El Batey Tavern - Old San Juan, Puerto Rico (Tour & Review) World's Best Dive Bar?

El Batey, located in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is a historic dive bar with a storied past. El Batey is one of the last strongholds the 1960s-era San Juan, as chronicled by Hunter S. Thompson in his novel “The Rum Diary.”
During that time, San Juan was undergoing change due to mass tourism and high-rise construction that threatened the island’s historic and unique culture.
El Batey stands as a relic of Puerto Rican authenticity. The Rolling Stones made stops at El Batey whenever they were in Puerto Rico. The jukebox at El Batey reflects the sweet-sounding golden age of the 1960s, featuring records from Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and Frank Sinatra.
El Batey’s walls are engulfed in decades of graffiti, scribbled signatures left by untold patrons.
The interior is dark, with occasional cool fan gust, creating a unique ambiance. While simple from the outside, El Batay specializes in beer and rum drinks. Try the famous El Batey-style Cuba Libre, a stronger twist on the traditional combination of rum, Coke, and lime juice. Local brew Medalla Light beer is also a popular option among visitors and regulars alike.
El Batay is located at Calle de Cristo 101, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00901 (across from the famous El Convento Hotel). Check their website for current hours of operation. #oldsanjuan #puertorico #bar

[@victorianbutterfly5347]

Nice dive bar to get some drinks. Definitely agree with the grafitti all over the place. I like the hanging lamps with dollar bills hanging all around it along with calling cards and a NYC metrocard! 😅

[@JonathanBrowneMenzies]

The drinks were great, I like how visitors from all over the world left mementos from their homeland....NYC in the house!

[@TaylorSwift57637]

Were you excited when you went to the bar

[@JonathanBrowneMenzies]

Of course, visiting El Batey was one of the highlights of the trip, what a great place!