Juan hill is one of my favorite memories and will replay for years to come until it's safe to visit once more. read more
4 years ago
Its a cool vibe with the wall decor! Looks rustic! The drinks were good too! Its in la placita so close to all other bars too. read more
3 years ago
Oldest bar in old San Juan! The bartender was very sweet and made it a great time! She told us the history and what to see in San Juan! May go back tonight! read more
2 years ago
3 years ago
Favorite place in Old San Juan. Fun people, yummy drinks, and a bar cat?! Bring quarters for the pool table read more
4 years ago
Great "dive" with great drinks and super bartender. A small pool table in the back as well. Noticed a san juan food tour guide stopped with the group in the place for a drink. The pineapple drink with the rum on the picture was so good! Music was good also. read more
6 years ago
This place has everything you want in a great dive bar - a long local history, competent and friendly staff, great prices and a pretty full selection of drinks along with friendly people from the neighborhood and beyond. Bonus: the ladies restroom is outdated and small, but super clean and well stocked. Well worth your time to stop in for a drink or two while in Old San Juan! read more
4 years ago
Was in San Juan and walked by el batey and felt the cool vibes inside. This place is very cool dive bar my type of place. Cool bartender great atmosphere very old building which add to the experience!! Had a few medallas here ! Also they have a pool table read more
3 years ago
5 years ago
Great place, I love the vibe and style, it has a great NYC dive bar feel. Coming from NYC, this place feels like home. read more
6 years ago
Love this spot in old SJ. Really great prices for drinks, good people, good vibes, no judgements. If your visiting the heavily touristy spots this will give you the break your looking for. It's in an old prison too, go write on the walls, shoot some pool and chill. Def recommend it to my New Yorkers . read more
3 years ago
5 years ago
5 years ago
5 years ago
Fantastic bar with friendly staff especially Mario! We loved the mixed drinks they had available. read more
2 years ago
8 years ago
Dive bars will always have a place in my heart. They say "It's 5 o'clock somewhere" well it was noon o'clock in Puerto Rico & what else do you do other than grab a drink or 7 in a bar on the street that has the most character? El Batey is it. I like the daytime vibe this bar gives-it has a certain charm to it. Jazz music, stiff drinks, interesting conversations & dope bartender (thank you Cristobal!) You can't help but wonder if fate is real when you end up at the same place at the "right time" which is what happened the day before we were set to leave PR. Again, El Batey is it. Sunset sailing across the way fell through due to the rainstorm, we randomly ventured back to this bar the second time... ...One never knows when you come across some interesting characters that set off a series of events that you'll never forget... ...which had me asking 'what is life' questions: -Is it this bar? -Is it because we're on vacation mode? -Why do I hear Humphrey Bogart in his voice when he asked "Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine?" It's been over a year since & I can never forget this gem & the history it gave. I was too charmed. read more
Such an awesome dive bar! It's like walking into the old punk clubs I used to go to when I was a teenager. Graffiti everywhere. MacGyver'd light fixtures/tables etc. Beer selection is limited, but they have enough liquor to choose from. Shots are not served cold, which adds to the awesomeness ha! The bartenders are friendly and bright. I enjoyed talking with them and learning about the struggles of PR after Maria. There are definitely a lot of ex-Pats at this bar (though they aren't technically ex-Pats since PR is part of the US). I think everyone feels a sense of comfort and nostalgia - you feel like you're in an old NY bar, or maybe the diviest bar from the town you grew up in. It feels like home. Also I have to give a shout out for the music. It's not often I find a bar where I hear Rancid and Tiger Army playing through the speakers. If I'm in San Juan again, I will surely go back. read more
2 years ago
8 years ago
Just remembered when I traveled in 2016, we stopped here to buy water and I mentioned to the bartender I was feeling unwell and he right away told me he would give me something to settle my stomach. He mixed some kind of bitters with sprite and as soon as I finished it and left, I felt tons better. I did manage to take some photos prior to leaving! He salvaged my day and I obviously have never forgotten his kindness. read more
I feel like Old San Juan gets a bad rap for being tourist-y and maybe tacky at times. I am not a local or a Puerto Rican. So I cannot truly speak to that. There are quite a few tourist shops with airbushed t-shirts, embroidered visors, and other knick-knacks. However, if you go further into the center of Old San Juan, there are many gems. El Batey is a dive bar, and I mean that in the sexiest sense. This isn't your Senor Frog's or another chain place. This is a place where, as the night goes on, you could find yourself in sexy trouble or instilled with rebellion. This is a place where the bartender is like "Welp, a hurricane is coming," and gives you the leftover shot of Bailey's from making another customer's drink. I love this place. You enter into a bar that looks like Hemingway and maybe Sid Vicious decorated it. You've got traditional Spanish inspired architecture mixed with cards and drawings stapled everywhere, including the lamp shades. Despite it being 3pm and still very sunny outside, El Batey is dark with some low light. The music plays of a 2000s era Sony (or some similar brand) boombox. The bartender, when we visited, was a handsome bald man with an excellent beard and sense of humor. The drinks are basic but delicious. We had spiced rum and Coke, and that's all we needed. The bar had a very cool but friendly vibe. We felt welcomed there, but there was an underlying sense of "Play it cool," because well...we were at a cool kids hang out. We stayed for a drink or two and had a wonderful time, but we didn't want to stay too long to giveaway how enamored we were with the place. Excellent spot. read more
7 years ago
I loved El Batey! It's an unpretentious, hole in the wall kind of place with a grungy, old timely feel to it. There's not an inch of the store that isn't covered in graffiti - from the walls to the bathrooms to the ceiling; the lampshades also have character from the stickers and papers they have accumulated. Feel good music streams in the background and for its obvious age, El Batey remains well maintained. The bartender was extremely laid back, friendly, and offered quick and accurate service. My favorite was the midori sour. The drinks are decently priced, and there's a pool table for entertainment. The only downside is that people are allowed to smoke inside, so if you are sensitive to the smell of cigarettes, it might be a little uncomfortable. I would visit again if I could! read more
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More info about El Batey
Calle de Cristo 101
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00901
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(787) 723-7657
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