Here’s your ultimate guide to the 13 best bars in Puerto Rico, each offering a unique experience, unforgettable drinks, and the perfect ambiance to match.
Puerto Rico isn’t just about stunning beaches and historic sites—it’s also home to a thriving bar scene that blends craft cocktails, local rum, beachside views, and speakeasy vibes. Whether you’re looking for a hidden cocktail bar in San Juan, a laid-back beach bar in Rincón, or an iconic dive bar in Old San Juan, this island has it all.
1. Identidad Cocktail Bar: San Juan’s Award-Nominated Cocktail Experience
Tucked away in San Juan, Identidad Cocktail Bar is a masterclass in ambiance and mixology. With earthy tones, cascading greenery, and a lively salsa soundtrack, this spot strikes the perfect balance between sophistication and energy. It’s no wonder it earned a James Beard Award nomination.
The seasonal cocktail menu pushes creative boundaries, with standout concoctions like the Cochee Milk Punch—a bold blend of Woodford Reserve, 1800 coconut tequila, lime, lychee, spices & milk clarification for an unmatched experience. Pair it with the piña colada fish bao, one of several expertly curated bar bites designed to complement every sip.
The crowd? Young, cultured, and effortlessly cool. The service? Genuine, passionate, and refreshingly unpretentious. Whether you’re a cocktail aficionado or just looking for a memorable night out in San Juan, Identidad is where craft, creativity, and hospitality come together perfectly.
Location: 962 PR-25, San Juan
2. The Cannon Club: Old San Juan’s Most Enchanting Piano Bar
Step into The Cannon Club, and you’re instantly transported to a bygone era of elegance and charm. Tucked away in Old San Juan, this whimsical piano bar is a feast for the senses—think plush armchairs, sparkling chandeliers, and squawking parrots perched among the decor.
Live music is at the heart of the experience, with piano, sax, and accordion performances setting the mood. Guests gather around the ivories, enjoying an intimate show with a $10 cover, while the bar room and outdoor terrace offer a lively atmosphere, cover-free.
The drinks? Effortlessly classic yet inventive. While Champagne feels right for the setting, cocktails like the Espresso Martini and CC Vesper Martini steal the show.
With its gilded ambiance, world-class live music, and unforgettable cocktails, The Cannon Club is a must-visit for those looking to experience Old San Juan’s nightlife with a touch of old-world glamour.
Location: 215 Calle San Sebastián, Old San Juan
3. La Penúltima: San Juan’s Coolest Neighborhood Bar with Zero Pretense
Effortlessly cool yet undeniably welcoming, La Penúltima is the kind of place that locals claim as their own—and visitors quickly fall in love with. This industrial-chic bar strikes a rare balance between trendy and laid-back, drawing a diverse crowd that ranges from off-duty chefs to weekend revelers.
Originally a haven for serious cocktail aficionados, La Penúltima has evolved into a spot where anyone can walk in and feel at home. The drink menu is uncomplicated yet expertly crafted, with standouts like the Pepón Daiquiri and the El Pichon crafted with Tequila, Clarified Grapefruit Juice, Grapefruit Oleo, CO2. There’s also a solid selection of local craft beers for those who prefer a cold brew over a cocktail.
And while the drinks shine, the food holds its own. The Charred Aji Dulce Peppersies are a must-try, offering the perfect balance of garlic and sweet peppers. Whether you’re starting your night, winding it down, or just looking for a place to blend in with the locals, La Penúltima is where you want to be.
Location: 1359 Ave Ponce de Leon, San Juan
4. The Mar Azul: Laid-Back Vibes & Epic Sunsets in Vieques
Sometimes, the best bars are the ones that don’t try too hard—and that’s exactly why The Mar Azul is a must-visit in Vieques. Just steps from the ferry terminal, this no-frills, all-fun watering hole is where locals, day-trippers, and sun-kissed travelers gather for cheap drinks, fried snacks, and unbeatable sunset views from the upstairs deck.
Regulars swear by the Painkiller, a classic tiki-style cocktail. It’s simple, refreshing, and exactly what you want in hand as the sky turns shades of gold and pink. Prefer a Piña Colada? They make a killer one of those, too.
There’s no mixology, no pretension, just strong drinks, salty air, and a divey charm that makes you want to stay a little longer. If you’re in Vieques and looking for a chill, no-fuss bar with an incredible view, The Mar Azul is the spot.
Location: 577 Calle Germa Riekhoff, Vieques
5. Rincón Beer Company: The Ultimate Craft Beer Hangout on the West Coast
Casual, lively, and full of local flavor, Rincón Beer Company is where beachgoers and beer lovers unite. With colorful local art on the walls, a chalkboard menu scrawled with fresh pours, and a crowd that’s equal parts locals and sun-kissed tourists, this is Rincón’s go-to spot for craft beer and good vibes.
The brewery boasts 16 rotating taps—the largest selection from a microbrewery in Puerto Rico—plus a solid lineup of bottled craft brews. Not sure what to try? Let the bartender curate a custom flight of local favorites.
Weekends get rowdy with live music and a packed brunch scene, while the laid-back weekdays are perfect for board games, conversation, and a few well-earned pints. The food menu goes beyond basic bar bites, with standout dishes like beer-battered fish tacos topped with crunchy slaw and sriracha mayo—a perfect match for your pint.
Whether you’re kicking back after a surf session or sampling the best of Puerto Rico’s craft beer scene, Rincón Beer Company is a must-visit for beer lovers on the island.
Location: 15 Calle Muñoz Rivera, Rincón
6. Bar Cero Punto Dos: Santurce’s Underground Cocktail Haven
Tucked behind El Kilómetro art gallery in Santurce, Bar Cero Punto Dos exudes underground charm with a rebellious edge. With its post-industrial aesthetic and dimly lit ambiance, it feels like the kind of place where late-night conversations spark revolutions—or at least inspire a few bold ideas over expertly crafted cocktails.
The drink menu leans into island ingredients with creative originals like the Bandido, Bourbon, Lime, Tamarind, Allspice dram, Mint, Honey & Touch of ginger, or the El Mongol, a blend of Japanese Whiskey, Aromatic Bitters, Celery Bitters and Red Vermouth.
A menu of booze-friendly bites, from Nachos Supreme to Pulled Pork Sliders, keeps the night going, and on occasion, the space transforms into a culinary hotspot with pop-ups from top local chefs. If you’re looking for a creative, low-key hideaway with serious cocktail craftsmanship, Bar Cero Punto Dos is the place to be.
Location: 802 Ave. Roberto H. Todd, San Juan
7. El Batey: Old San Juan’s Iconic Dive Bar with Timeless Grit
Dark, grungy, and gloriously unpolished, El Batey is Old San Juan’s ultimate dive bar—the kind of place where graffiti-covered walls, a sticky floor, and a musty air of history only add to its charm. It’s a no-frills, all-attitude watering hole where the drinks are cheap, the company is lively, and the stories are endless.
This is where you come for $3 Medallas and no-nonsense rum drinks—a Cuba Libre in hand, surrounded by cigarette-smoking locals, expats, and off-duty cruise ship crews who know that this is the real San Juan bar scene. The vintage jukebox and well-worn pool table complete the picture, setting the stage for late nights and unforgettable conversations.
If you’re over overpriced frozen cocktails—or if you’d never order one in the first place—El Batey is your spot. Bring a friend who loves a dive with a story to tell and settle in for a drink that comes with zero pretense but plenty of character.
Location: 101 Calle del Cristo, Old San Juan
8. La Taberna Lúpulo: Old San Juan’s Craft Beer Paradise
Step into La Taberna Lúpulo, and you’ll know immediately—this place is all about the beer. Nestled in the heart of Old San Juan, this warm, inviting tavern features soaring beamed ceilings, big oak doors thrown open to the street, and a long wooden bar that practically begs you to pull up a stool.
With 50 beers on tap and over 150 bottles, Taberna Lúpulo is a haven for craft beer lovers, boasting one of the best selections in Puerto Rico. Shelves of bottles line the walls, while a chalkboard scrawled with bartender favorites makes choosing easy. Whether you’re a beer geek or just looking for something cold on a sweltering Caribbean afternoon, the bartenders can curate a flight of local favorites or steer you toward the perfect pour.
The crowd is a mix of locals and thirsty travelers, unwinding after a day of exploring the city. Pair your beer with crispy wings, golden fries, or a classic Cubano, and settle in for a laid-back, beer-fueled evening. Bring your hoppiest, beer-snobbiest friend—they won’t be disappointed.
Location: 151 Calle San Sebastián, Old San Juan
9. Bar La Unidad: San Juan’s Sophisticated Speakeasy with a Modern Twist
Step inside Bar La Unidad, and you’re instantly transported to a Prohibition-era hideaway, where dim lighting, vintage leather banquettes, and dark wood accents set the mood for an elegant yet inviting night out. This isn’t just a bar—it’s an experience, seamlessly blending old-world glamour with contemporary cocktail craftsmanship.
The drink menu is a masterclass in mixology, featuring both refined classics and inventive creations. The Piña Colada is a must try, while their Whiskey Sour crafted with Scotch, Lemon, Simple Syrup, Angostura and Red Wine is a winner. An extensive wine and Champagne list caters to those looking to celebrate in style.
The atmosphere is cozy yet sophisticated, with friendly bartenders and a sociable crowd. Whether you’re stopping in for pre-dinner drinks or a late-night nightcap, Bar La Unidad delivers a chic, intimate setting that feels effortlessly cool.
Location: 562 Calle Cuevillas, San Juan
10. Tamboo Bar & Seaside Grill: Rincón’s Ultimate Beachfront Escape
If you’re dreaming of cocktails by the ocean, toes in the sand, and a front-row seat to Puerto Rico’s legendary sunsets, Tamboo Bar & Seaside Grill in Rincón is where you need to be. This quintessential beach bar sits right on the shore, offering sweeping ocean views, laid-back daytime vibes, and a lively, dance-filled atmosphere after dark.
The drink menu is all about refreshing tropical flavors. Sip on a Sunsetrita, or go for the Passionista, a vibrant blend of vodka, passionfruit, grapefruit, and a splash of Sprite—the perfect beachside sipper.
Hungry? Tamboo’s grill downstairs serves up some of the best seafood in town. Stick to the fresh, local catches, like grilled Caribbean lobster, plantain-crusted shrimp, and catch-of-the-day fish tacos.
Come post-surf, post-swim, or just to soak in the salty breeze with a cocktail in hand. When it comes to beach bars in Puerto Rico, Tamboo is the gold standard—and once you’re here, you won’t want to leave.
Location: Carretera 413 Ramal, Rincón
11. La Factoría: Old San Juan’s Iconic Speakeasy & Cocktail Playground
Step through the unmarked doors of La Factoría, and you’ll find yourself in one of Puerto Rico’s most legendary bars. With dim lighting, scuffed checkerboard floors, worn leather couches, and peeling walls, it exudes gritty, underground speakeasy vibes. But don’t let the laid-back atmosphere fool you—this bar is world-famous for elevating Puerto Rican mixology and has earned multiple spots on the World’s 50 Best Bars list.
The cocktail menu is uncomplicated yet masterful, with the Missionary’s Downfall—a mix of rum, honey, mint, pineapple, liqueur—leading the charge. Each drink is crafted with precision, balance, and just the right amount of flair.
But the real magic? La Factoría is more than just one bar. Behind discreet doors lie a maze of hidden rooms, each with its own vibe, from low-lit lounges to a lively dance floor pulsing with salsa beats.
Follow the crowd, grab a cocktail, and let the night unfold in unexpected ways. At La Factoría, the experience is just as intoxicating as the drinks.
Location: 51 Calle San José, San Juan
12. Kai Beach Bar & Restaurant: Where Strong Cocktails and Stunning Views Meet in Isabela
Perched along the golden shores of Playa Jobos in Isabela, Kai Beach Bar & Restaurant delivers the ultimate toes-in-the-sand experience. With soft reggae beats setting the mood and panoramic ocean views stretching before you, this lively beachfront gem is the perfect escape.
The drink menu boasts ten beers and just as many cocktails, including six variations of margaritas. Don’t be fooled by their tropical sweetness—these drinks pack a punch. A couple of rum punches, and you might just be swaying with the waves.
Pair your cocktail with fresh seafood, like the catch of the day or a flavorful seafood mofongo. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local looking for an unbeatable beachside retreat, Kai offers laid-back island vibes, bold flavors, and views so stunning, no filter is required.
Location: Playa Jobos, Jobos
13. La Disquera: A Tokyo-Inspired Vinyl Bar with a San Juan Twist
Step into La Disquera, where music isn’t just background noise—it’s the main event. Inspired by Tokyo’s legendary listening bars, this dimly lit, vinyl-fueled hideaway spins everything from Grace Jones and Fania All-Stars to Nine Inch Nails, all handpicked by industry pros. Japanese lanterns and a disco ball set the mood, blending retro-cool with modern minimalism.
The bar program is top-tier, featuring a curated wine selection from La Compostela, San Juan’s premier importer, and cocktails that feel straight out of Shinjuku’s best mixology dens. Try the Dirty Mama crafted with hyogi east gin, dry sake, umami japones bitters. There’s even a sake selection, but keep it cold—hot sake is a no-go here.
The food follows suit, with chilled soba noodles, chicken teriyaki steam buns, and soy ice cream complementing the theme. Whether you’re a vinyl aficionado or just looking for a next-level night out, La Disquera is where sound, style, and flavor come together in perfect harmony.
Location: 610 Calle Cerra, San Juan
Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Puerto Rico Bar Crawl
From legendary dive bars to high-end cocktail lounges and beachfront escapes, Puerto Rico offers something for every kind of drinker. Whether you’re sipping a craft cocktail in San Juan or enjoying a cold beer with your toes in the sand, these bars deliver some of the best drinking experiences in the Caribbean.
Photos: The Canon Club, Identidad Cocktail Bar, Bar La Unidad, Rincon Beer Co.
