The beautiful Andalusian city of Jerez de la Frontera is not lacking in places to have a drink and a snack. Whether you’re looking to try sherries in a traditional tabanco (as sherry bars here are called) or to finish the night in a sleek cocktail bar, you’ll find what you’re after. Read on for our pick of the best bars in Jerez.
Situated on a bar-packed street behind Plaza del Arenal, Tabanco San Pablo is one of Jerez’s oldest and most popular sherry joints. In its wonderfully old-fashioned interior you can enjoy a range of sherries – from dry finos to sweet olorosos – and classic tapas such as cured jamon and Manchego cheese.
Another must-visit sherry bar when in Jerez is Tabanco El Pasaje. Although it’s well known to tourists, locals love this place too and crowd into its traditional bar room several times a week to watch energetic live flamenco. As you drink, your bill is scratched in chalk on the bar in front of you.
They don’t make them like Mesón de Paco anymore, a gloriously old-school tapas bar between the city centre and train station. The walls are plastered with faded bullfighting posters and local press cuttings and the food comes out of a tiny kitchen behind the bar. You’ll be surrounded by locals, as hardly any tourists come here.
Boasting a spacious and well-serviced terrace on the leafy Plaza de la Yebra, La Cruz Blanca is one of the best tapas bars in Jerez’s historic centre. Its speciality is traditional Andalusian dishes, cooked with flair and attractively presented. Also on offer in this smart establishment is a comprehensive selection of local wines.
If you want to hang out in a sherry bar but prefer a modern style over a more traditional one, Tabanco Plateros is your place. Located just off the lovely Plaza de la Yebra, it’s a great spot to come for locally-produced wines as well as delicious varieties of sherry. Bottles are also sold to take away.
Las Cuadras is one of the most enchanting places to come for a drink or light bite in Jerez. Hidden away on a corner of the beautiful Plaza de la Ascunción, its whitewashed walls are decorated with old farming tools and the ceilings bear gorgeous oak beams. Fabulous food and regular live flamenco complete the offering.
Located on a pretty square in the heart of old Jerez, this quintessentially Andalusian bar is a great option for breakfast or brunch: you can enjoy a large tostada, good coffee and fresh orange juice for about €3 (USD$3.50). It’s also good spot for a cheap lunch of tapas or a pre-dinner beer or sherry.
You may not want to be reminded of the London tube whilst exploring Jerez, but Green Park is a must-visit for late evening copas (as the Spanish refer to spirits and mixers). Situated on a street that’s packed with locals at the weekends, it offers a trendy environment in which to round off a night out.
Situated just a few streets away from Jerez’s Moorish Alcazar, Bar Juanito is consistently said by locals to be one of the best tapas establishements in the city. Recommended snacks are the langoustines or the artichokes, both of which are best accompanied by a glass of fino or manzanilla (dry white sherry). The service is super-friendly, too.
El Guitarrón de San Pedro is a delightful tapas and sherry bar in the old town. Surrounded by beautiful exposed brickwork, you can choose from a fantastic array of local wines and sherries, the differences between which are explained to you (if you ask) by the charming owners. The tapas, especially the grilled sardines, are explosively good and there’s often live music at weekends.