Just amazing...... Everything you read about this place's diveyness is true and wonderful. Just go... It's magic. read more

El Batey - Dive Bars Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

So happy to come across this place in Old San Juan. Legit dive bar with a great jukebox, and if you are lucky Christos will be working. Graffiti all over the walls gives it a charm fans of the French Quarter of New Orleans can appreciate. Good prices, ask for a local rum. Cash only. If you are looking for authentic and not the safe and boring route, please stop here. read more

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El Batey seems to be an equal-parts local and tourist favorite. I thought the interior was pretty cool, and I'm sure the owner has some fun stories, but I didn't really get much out of it beyond that. The bf was over the moon. Between the jukebox, decor, and whiskey cokes that kept on coming (and at wallet-friendly prices, for SJ), he was in heaven. Love is all about compromise.. or something like that. This is a 3.5 that somehow ended up a 4 after a little mental seesawing. read more

El Batey - Dive Bars Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

Best dive bar in Old San Juan. If you're lucky enough to snag a seat you will be here all night. read more

El Batey - Killer spot - Dive Bars Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

What a cool dive bar! When you walk in you immediately notice that nearly every spot on the entire wall is written/ graffiti'd on so much so that you feel like you are trespassing! The lights over the bar are "chandeliers" with business cards and pieces of paper stapled together over the lights. Beers are extremely cheap if you are on a budget- 2/5 Medalla's during happy hour (3-6 pm). Bathrooms, although graffitied are surprisingly clean. In the same area as La Factoría if you want a good bar hopping spot. I knocked off a star because the bartender seemed a little less friendly than most, but I really think it could have been part of the "el Batey" vibe. This place also has a pool table if you are looking to play! read more

Stopped in for a quick drink when walking through Old San Juan. Really different feel compared to most bars in the area. It was dead but that made it even better. The mojitos we had were really good! The graffiti definitely add to the atmosphere and the jukebox was on point as well as it was playing a lot of 90's alternative. The pool was free which was a nice plus as well. Bathrooms are what you'd expect in that kind of bar. 5 stars are for atmosphere x2, drinks, free pool, and bartender friendliness. read more

El Batey - Dive Bars Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

Under new ownership and no longer a dive bar. It turned into a tourist bar with alcohol slushy machine. Gone are the music machine and miniature pool table and replaced with an extended bar. I hate progress. read more

Low key dive bar that's got character all on its own. The juke box has a great selection of tunes. read more

El Batey - Great dive bar with an awesome jukebox! - Dive Bars Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

If you're looking for a no-frills place to meet unique people from around the world that somehow ended up in Old San Juan at the same time as you, go to El Batey for an inexpensive way to get a couple drinks at the beginning or end of your night. We heard about this place through a local and decided to make it a stop on our trip, finding two barstools and made friends with the bartender. Extremely divey, but extremely worth a visit. read more

Really cool bar! The oldest dive bar in San Juan! My boyfriend and I wrote on a dollar bill and hung it on the light falling from the ceiling. The bar is interesting having sketches of names and art from people all over the world through out the years! I had a mule which was pretty good and my boyfriend an old fashion. The vibe was pretty laid back at around 5pm! Would definitely go back. Recommend for anyone bar hopping, grab a drink and move to the next! read more

Really solid dive bar. Nice place to park for a while if you're in old San Juan. Close to La Factoria and a few other bars, so it's a good place to go if you're making a night of it. Sit at the bar, chat up the bartender, smoke a cigar if that's your thing -- you're going to enjoy yourself. Definitely recommend this place if you like dive bars. read more

We loved this place. A dive bar with lots of character. The guys that work there are laid back, friendly, and pour STRONG drinks-no joke. Inexpensive compared to everywhere around it. We went back a few times. Batey is definitely a good spot to get the night started. There's a juke box with good choices so take cash, a marker/whiteout pen to write on the walls, and mosquito repellent. read more

El Batey - Juke box - Dive Bars Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

Don't pass by this establishment without stopping for a drink. It has history- it has amazing drinks . Mario (owner) can basically look at you and give you a drink that you will love- I urge you to try the old fashioned daiquiri. It's way different than anything you have had on the mainland . Give it a try!!!! read more

Awesome place. Heavy handed on the drinks, cheap as well. Rock and Jazz hits on the jukebox made for great vibes. Loved it. read more

Vamos al encuentro de tu futura esposa. O beber antes de dar atún a los gatitos. Ciao, te amo , -=Roland Carnaby read more

Great dive bar. Interesting mix of locals and tourists. A real range of young to old interesting people came and went while I was there. The owner is a cranky old man who threw a middle finger at my buddy at 6am. My buddy returned the favor than the old man gave him a thumbs up like a boss. read more

El Batey - Dive Bars Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

Pretty cool dive bar. There's a juke box so you can pick your tunes. The walls are filled with random words, art, etc. It was also a good shelter during the rain. I guess my only complaint would be that they put the mixed drinks in such small cups! read more

Cute little dive bar. Good prices for the local beer medalla that I had. However only bad thing was my 3 friends ordered Corona and it was warm: when we told the bartender he offered a glass of ice and said he wasn't the one that had stocked up. Didn't offer any new cold beer. So make sure to ask which beer is cold as some are served warm. read more

As we were staying in the area, we quickly became regulars at El Batey. This place was great. Cold beer, incredible jukebox (songs for $.25?!) and a unique crowd. The atmosphere was relaxed and my wife and I could sit back and talk. The perfect way to end the day. The only downside was the smoke. But, for us, it was well worth it. Thank you. read more

The bartender Ian is who makes this bar a 5 star bar. He makes a drink to order understanding exactly what one is looking for in flavors. He creates an atmosphere of communication and friendship. He works very hard, no one waits for his attention because his eyes are everywhere anticipating each individual. Ian runs the bar and serves as if he were the owner. Whoever owns that bar has made an excellent choice in hiring Ian! One quick drink for us turned into several and an evening of great fun. read more

Uhm, spent way too many blurry nights in El Batey.. What an awesome little dive bar. A little rough around the edges, but everyone is very friendly and the drinks are cheap...Also, they have a great jukebox! Be sure to make a stop at El Batey and feel free to add your name to the wall! read more

Ick. Heard about this place & checked it out... Actually, walked in and out. The bar is small & smells horrid (cigarette smoke & otherwise). A couple of other small room attached to main bar room. One is at outdoor graffiti covered dungeon and indoor was a small smoke-filled room with a bench. Just not my cup of tea I guess. read more

Dive bar in every sense of the word - love it! You'll walk past it if you're not focusing, for sure. This is a great hole-in-the-wall place to chill and get a couple of drinks. If you want to play pool, here's how that'll go: The very chill owner will come over and maybe, with the help of another guy in the bar, jolt the table so that the pool balls come free. He'll show you the "dive bar" pool chalk on a chain and you'll start to play. You won't be able to make half of your shots without some yoga happening, since the space is pretty tight. Graffitied walls, low lighting, cheap beer. I love things that are exactly what's advertised. Or in this case, not advertised at all. read more

Awesome little spot in Old San Juan. You won't find this spot unless you're looking for it. It's just up the street from the cathedral. The walls/ceiling are covered with scribbled messages from all those who have visited over the years. The light fixtures also quite unique in that visitors have attached business cards as well as other identifiers to the light fixtures. The bar has been around since the 1960s. The bartender was quick to greet us and very friendly. He made some nice drinks and some fantastic restaurant recommendations around town. The other patrons were quite friendly was well. The place has a very chilled vibe that we really liked and got us away from the touristy areas of OSJ. It is definitely going to be one of my new hangout spots on my visits to OSJ. I highly recommend you stop in. read more

I loved the ambiance and the music being played, the servers seemed irritated and sick of tourists which I guess I understand. I asked about what a song was and they said they couldn't look on the player. Drinks were pretty cheap and playing pool was fun even in the tight space. read more

Bring cash. No airconditioning so wear light clothes. Jukebox. Open full bar. Bring a sharpie with you. This is one of my favorite places to crash in OSJ. Great music and chill mature atmosphere. Also being a business card. You'll see why!! read more

The coolest bar in Puerto Rico! Dive bar to the core. The juke box has something for everyone. The drinks are strong and the beers are cold. Good mix of tourist and locals. The bartender are so cool, Christos and Rafa are amazing. Smoking permitted inside. Don't expect a pina colada or mojitos here. A must visit read more

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Fantastic drinks [and strong pours] for good prices; cool bartender; great vibe. Well worth a visit! read more

El Batey - Dive Bars Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

Great dive bar!! Went during the day and it had some amazing regulars at the bar. Everyone was super friendly. It says on yelp it's cash only but they took credit cards when I was there. read more

This is a great little bar in old town, with tons of atmosphere... Well worth a visit for a drink, or two, or three, or more maybe :-) If you want fabulous food, Bodega Chic is a few doors up the street - the cocktails are fabulous and the food is all freshly made and extremely good :-) read more

Two words: SUPER COOL. Juke box with all the right music (Motown, classic rock, salsa vieja...). Writing on walls, lamp shades covered with business cards from everywhere. Strong drinks. Friendly and knowledgebale staff. A great time every time! read more

Second day in PR, which happened to be my birthday...my husband and I decided to stop for a beer before going back to the hotel to change for dinner...YES, right! After a few beers, a few shots, meeting some interesting people from Pennsylvania, Missouri and New Jersey...laughing, rocking to the jukebox...and a totally unexpected birthday cake from a sweet local that was hanging out at the bar...we only have to say that El Batey Rocks and definitely will be our pit stop every time we go to San Juan. Aww!! Forgot to mention the bartender Felipe that was the coolest! Thumbs Up!!! read more

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Place seemed a little sketchy at first but looks can be deceiving; what an amazing find! Drinks were cheap, bartender was very friendly and attentive, vibe was very chill. A lot of people locals and tourists alike seemed to flock here. It was also voted #2 on top ten places to go for nightlife. Highly recommend!! read more

El Batey - Cool graffiti all over the walls and ceiling. - Dive Bars Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

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Such a great place. . . Filthy downright nasty but that's exactly why it's amazing. Grungy and creative .. raw and doesn't give a damn type of vibe.. probably home to some of the biggest coolest alchies on the island !! :) chatted with some cool people here.. the bartenders too. You can draw wherever you want .. play pool.. jukebox.. or just chill before you hit the next spot. We visited from NY.. will def be back here eventually. read more

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My boyfriend and I loved El Batey! Great bar tender, cheap drinks, creepy cool atmosphere. I'm sure this place is not for everyone, but my reccomendations would be to poke your head inside, if it scares you then keep walking. If it seems interesting, walk on in and enjoy! I'll definitely be back there next time I'm in PR! read more

This is an amazing bar. Mr. Jones, the owner and Phillipe the manager are interesting and fun. This place will make you feel like a local friend while charging prices that are reflective of local costs. Plus, if you are looking for a cool place to get married, baptized or buried, El Batey has a legitimate license to do each service. That was an interesting fun fact that Phillipe told me while sitting next to him at the bar. This is simply a must see/do/drink for any tourist interested in the true heart of San Juan. We loved it and will be going back. My favorite quote from the wall: "The difference between Apathy and Ignorance...I don't know, I don't care". Oh...and some celebrities have been known to visit El Batey. Unfortunately, we went on the Wednesday when very few people go out so we did not see any noteable people. However, we kind of preferred it that way because we were able to meet Mr. Jones and Phillipe. read more

This place is full of pirates.. I had to go ..dark and creepy and full of cannon smoke...cheap drinks they are small but cheap served in Dixie cups so the salty dogs wont cut each other in a fight ...Jukebox is 25 cents a song..Just Like Me .. good place to get away from the TOURIST Trap that is Old SAN JUAN . this building is only 500 years old...they DO NOT make TOURIST drinks here..Open till 7AM so you can miss your flight when you cant find the door. read more

If you don't mind dirty graffiti filled walls this place is the perfect bang for your buck. One drink is probably all you need!

Perhaps the funniest thing that I saw happen in the two times I went here, a group of girls came in and asked for Pina Coladas. The bartender (Felipe) replied "ladies , this is a hole in the wall, we don't make those here. They do however serve cheap beers and basic cocktails. I am a guy who likes dive bars and this is a dive bar through and through. I asked Felipe what the name means, he told a lengthy story but the short version is El Batey means the gathering place, it's been there for over 50 years and every customer gets treated the same (which is friendly). Old San Juan, old bar, cheap drinks , friendly service? Count me in. read more

Great dive bar, wonderful atmosphere to chill and have a beer when enjoying the nightlife. It has a cool dive/haunted feel to it!