El Batey Bar

Bar · San Juan

El Batey Bar

Bar · San Juan

5

101 Calle del Cristo, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico

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El Batey Bar by
El Batey Bar by Stephanie Segarra
El Batey Bar by Stephanie Segarra
El Batey Bar by Stephanie Segarra
El Batey Bar by Stephanie Segarra
El Batey Bar by null
El Batey Bar by null
El Batey Bar by null
El Batey Bar by null
El Batey Bar by null
El Batey Bar by null
El Batey Bar by null
El Batey Bar by null
El Batey Bar by null
El Batey Bar by null
El Batey Bar by null
El Batey Bar by null
El Batey Bar by null
El Batey Bar by null
El Batey Bar by null
El Batey Bar by null
El Batey Bar by null
El Batey Bar by null
El Batey Bar by null

Highlights

El Batey is Old San Juan's ultimate dive bar, bursting with character and history, where eclectic decor and great drinks draw in a lively, friendly crowd.  

Featured in Conde Nast Traveler
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101 Calle del Cristo, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico Get directions

elbateytavernpr.com
@elbateytavern

$10–20 · Menu

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101 Calle del Cristo, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico Get directions

elbateytavernpr.com
@elbateytavern

$10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Mar 4, 2025

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@onthegrid

"If Old San Juan was a person, El Batey would be a scar on that person, not pretty but it has a story. El Batey is an old, rough, genuine, and a non pretentious kind of dive bar. You can spend hours drinking, playing pool and listening to a great selection of music from the juke box. The thousands of signatures and scribbles that completely fill its walls are testimony to this legendary bar." - Ana Jovane Serrano

On the Grid : El Batey
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@atlasobscura

"Tucked away near the San Juan Cathedral and other historic landmarks of Puerto Rico’s capital, this iconic dive bar has been a favored watering hole for visiting literati and musicians for decades. Allen Ginsberg once read poetry here. In the 1960s, it was a favored haunt of The Rolling Stones whenever they were passing through. And while Hunter S. Thompson never explicitly mentions the joint by name in his novel The Rum Diaries, it’s widely believed that he spent many an afternoon sipping liquor at the bar while living here. Time may have marched on, but El Batey still embodies the spirit of a vanishing side of Old San Juan. The jukebox in the corner only plays vinyl 45s from Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and other heavy-hitters from the ‘60s. Graffiti from hundreds of visitors is still scrawled over every inch of the walls. Since the windows overlook the striking architecture of Calle de Cristo, it’s possible to sit here and truly feel like you’re in a different era. In true dive bar fashion, the menu here is short and uncomplicated, with an emphasis on mezcals, tequilas, whiskeys, and, of course, rums. The menu offers mixers with the tagline “if you like that sort of thing,” along with a modest selection of house cocktails. There are plenty of good eats to be found in the surrounding neighborhood, but for anyone in need of a snack, the entire food menu here consists of a pile of chips, with or without guacamole. Spend a lazy afternoon soaking in the ambiance, or come and stay late for live bands, pool games, and very long nights. Know Before You Go Since this spot can get pretty rowdy, no children are allowed inside." - paul 22bdb80e, GarrettGsell, Jennifer Richardson, viNomadic, marcusdgilmer, amybroemmel

El Batey – San Juan, Puerto Rico - Gastro Obscura
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@onthegrid

"El Batey, San Juan by Ana Jovane Serrano. If Old San Juan was a person, El Batey would be a scar on that person, not pretty but it has a story. El Batey is an old, rough, genuine, and a non pretentious kind of dive bar. You can spend hours drinking, playing pool and listening to a great selection of music from the juke box. The thousands of signatures and scribbles that completely fill its walls are testimony to this legendary bar."

San Juan, Puerto Rico
View Postcard for El Batey Bar
@vogue

"Opened in the 60s, El Batey Bar gives off a rebel beatnik vibe complete with graffitied walls that just about invite you to pick up the nearest Sharpie and add to the inky chaos. It’s the perfect setting to chat about the night’s plan under a glowy orange light amplified with jazz tunes playing in the background, and there’s a pool table in the back if you’re feeling restless."

An Insiders Guide to San Juan, Puerto Rico: Where to Eat, Stay and Play
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@cntraveler

"Graffiti covers the walls of El Batey, a legendary little dive bar in Old San Juan. It's dark, rough, and grimy—the floor is perpetually sticky with spilled drinks and the room smells musty—but there's a vintage jukebox, a pool table, and a grungy charm that will make you want to stick around. Come when you need a break from fruity, umbrella-topped, tropical cocktails—or when you just want to rub elbows with locals and off-duty cruise-ship crews." - Kris Fordham

15 Best Bars in Puerto Rico | Condé Nast Traveler
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Dinesh Ganesan

Google
One of the best dive bar I have visited. The bar has its own character with Stickers and Graffiti all over the place, and good music. If you are around this place I highly recommend to check out this place.

Emily Shewchuk

Google
Love this place. Very unique and laid back atmosphere. Excellent service and drinks at really affordable prices. Plus the crowd was very chill and diverse. This will be a staple for me for any return trips.

charles burand

Google
Great dive bar and was open at 11am on New Year's Eve with the ships in town even with the island wide power outage. Great bar tender.

David T. Kindler

Google
I couldn't have loved this place any more. Dripping with character. Awesome bartender with great taste in music. Turns out we had a mutual friend. Go figure. Sat next to a couple at the bar and before you know it we were enjoying shots and telling stories. My family had to drag me out of there. If you love a real dive with an open heart, old-school punk playlist, and decades of history, this is your spot. If you ever had a good time at TGI Friday's, it might not be your favorite.

jackson cooper

Google
The platonic ideal dive bar in Old San Juan. This place was a breath of fresh air after walking past many fancy cocktail bars. Top notch music selection and a surprisingly clean restroom for a dive bar.

Richard Crewe

Google
This place is the best bar I’ve ever been in my life! If I lived close by it’d be my go to bar daily!

Bradley Miller

Google
This is the spot. Dive bar vibes that attracts all the characters and straight crushes it service wise. No frills nonsense great spot for meeting new friends. Luis kills it behind the bar!!!!

Michael Lopez

Google
Luis the bartender made nothing but A1 drinks, was a good vibe the first time so we ended up going back. Only place in old San Juan with a pool table, we took full advantage at $1 a game. If you’re looking for something different, good drinks and some pool don’t hesitate to stop in.