In a city like Granada, where bar culture is an integral part of everyday life, narrowing down the best bars is a tall order.
Stop five different granadinos on the street and ask them what their favorite bar in town is, and you’ll likely get five different answers. Despite its popularity among tourists, the city has been able to retain its authentic, local charm for the most part. This means that there are lots of wonderful bars in Granada, but a few truly stand out. Here are 10 of our all-time favorites in no particular order.
La Picatería
One of our absolute favorite bars in Granada is the perfect place to start your evening tapas crawl. Located right inside the San Agustín Market, La Picatería serves simple-yet-delicious tapas skewers featuring delectable local olives. Pair yours with a glass of their famous vermouth, and you’ve set the stage for a perfect bar hop.
Los Diamantes
Another integral piece of Granada’s history is Los Diamantes. This bar became so popular that they’ve opened more locations throughout the city over the years, but to get the true experience, head to the original on Calle Navas. The relaxed, fun atmosphere at this bar makes it a great place to eat like a local, and they’ve got the best fried fish in town.
Casa Fuensanta
Casa Fuensanta is one of the most popular tapas bars in Granada among locals for good reason. Also known as “La Bodeguilla de Al Lado,” this is the place to be for anyone who enjoys eating tapas and drinking wine in good company (and who doesn’t?). Owner Fuensanta also runs the show at Petra, the wine shop next door, where you can enjoy wonderful wine tastings!
Bar Casa Julio
Steeped in history, Casa Julio has been a favorite since opening its doors in 1947. Over the years, generations of granadinos have come here to enjoy the fried-to-perfection fish and refreshing beer. You’ll feel like a true local and want to come back the next day for more!
La Tabernilla del Darro
Love wine? Love drinking it in charming little bars? La Tabernilla del Darro is the place for you. Located on one of the city’s most picturesque streets along the river Darro, you can enjoy stunning views of the Alhambra and Albayzín while you enjoy your meal and wine. Its unique location inside an ancient cistern adds to the charm.
Los Pensadores
The historical bars in Granada are all-time favorites for a reason, but sometimes you want something with a more modern touch. Los Pensadores is a trendy, innovative bar where you can enjoy everything from casual tapas to an elegant dinner. We recommend the homemade albóndigas (meatballs) and Russian salad, but you can’t go wrong with anything you order here!
Bodegas Castañeda
Bodegas Castañeda is a living tribute to Granada’s tumultuous history. It opened in 1936 at the same time as the dramatic Spanish Civil War, but has survived to become a local icon. The old wine barrels and bottles hold spectacular vino, best paired with their incredible deli products. If you’re even hungrier, try their paella or tortilla de patatas, which is second to none among other bars in Granada!
Sibarius
Spain sometimes gets a bad rap for seemingly not having a great selection of international restaurants outside of Madrid or Barcelona. Amazing international cuisine is out there—you just have to look for it! Sibarius takes you on an unforgettable culinary journey across three continents. The unique fusion of Spanish, Peruvian and Asian cuisine served in a trendy, contemporary setting make this one of the must-visit bars in Granada. Be sure to check out the incredible wine selection as well.
Bar Poë
As one of the most unconventional bars in Granada, Bar Poë (C. Verónica de la Magdalena, 40) has truly made a name for itself in recent years. Englishman Matt and his Angolan wife, Ana, have made their unique locale into one of the city’s most popular tapas establishments. They preserve the Granada of serving a free tapa with each drink, but with a pleasant twist. Not only do you get to choose your free tapa, but the selection includes a colorful, diverse variety of flavors from all over the world.
Los Manueles
Another historic establishment in the heart of Granada, Los Manueles has been one of the most iconic bars in Granada for over a century. You can get some seriously delicious tapas here, including the biggest and best croquetas in town. However, locals also love its subtle, unpretentious elegance, which makes it perfect for hosting birthdays and other special occasions.
Update notice: This article was updated on July 10, 2023.