Your favorite little bar on the Camino?

[JillGat]

I'm working on a mosaic art piece that includes a small bar on the Camino. Kind of like the Cowboy Bar in El Ganso. Looking for inspiration. Would love it if any of you could give me names and/or pictures of your favorite little bar along the way. Thanks! Jill

 

[mspath]

Jill,

At 43 Real de Oriente in Castrojerez years past I always enjoyed the bar La Taberna, with rooms and a Brazilian connection. A big photo of the author Paulo Coelho standing with the owner was
next to the door. When staying at the nearby municipal albergue I have often eaten there over the years since their Taberna pilgrim dinner was varied, excellent and cheap. The owner-barman, a true diplomat, always remembered me; his wife did the delicious cooking...If you do stop please give them my best wishes!

 

[JillGat]

Jill,

At 43 Real de Oriente in Castrojerez years past I always enjoyed the bar La Taberna, with rooms and a Brazilian connection. A big photo of the author Paulo Coelho standing with the owner is next to the door. When staying at the nearby municipal albergue I have often eaten there over the years since their Taberna pilgrim dinner was varied, excellent and cheap. The owner-barman, a true diplomat, always remembered me; his wife did the delicious cooking...If you do stop please give them my best wishes!

That is lovely. Thanks.

 

[Deleted member 43985]

Jill,

At 43 Real de Oriente in Castrojerez years past I always enjoyed the bar La Taberna, with rooms and a Brazilian connection. A big photo of the author Paulo Coelho standing with the owner was
next to the door. When staying at the nearby municipal albergue I have often eaten there over the years since their Taberna pilgrim dinner was varied, excellent and cheap. The owner-barman, a true diplomat, always remembered me; his wife did the delicious cooking...If you do stop please give them my best wishes!

Sadly, the last time I went into this bar (2016) the money was gone... Really a shame as it was always enjoyable seeing a tangible example of how widespread Pilgrims are. Bar is still nice but missing that something extra special it once had.

 

[Deleted member 43985]

I have a warm spot for Mesón O Tapas in Sarria. The Gentleman always opens extra early to fuel dawn walkers and seeing the lights on in the darkness of a winter morning was always warming.


Photo Credit as this isn't mine but borrowed from Wikipedia

 

[Anamiri]

The first is the open air bar at the end of the sandy beach in Finisterre, we spent a couple of nice relaxing hours there, nothing special about the facilities or the food, just a nice place to sit and watch the world go by.
The second, is a bar in Finistere - he's a collector, has the place absolutely full of stuff, you can spend hours looking at it all.
The third is where we had dinner in 2017 in OPedrouza in a lane below the main street. They moved the tables apart, and raced stock cars through them. We couldn't believe it. Then they partied all night. were still going when we walked out the next morning.
There is also the bar attached to the albergue at the top of Alto do Poio, I always like to meet those dogs and give them some of my food for a cuddle. They are so chill.

 

[thejoker]

Bar Cerveceria Babu Afrika. https://www.google.com/maps/place/B...76bf7caf2661b41!8m2!3d42.5955996!4d-5.6094454

I guess a lot of people will pass this place when it is still closed if starting the day in Leon. But if staying in La Virgin or Oncina, or even the Alfageme, this place is well worth a visit.

I always make sure I time it right to be able to spend at least a couple of hours here and let myself be transported back to an amazing epoch in British history.
I absolutely love this bar and the staff are great, bringing out big free tapas with every drink.

 

[m108]

El Alquimista, Ages

 

[Max ***]

There were many (among Irun - Santo Domingo - Santiago)... my favorites were the wildest ones in the nature...

 

[lt56ny]

I'm working on a mosaic art piece that includes a small bar on the Camino. Kind of like the Cowboy Bar in El Ganso. Looking for inspiration. Would love it if any of you could give me names and/or pictures of your favorite little bar along the way. Thanks! Jill
[/QUOTE
I hadn't walk the Frances since about 2015. I had lunch their twice on my first two CF caminos. This past winter I got there looking forward to having a lunch again and it was not just closed but I believe no longer in business. Loved that place.

 

[GaTeach]

I had to look up the name on Google Maps, but it's Albany in the square at Leon in front of the catedral.
One of the best evenings ever.

 

[Heikki]

Not exactly on the camino, but Café Casino is the place in Santiago.

 

[peregrina2000]

At 43 Real de Oriente in Castrojerez years past I always enjoyed the bar La Taberna,

Oh, my, Margaret, isn’t this the bar whose owner owned the dog that walked for kms with pilgrims every day? My memory of this is fading, but surely another old timer will remember it. I believe the dog was found poisoned on the road or something tragic like that.

 

[wayfarer]

This was one of my favourites in 2012 in San Julien. The albergue/café/bar had great food and and we had great discussions and sing songs with the owner when we stayed there, also great hangovers.

 

[wayfarer]

Jill,

At 43 Real de Oriente in Castrojerez years past I always enjoyed the bar La Taberna, with rooms and a Brazilian connection. A big photo of the author Paulo Coelho standing with the owner was
next to the door. When staying at the nearby municipal albergue I have often eaten there over the years since their Taberna pilgrim dinner was varied, excellent and cheap. The owner-barman, a true diplomat, always remembered me; his wife did the delicious cooking...If you do stop please give them my best wishes!

Just stopped here for coffee and second breakfast on 4th May 2012 Margaret, a very interesting place, not sure who the guy is in the foreground but he smiled for the pic. Jane and I visited Castrojerez last year in the camper but as far as I could see the bar is closed, permanently.

Google Maps

Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

www.google.com

 

[mspath]

Oh, my, Margaret, isn’t this the bar whose owner owned the dog that walked for kms with pilgrims every day? My memory of this is fading, but surely another old timer will remember it. I believe the dog was found poisoned on the road or something tragic like that.

Laurie,
This was indeed the home of the faithful dog which was hideously poisoned. A newspaper account of the sad event was mounted on the wall.
Margaret
.

 

[Tincatinker]

La Taberna. Was there on the 13 April 2012. Welcomed and well fed. Perhaps not my absolute favourite bar on the caminos but, then, who is gonna give that one up to the world-wide-web?

Meanwhile I would urge anyone on the southern caminos and particularly those who might find themselves in Malaga to avoid this place https://antiguacasadeguardia.com/ under all circumstances: you might just bump into me

 

[Stivandrer]

Bar Espana in Carrion de los Condes, of course

https://www.google.com/maps/uv?hl=da&pb=!1s0xd47dafe8c1a8e1d%3A0x2f959b279618a54d!3m1!7e115!4shttps%3A%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipNivjA_MSYMMxgEWhBHm7jmF89JlwQT4at7tbh-%3Dw260-h175-n-k-no!5sbar%20in%20Carrion%20de%20los%20Condes%20-%20Google-s%C3%B8gning!15sCgIgAQ&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipN-k0OnRk8jRB1eLRfvdIKn8Ogop4ERbQh4Hx22#

 

[SabsP]

Casa das Crechas in Santiago de Compostela.

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/camino-photos/casa-das-crechas.6434/

 

[David Tallan]

I have a soft spot for Bar Elvis, because my camino with my son is immortalized there amongst all of the other graffiti. I also liked Antonio's bar/cafe/restaurant in Pedra Furada on the Camino Portugues between Rates and Barcelos.

 

[henrythedog]

La Taberna. Was there on the 13 April 2012. Welcomed and well fed. Perhaps not my absolute favourite bar on the caminos but, then, who is gonna give that one up to the world-wide-web?

Meanwhile I would urge anyone on the southern caminos and particularly those who might find themselves in Malaga to avoid this place https://antiguacasadeguardia.com/ under all circumstances: you might just bump into me

Snap!!!

I’ve spent many an evening there grazing on prawns and working my way from left to right through the range of (mainly) sweet fortified wines, including hard-to-find malagan offerings.

Dead drunk and smelling of fish - It’s how I would want to go.

Malaga is (thankfully) under-appreciated by brits who see it simply as a gateway to the Costa del Sol. It’s still very Spanish. The town beaches round pedregalejo are probably 90% Spanish at the weekends.

An excellent place to visit for the Holy Week processions.

 

[Tincatinker]

A couple of decades ago I took an upright and respectable friend there for pre-lunch sippers. I have promised to never publish the photo of her gripping the far side of the bar in a desperate attempt to stay upright

 

[dgallen]

La Taberna. Was there on the 13 April 2012. Welcomed and well fed. Perhaps not my absolute favourite bar on the caminos but, then, who is gonna give that one up to the world-wide-web?

Meanwhile I would urge anyone on the southern caminos and particularly those who might find themselves in Malaga to avoid this place https://antiguacasadeguardia.com/ under all circumstances: you might just bump into me

Big thumbs up for the Taberna Antigua in Malaga. Favoured by the locals... pouring your beverage of choice from the cask and when ready to pay la cuenta, the bartender will write what you owe with chalk on the bar. Very civilized. Just around the corner from the very good "Lights" Hostel and a stones throw from the Malaga Markt.

On the Frances, I still like the atmosphere in Venta Celta at O'Cbo where the hosts have the proper mix of attitude with compassion.

 

[Tincatinker]

“Attitude and compassion”, my favourite style of publican

 

[Albertagirl]

I have marked the location of La Taberna on maps.me. It looks like a good place to stop for a beverage, and maybe some food, if I spend the night at San Anton and am heading over the Alto de Mostelares. One may hope.

 

[Walking Lover]

I'm working on a mosaic art piece that includes a small bar on the Camino. Kind of like the Cowboy Bar in El Ganso. Looking for inspiration. Would love it if any of you could give me names and/or pictures of your favorite little bar along the way. Thanks! Jill

Cafe Avelina in Bruma

 

[JillGat]

I know many of these bars! Others I look forward to visiting. thanks!

 

[DoughnutANZ]

Jill,

At 43 Real de Oriente in Castrojerez years past I always enjoyed the bar La Taberna, with rooms and a Brazilian connection. A big photo of the author Paulo Coelho standing with the owner was
next to the door. When staying at the nearby municipal albergue I have often eaten there over the years since their Taberna pilgrim dinner was varied, excellent and cheap. The owner-barman, a true diplomat, always remembered me; his wife did the delicious cooking...If you do stop please give them my best wishes!

According to the street maps photo it is at number 41 rather than 43.

 

[GaTeach]

Oh yes! The one on the right under the ruins at San Anton! I think the owner's name is Angel. He asked me where I was from, started singing "Georgia, Georgia" to me. Then he asked me to marry him. I found out later he asks every female to marry him.

My brother went through there the year after I did and recognized him immediately. (But he didn't ask my brother to marry him)

 

[rappahannock_rev]

I had to look up the name on Google Maps, but it's Albany in the square at Leon in front of the catedral.
One of the best evenings ever.

Picking a favorite Camino bar is nearly impossible, of course. But every time I pass through Leon I run into friends at the Albany on c/Ancha near the cathedral, and have the best time! If -- God willing! -- I can do my planned slow-and-reflective 2021 Leon to O Cebreiro walk, the Albany may be my starting point. Very much in the tourist zone, rather than the Camino zone, but dear to my heart.

At the Albany 2015:


At the Albany 2019:

 

[BROWNCOUNTYBOB]

Yes, Bar Elvis is a great stopping point. Sadly it was closed when we walked by during our camino last fall.

A really nice hotel and bar we “discovered “ last fall was Hotel San Anton Abad in Villafranca Montes de Oca. It is a fabulous historic monastery that rivals any deluxe parador in Spain. There is an amazing bar that resembles a hunting lodge in the middle ages.

Lots of fun and we have reservations to stay there in 2021. Bob

 

[VNwalking]

Ages. Yes, agree entirely.
The other place I love is Pilar's fantastic breakfast stop in Muras de Rechivaldo. Wonderful food, wonderful heart. And muesli! Sadly I heard it's closed or changed hands? I hope not...

 

[jsalt]

Oooh, I love bar threads – I stop at them all .

My favourite is in Navarette, but I have only ever seen locals in it, so I’ll not say which one . . .

 

[jsalt]

The second, is a bar in Finistere - he's a collector, has the place absolutely full of stuff, you can spend hours looking at it all.

I loved that bar too; spent an evening there in Feb this year. Unfortunately, they don’t serve meals or tapas, not even a few peanuts, so I went a bit hungry that night . . .

 

[Anamiri]

I loved that bar too; spent an evening there in Feb this year. Unfortunately, they don’t serve meals or tapas, not even a few peanuts, so I went a bit hungry that night . . .

View attachment 81738

We had breakfast there, cant even remember what we had.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I loved many little bars, but this posh restaurant in Atapuerco, "Restaurante Cosmosapiens", really stood out for me; a special memory because the ambiance, white tablecloths and food was awesome! The best part was that they offered a wonderful pilgrim meal for approx. 10 euro! My pilgrim "uniform" looked a tad out of place...but I didn't care!

 

[AlanSykes]

Scallop central: El Rincón del Peregrino, in Alberguería on the Camino Sanabrés, where several thousand pilgrims have signed a scallop for Luis, the bar's owner.

 

[Tincatinker]

Comosapiens: the owner sighed theatrically as he observed two pilgrims sat at a table for four, and four hunched around a table for two "There are three peoples on this world: there are men, there are women and there are pilgrims!"

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Comosapiens: the owner sighed theatrically as he observed two pilgrims sat at a table for four, and four hunched around a table for two "There are three peoples on this world: there are men, there are women and there are pilgrims!"

I hope my son and I sat at the " correct" table. I think they seated us. As I recall, we were the first ones to arrive that evening..

 

[SioCamino]

La Taberna. Was there on the 13 April 2012. Welcomed and well fed. Perhaps not my absolute favourite bar on the caminos but, then, who is gonna give that one up to the world-wide-web?

Meanwhile I would urge anyone on the southern caminos and particularly those who might find themselves in Malaga to avoid this place https://antiguacasadeguardia.com/ under all circumstances: you might just bump into me

I love this bar... You might find it amusing that i spent years (or at least a few visits to Málaga) searching for it and not finding it.... Only to realise it was one of those places that when closed v looks like its been closed for years.... Once i found it open there was no going back! A semi seco... Half a glass from the dulce barrel and half from the seco... Yummy! Add in the cold shellfish from the food guy plus all the people-watching.... its the perfect bar

 

[Iriebabel]

The “A Gramola” in Santiago ...bar across from the table ..And the people who work there are so nice . Love watching the pilgrims enter the square my favorite place to sit and write , relax . They sometimes have impromptu concerts here, dancing, music and you see at the emotions the sadness, happiness reunions and just plain tiredness and relief of the pilgtims as they enter the plaza Cervantes just before they take the final walk down to the cathedral.

 

[jpflavin1]

I do not remember the name but it is next to the Albergue de Boni in Salceda. There are tee shirts hanging from the ceiling. I was introduced to Orujo here. Possibly the drunkest I have ever been on the Camino. Though others I have walked with might challenge that statement.

The place had a very nice atmosphere and the owner was very hospitable and engaged with her customers.

 

[trecile]

I have a soft spot for Bar Elvis, because my camino with my son is immortalized there amongst all of the other graffiti. I also liked Antonio's bar/cafe/restaurant in Pedra Furada on the Camino Portugues between Rates and Barcelos.

Yes, Bar Elvis is a great stopping point. Sadly it was closed when we walked by during our camino last fall.

Both times I was in Reliegos Bar Elvis was closed.

The “A Gramola” in Santiago ...bar across from the table ..And the people who work there are so nice . Love watching the pilgrims enter the square my favorite place to sit and write , relax . They sometimes have impromptu concerts here, dancing, music and you see at the emotions the sadness, happiness reunions and just plain tiredness and relief of the pilgtims as they enter the plaza Cervantes just before they take the final walk down to the cathedral.
View attachment 81909

I have spent a lot of time at A Gramola. In 2018 when I had to cut my Camino del Norte short because of bad shin splints (bad because I was stubborn and kept walking when I shouldn't have) I had about a week in Santiago, and I spent a lot of time people watching, and people meeting there.

 

[Bristle Boy]

I would have sent a picture of my favourite bar but from my position I only had a good view of the ceiling.

 

[rappahannock_rev]

Best tapas on the Aragones? The hole-in-the-wall Cafe-Bar Jose, Villanua, just north of Jaca. When I asked the very friendly barkeep about them he said that the tapas were prepared specially for him by "the old lady across the street!"

 

[rappahannock_rev]

Best Chorizo al Vino en toda Espana? The Cafe-Bar Mazarelos, Santiago de Compostela. More in the university zone rather than the tourist zone. Worth a trip across the Atlantic.

 

[Iriebabel]

I have spent a lot of time at A Gramola. In 2018 when I had to cut my Camino del Norte short because of bad shin splints (bad because I was stubborn and kept walking when I shouldn't have) I had about a week in Santiago, and I spent a lot of time people watching, and people meeting there.

Sounds like me with the heel spur and plantar faciitis.... and you know the result of that .
I love that spot at A Gramola it just sort of bring the camino to a good end for me

 

[Deleted member 43985]

Thought of another favourite in Pamplona called Bar Gaucho. Loved the atmosphere, pintxos and wine in the afternoon. It’s just off the corner of Plaza del Castillo but if you go, prepare yourself to immerse in the culture because it’s bar service only and I had to wade through 5-6 layers of Spaniards to make my way to the bar!! Great fun and was my version of running with the bulls!

 

[SabsP]

Another gorgeous one on the Vasco Interior. Bar Blai.
Pintxos/ breakfast but also regular bar.
Nice waiters !

Blai taberna in Beasain - Restaurant reviews

I recommend you to visit the restaurant Blai taberna. Find more about this place with Restaurant Guru App.

restaurantguru.com

 

[jsalt]

I do not remember the name but it is next to the Albergue de Boni in Salceda. There are tee shirts hanging from the ceiling.

Casa Verde; it's also one of my favourites. Very friendly.
Most people walk past because they have no idea what it's like inside.

 

[Theatregal]

The “A Gramola” in Santiago ...bar across from the table ..And the people who work there are so nice . Love watching the pilgrims enter the square my favorite place to sit and write , relax . They sometimes have impromptu concerts here, dancing, music and you see at the emotions the sadness, happiness reunions and just plain tiredness and relief of the pilgtims as they enter the plaza Cervantes just before they take the final walk down to the cathedral.

I love A Gramola as well for all the reasons you mention It's always been a bit of an oasis for me in Santiago. Reunion scenes through this window are particularly wonderful to see.

 

[jpflavin1]

Casa Verde; it's also one of my favourites. Very friendly.
Most people walk past because they have no idea what it's like inside.
View attachment 81949





View attachment 81950

Thanks for coming up with a picture.

 

[Pelegrin]

My fovourite is the isolated bar in Puerto del Acebo (Camino Primitivo). It is the first building of Galicia after crossing the border with Asturias.
I was lucky because it was open.

 

[Lyndale]

My favorite bars were the ones that had ice cold Nestea or if later in the day, ice cold beer on the long hot days of August

 

[Bert45]

Casa Verde; it's also one of my favourites. Very friendly.
Most people walk past because they have no idea what it's like inside.
View attachment 81949





View attachment 81950

My wife and I passed it in September 2019. It was closed and the T-shirts had gone. We stayed in the Bar-pensión Tia Teresa across the road. The owner told us that the lady who ran A Casa Verde had retired. It was featured in the BBC programme 'Pilgrimage', where the celebrities signed a T-shirt. I passed through in July 2018 (for the second or third time) and got a photo of the T-shirt and Sonia. She was really friendly. There was a packet of cigarettes by the door that smokers could help themselves from.

 

[KariC]

I have the fondest memory of this bar - just outside the Cathedral and up a flight of stairs- I was waiting for Spanish and Portuguese friends who were at the evening mass, and so happy to be where I was. It was so peaceful and joyful.

 

[jsalt]

My fovourite is the isolated bar in Puerto del Acebo (Camino Primitivo). It is the first building of Galicia after crossing the border with Asturias.
I was lucky because it was open.

That's my least favourite bar. It was just closing when I arrived at 2pm, after slogging over the hill and hoping for some lunch!

 

[VNwalking]

Enthusiastically seconding Bar Gaucho in Pamplona and Bar Blai in Beasain on the Vasco (photo below).

 

[Pelegrin]

That's my least favourite bar. It was just closing when I arrived at 2pm, after slogging over the hill and hoping for some lunch!

I had a beer and a tapa of cheese. I was talking with a local from Grandas (Asturias) about how the Galician spoken in Grandas was.
This day I had lunch at O Candal (Fonsagrada): Caldo Galego, Pulpo, Pimentos, Tarta de Santiago, and chupito de herbas.
A glorious and unforgettable day.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

That's my least favourite bar. It was just closing when I arrived at 2pm, after slogging over the hill and hoping for some lunch!

It was incognito.

 

[Bert45]

My favorite bar is not exactly on a camino; it's in Santiago: Café Paradiso, Rúa do Vilar.

 

[Nigel Clark]

El Alquimista, AgesView attachment 81647View attachment 81648

Absolutely loved this place !!

 

[jsalt]

I'm working on a mosaic art piece that includes a small bar on the Camino. Kind of like the Cowboy Bar in El Ganso. Looking for inspiration.

Please post a picture of your art piece when done. You should have quite a lot of ideas by now .

 

[Marianjhart]

I'm working on a mosaic art piece that includes a small bar on the Camino. Kind of like the Cowboy Bar in El Ganso. Looking for inspiration. Would love it if any of you could give me names and/or pictures of your favorite little bar along the way. Thanks! Jill

The Bar Elvis in Reliegos holds a special place in my heart.

 

[Kanga]

This one.

 

[Lleslie]

We spent a lovely afternoon/evening at Bar Elvis in Reliegos in 2014 sorry about the curved photos - taken from my photo book.

 

[BROWNCOUNTYBOB]

Just found a pic of Cowboy Bar in El Ganso. Great indoor vibe and nice outside patio. Bob

 

[Jomas]

when I noticed this thread I said to myself: "ouch, I've never photographed bars ..." it's not of my particular interest, also because I rarely stop during the walk.
But, coincidentally, I found a small video where I was sitting around filming, on the notes of a song from the movie "La dolce vita" by Roberto Benigni (song: beautiful that way -Noa).
I remembered that I was particularly "light" before my arrival in Castrojeriz.
ps: sorry for my disturbing voice
View attachment vid-20180419-132717_xh5n5Sjt_owuT.mp4

 

[nreyn12]

I do not remember the name but it is next to the Albergue de Boni in Salceda. There are tee shirts hanging from the ceiling. I was introduced to Orujo here. Possibly the drunkest I have ever been on the Camino. Though others I have walked with might challenge that statement.

The place had a very nice atmosphere and the owner was very hospitable and engaged with her customers.

Sadly that bar - A Casa Verde - has closed permanently. The proprietess, Sonia, would hand-draw her sello into your ceredencial, after pouring a line up of wicked yellow shots. She was known as 'la Reina de los Chupitos' - the Queen of the Shots. Good memories.

 

[nreyn12]

I have often thought that if I were to write a book about my walks in Spain, it would be called 'Bar Hopping Across Northern Spain.' Alas, it remains unwritten. But here are some of my favorites (sorry no photos, just links to google maps):

Vizkarret:

Bar Juan, you won’t necessarily pick this place for the friendly service; instead go because they have been serving pilgrims for decades, long before the new first-bar-you-come-to opened a few years ago, and they have the most fantastic egg bocadillos that hit the spot after the early morning walk from Roncesvalles. And there’s a playground at the end of the plaza where you can swing on the swings and tap the town fuente.

Zubiri:

Bar Valentín, also the town butcher, so you can get a hearty, meaty breakfast there, too, if that’s your thing. As local as local comes. Please tell Michel Nancy from San Francisco says hey.

Pamplona:

Herriko Taberna, for a loud Basque buzz and a solid vegetarian (and non-veg too) menu, located just inside the historic city walls; also vegetarian bocatos at the bar, yum.

Mesón de la Tortilla, for the largest daily variety of our favorite second breakfast treat, including veg options.

Café Peregrino, more of a tea house feel, sweet as can be, in a lovely plaza you might find by accident.

El Mentidero, for tapas in the evenings, great prices and selection, local buzz, cheaper than El Gaucho and not as fancy.

Estella:

Bar Pigor, in case you need a dose of ‘American Pie’ (the song, not the dessert), located just off the main plaza.

Hospital de Órbigo:

Don Suero de Quiñones, the bar is full of comfortable couches, some of which overlook the beautiful bridge. It’s the perfect spot to wait for your friends and enjoy the stream of pilgrims coming into town.

Trabadelo:

El Puente Peregrino, run by Dutch Elly who speaks at least five languages and serves up organic fair trade coffee in the gastropub below her pension. Warm and cozy and friendly.

Santiago:

Café Tertulia, run by a man who lived in New York and came back to Spain with a top-secret recipe for American pancakes. Located directly on the way out of Santiago headed towards Fisterra. Just saying.

Colmado Delicious, seriously, the best place for dessert in the city.

A Taberna O Bispo, favorite place for tapas in Santiago, heavy on the seafood.

These places were open as of October 2019; I hope they all have survived the pandemic. ¡Buen provecho!

 

[jsalt]

Santiago:

Café Tertulia, run by a man who lived in New York and came back to Spain with a top-secret recipe for American pancakes. Located directly on the way out of Santiago headed towards Fisterra. Just saying.

And they were open early in the morning, on a cold wet winter's day in February this year, for a very good breakfast .

 

[Felicia V]

People make the places, so for me, two places in particular stand out along my memory trail of the Camino Portuguese. First time, I walked from Porto, second time from Tui. I stopped in these places both times, the second visit feeling like a return home.
In Porrino, it’s Vinoteca Maricaibo. Both times we secured rooms there, but the second time, these people virtually saved me and my sister’s lives. It was during the horrific heat wave of 2018. They wouldn’t even allow us to to up to our room until our color returned and we were fully hydrated with water and the salt of their constant olive feeding.
In Padron, a place I hold dearer than SdC, it’s Don Pepe’s, right across the road from the church. Both times, the owner went out of his way to find us beds in the fully booked town. His concern and devotion towards pilgrims will always bring me to fond tears, and I’ll never forget his bear hug and kiss on the forehead as we left, in the dark, pre dawn.

 

[Dancing Rain]

I'm working on a mosaic art piece that includes a small bar on the Camino. Kind of like the Cowboy Bar in El Ganso. Looking for inspiration. Would love it if any of you could give me names and/or pictures of your favorite little bar along the way. Thanks! Jill

The only bar in the small village of Zariquiegui - where the community gathered each evening to sing, dance, laugh & spend time together. All were welcome ...... (2015)

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Not a favorite and, in fact, I never went in. It is Pub Bloom in Santiago. Just before getting to the cathedral a woman was waiting by the camino and asked us if we wanted to stay at a nearby place. It looked really good and so agreed to. It was an apartment with rooms rented to pilgrims. What you couldn't see kor hear then) was the nightclub one floor below. Lots of noise from about 10 pm until 4 am. I wasn't sleeping all that well anyway and Peg slept so well she never heard the noise at all over five nights. I didn't tell her about it until she bused to join me in Finisterra.

 

[JillGat]

Yes, Bar Elvis is a great stopping point. Sadly it was closed when we walked by during our camino last fall.

A really nice hotel and bar we “discovered “ last fall was Hotel San Anton Abad in Villafranca Montes de Oca. It is a fabulous historic monastery that rivals any deluxe parador in Spain. There is an amazing bar that resembles a hunting lodge in the middle ages.

Lots of fun and we have reservations to stay there in 2021. Bob

I stayed in the albergue near that hotel. Such a funny little town, all lined up on a busy road. I wandered up an alley and found a guy brushing his beautiful horse right outside his doorway (that's me)

 

[JillGat]

I love all these stories and pictures! Most of them, my mosaic wouldn't do them justice. I'll post a picture when I'm done.

 

[Former member 59618]

Refreshing this thread with a comment because I'm leaving for my 3rd Camino Frances mid-February and the joy is in the planning, isn't it? I'm rapidly bookmarking my google maps...I'm so ready for Spanish bar life!

Maybe it's just because I have good memories of this place, but there's something really cozy and convivial about Bar La Babia in Burgos, located directly across the Municipal albergue. It's like pilgrim grand central station...I usually see locals stopping by too, so it's not strictly a touristy pilgrim bar.

The guys working behind the counter are super friendly and welcoming, the food is solid, and of course a sea of backpacks waiting to be picked by Jacotrans.

 

[trecile]

Maybe it's just because I have good memories of this place, but there's something really cozy and convivial about Bar La Babia in Burgos, located directly across the Municipal albergue. It's like pilgrim grand central station...I usually see locals stopping by too, so it's not strictly a touristy pilgrim bar.

I agree with you. And it's the perfect place to wait for the albergue to open.

 

[Peregrinopaul]

Bar El Rincon del Peregrino in Albergueria on the Sanabres.

 

[Former member 59618]

Bar El Rincon del Peregrino in Albergueria on the Sanabres.
View attachment 139032

Amazing

 

[JabbaPapa]

I've been wracking my brain, but honestly if I have one, it would be very near home, just downhill, and very close to our local route of the Provençal Way between Rome and Santiago, or vice-versa. One of the Portuguese bars down near the market.

Vinho branco, Sagres media, two Camino routes, what's not to like ?

 

[Mrs. Bloem]

I have a warm spot for Mesón O Tapas in Sarria. The Gentleman always opens extra early to fuel dawn walkers and seeing the lights on in the darkness of a winter morning was always warming.


Photo Credit as this isn't mine but borrowed from Wikipedia

Me too, ate some excellent pulpo there.