Puerto Rico Part 6: Best Bars in San Juan

Puerto Rico's nightlife is dynamic and rich. Whether your idea of the perfect bar scene is sipping tropical cocktails beachside, or dancing with drink in hand at a nightclub, this island has it all.

Earlier in this series, I mentioned La Placita, a farmers market that transforms into the city's liveliest bar scene after dark. I also shared about La Taberna Lúpulo, one of the best craft breweries in San Juan. In this final post about my trip to Puerto Rico, I have five more suggestions for unique bars to visit.

Cannon Club

Cannon Club

If you are looking for elegance and eccentricity rolled into one, the Cannon Club is the place to go. Named as such because of the miniature cannon hung outside, this piano bar is a verdant oasis in the center of the bustling, capital city of San Juan.

I attribute the bar's elegance to the rooms curated by founder and renowned artist, Jan D’Esopo, who has filled them with fancy chandeliers, famous art and plush furniture. The gorgeous venue itself, also deserves credit.

The Cannon Club is located inside the Gallery Inn, a luxury hotel also known as the Steinway Society of Puerto Rico, frequented by worldwide musicians. At least seven pianos can be found within the hotel's hallways, many of which have been played by famous instrumentalists including pianist extraordinaire, Yo-Yo Ma.

Not surprisingly, you will also find a Steinway grand piano in the Cannon Club as well. Every night a talented pianist will tickle the ivories while a band accompanies them. I was certain that this, was the club's main draw.

That is, until a cockatoo arrived on the scene and all eyes turned to it. This bird was clearly the true star of the show.

Campeche

This is Campeche, the 27 year old Malaccan cockatoo that is at least as famous as the Cannon Club, The Gallery Inn, and its musicians, if not more so, as I would argue. Campeche is in fact the star of "IBIRD" a documentary telling his life story, including his connection with Jan, the bar's owner, and his love for music.

Visit the Cannon Club to meet Campeche, enjoy the music, eat or imbibe. Whatever your goal, you are sure to enjoy yourself.

La Factoria

La Factoria

Open since 2013, La Factoria has made the list of the Top 50 Bars in North America and has become Puerto Rico's top cocktail destination.

The bar is actually made up of six different rooms, each with a different focus, giving patrons a taste of just about anything they are looking for. There's a larger, boisterous setting, a smaller intimate setting, an area for wine lovers, an area dedicated to specialty drinks and more.

Though each room has its own personality, you'll find that all the rooms are a little eclectic and unpretentious. No matter which one you choose, you are sure to enjoy a delicious drink and a laidback environment, so definitely make time to stop at La Factoria while you are in San Juan.

El Convento

El Convento

El Convento, the next spot on my list, checks several boxes.

That is because El Convento is a luxury hotel, a historical landmark, and a great spot for snacks and drinks.

The building was originally constructed in 1651 as a convent, thus the name, El Convento. Though it has journeyed from convent, to dilapidated edifice, to abandoned building, to boutique hotel, you can still find some of the original fixtures throughout.

When you come upon those pieces, such as the wooden beams, light fixtures, ceiling fans, louvered doors or this patinaed bell, you are transported to a different time and you can almost imagine nuns walking the hallways in silent prayer.

Spirit Tasting

The more modern, renovated spaces with flowing cocktails, remind you that this hotel has been visited, more recently, by famous people including Ernest Hemingway, Truman Capote and the hotel's first guest, Gloria Vanderbilt.

Watermelon Mojito

I reflected on all that history as I sipped on my watermelon mojito, garnished with blood orange, strawberry and mint.

Passion Fruit Ceviche

In addition to drinks, El Convento also offers food at Patio del Nispero, located in the hotel's breezy courtyard. This makes it an all around great place to stop, ...

... especially if you find yourself in Old San Juan at the adjacent Plaza Felisa Rincón De Gautier, a park honoring the first female mayor of the city, or the nearby 16th-century cathedral that faces El Convento.

El Vino Crudo

El Vino Crudo

If you are a vinophile like I am, I suggest stopping in for a glass at Vino Crudo. This natural wine bar is located at the end of a somewhat hidden, cobblestone alley in Old San Juan.

Capocollo and Honeydew

Once you see the entrance, you will be led into a low-lit, intimate space where you'll be spoiled for choice with a variety of wines. Though Vino Crudo is not a restaurant, they serve plenty of snacks, which you could easily combine to make a meal. With my wine, I chose the capocollo, which came with a small salad and ribbons of sweet, honeydew melon, both dressed with a touch of grosella vinegar and olive oil.

Bar Catedral

Last on my list, is Bar Catedral, a rooftop bar located in the heart of Old San Juan, on the terrace of the Decanter Hotel.

The bar serves great wine and cocktails, but the best reason to go to Bar Catedral, in my opinion, is to see panoramic views of the city, including the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, the first church on U.S. soil. I suggest an evening visit, when you can watch the sun set and the moon rise over San Juan.

That concludes my trip to Puerto Rico. I hope to be back to visit other areas of the island and take in more of the beautiful sun, culture, beaches, hospitality, food and of course, the subject of this post, the drinks. Salud!