The Best Bars In San Juan Puerto Rico + Things You Need To Know (2024)

Once you find great accommodation and create a list of places to visit, it’s also a good idea to learn which are the best bars in San Juan Puerto Rico.

San Juan is widely known for its great weather and impressive food, but it also has some amazing bars and nightlife. Some of them managed to obtain international exposure. However, at the same time, you also have access to smaller, yet cozy and customer-friendly bars.

Here’s a list to consider if you’re looking for great bars in San Juan Puerto Rico.

Best Bars in Old San Juan Puerto Rico

La Factoria

If you check lists with the best bars in San Juan Puerto Rico, La Factoria is always on one of these lists. La Factoria has 6 different bars under their moniker. They have top-of-the-line cocktails and certified mixologists working for them. What you will appreciate a lot is the great customer service, but also the cozy lounges and atmosphere. Prices can be a bit higher when compared to other places. However, few bars in San Juan rival La Factoria, so it’s well worth checking it out.

Do you have to be 23 to get into La Factoria?

Yes, you must be 23 to enter La Factoria.

Was Despacito filmed at La Factoria?

Fun fact: Despacito by Luis Fonsi was filmed in La Factoria… as well as La Perla (a closeby neighborhood)

El Batey

El Batey stands out as one of the most interesting dive bars in the Old San Juan area. What’s great about it is the unique atmosphere and amazing prices. Its building might not seem like a lot, but the interior design, along with the customer service and overall experience, is incredible. Keep in mind that it’s a smaller venue, and it’s filled with all kinds of decorative elements. It’s also quite busy most of the time, and you will find tons of tourists there.

How old is the El Batey bar in Old San Juan?

El Batey bar has been serving the Old San Juan community since 1967!

La Casita de Rones

La Casita de Rones is maybe the best option if you want a great bar in the Old San Juan area. They are known not only for their excellent cocktails and recipes but also for their service. The food here is great too, and you have a large variety of options to choose from. The authentic style and look of this place also add to the experience. 

La Cubanita

La Cubanita also comes in handy if you want a great and cozy bar. Not all the best bars in San Juan Puerto Rico need to be large or expensive. The drinks here are great, and they also have some local recipes for you to try out. You go, take a bar stool, and enjoy some of the amazing drinks they offer. It’s a bar that you go for just to enjoy their vibe, and stay for the delicious drinks.

Bars In San Juan

Barrachina

If you go to Barrachina, one of the first things you want to try is their frozen pina colada. But that’s not all; they have a massive variety of different drinks for you to check out. On top of that, the location itself is cozy and a fun place to be in. Their music and atmosphere rival some of the top bars anywhere, and you will be impressed with the friendly customer service.

Which San Juan restaurant invented the piña colada?

Look no further than Barrachina! If you are a piña colada lover like myself, put this place on your list.

Best Bars in San Juan Puerto Rico

Asere Cubano Kitchen & Bar

In case you’re looking for a great restaurant and bar with an eclectic vibe, then this can be a solid pick. You have some incredible landscape paintings, stunning chandeliers, and obviously, some really good food. They offer zesty ceviche, whole red snapper, and other goodies. Of course, this is a solid place for anyone who wants a drink; there’s a whole lot to enjoy, and the quality is incredible. Check it out for yourself if you’re interested!

El Bar Bero

Even if it’s a newer place, El Bar Bero stands out with their incredible homemade cocktails. They do an excellent job at bringing you variety and an amazing style. On top of that, they double down with some amazing live events. It’s a nice place to try out, especially if you love great cocktails. The free attendance to live music is also a reason you want to give it a try. Their prices are good too, so as a whole, it’s one of the best bars in San Juan Puerto Rico that you don’t want to miss.

George Music Lounge

The George Music Lounge has lots of great things for you to enjoy, from a stunning design and atmosphere to extraordinary music and, of course, excellent drinks. There’s a lot to like here, and the best part is that a lot of people like its stunning international look and feel. It can get a bit expensive, true, but the advantage is that it’s very close to Old San Juan, and you can’t rival their look and feel.

La Penúltima

La Penúltima perfectly blends top-of-the-line ingredients and a stunning vibe. Their cocktails are handcrafted, and unlike other places, they focus a lot on having high-quality ingredients. So it’s not a gimmick; you really get some amazing cocktails for you to enjoy. 

VC Lounge 

Although VC Lounge is one of the more expensive bars in San Juan, it more than makes up for that with great drinks and outstanding value for money. Amazing mixologists make the cocktails here with a lot of experience. On top of that, they do experiment with new recipes, so it’s a great place to visit if you want some drinks you’ve never tried.

FAQS

Does San Juan Puerto Rico have a good nightlife?

San Juan is known to have the best nightlife on the whole island of Puerto Rico!

What is the famous drink in San Juan Puerto Rico?

The piña colada was invented in Puerto Rico and remains the most famous drink on the island.

What is the most popular alcohol in Puerto Rico?

The most popular alcohol in Puerto Rico is Medalla, a lager-style beer… The only beer mass produced on the island.

What is the legal drinking age in Puerto Rico?

The legal drinking age in Puerto Rico is 18. However, some bars require you to be 21 to enter… or 23 if you go to La Factoria.

What part of Puerto Rico has the best nightlife?

La Placita de Santurce is the most popular area in San Juan… it is filled with great restaurants, popular bars and endless salsa dancing. Old San Juan is a close second for me.

Conclusion

These are the best bars in San Juan Puerto Rico, and you will be impressed with the exceptional value and quality. You rarely get to see the innovation and vibe that many of the San Juan bars are bringing to the table. That’s why these bars are incredible and a must-visit. They all focus on creativity and bringing in some amazing cocktails and drinks for their clients. Give them a try for yourself, and you will see why they made it on our list!