Top Bars and Cafes in Sevilla

La Carbonería

An atmospheric and versatile venue located in a converted coalyard that organizes exhibitions of paintings, poetry recitals, concerts and live flamenco performances. It's divided into three sections. There's a cozy bar set around a huge open fire. There's a typical Andalusian patio, and there's a large open bar area with trestle tables and benches that has a small stage where you can see and hear flamenco. It's popular with foreigners and bohemian Spaniards. You have to wander around the narrow old streets of the Santa Cruz district for a while before you find it hidden away in an alley. The bars serve a wide range of beers, wines and spirits. You can order tapas or try the specialty grilled meats. There is a regular calendar of shows, exhibitions, and singing and dancing classes.

Las Columnas

This place, air-conditioned so that you do not feel the summer heat, is famous for being a meeting place for foreign exchange students who have cleverly chosen a good place to eat a lot, cheap and well. It has the simple decor of a tapas bar, nothing particularly out of the ordinary, with plain walls and plastic chairs. But it's very clean and the service is fast and efficient. There are a variety of reasons, such as: its exquisite market food, mixed dishes and varied tapas. Serranito (a baguette with meat, tomato, ham and pepper) is recommended.

Aviador

This new spot is situated in the recently reurbanised area in the traditional district of Triana, near to where Expo 92 took place. It has an exclusive atmosphere, and it is normally the meeting place before going on to other nightlife in Triana near the river. Its decor is devoted to the first airmen in history, and this creates a special, warm atmosphere where you will find it easy to while the hours away. They pay attention to detail in this designer place, where there is not a lot to choose from if you're looking for a nibble.

Salam

The heart of Triana, the ancient neighborhood of seafarers and gypsies, today casts it gaze on our neighboring country: Morocco, whose influence appears in places such as this tea-house. The authentic Moroccan decoration, made up of articles brought from Chef Chaouen or Tetuan and Berber rugs, recreates the atmosphere of the neighboring country. The great variety of teas, shakes and coffees go great with their delicious crepes or Andalusian pastries.

Rayuela

This main charm of this café, whose name corresponds to that of the surreal masterpiece by the great author Julio Cortázar, is its location, in an alleyway that will take you, via the monument zone of Seville, to the very doors of the Reales Alcázares. Whether in its warm and inviting interior or sitting at one of the little tables gathered around the door to this pedestrian street, you can enjoy a comforting and revitalizing coffee before climbing up the many stairs of the Giralda Tower. They also offer "tapas" and daily 3-course menus, and at night they will serve you whatever cocktail you desire, although with calm and relaxation.

La Giganta

This bar, located in a beautiful section of the historical centre of Seville, is directly in front of the popular Church of Saint Catalina. Its interior transmits a clean feeling, while the waiters that serve you, all in uniform, demonstrate an almost studied professionalism. In the gastronomic department, their grated cheese plates are impressive - try the honey and basil plate - or the different sauces. As for their wine cellar, they serve a spendid wine from the famous Rioja region bottled by the house.

Eslava

Ran by the hotelkeeper Sixto Tovar Gutierrez, this bar has one of the most successful kitchens around. Their tapas are so varied that it is difficult to decide between them all, but Rioja-style potatoes, Salmorejo (thick vegetable dip), homemade stews, Roquefort croquettes and sirloin with Cabrales cheese (similar to Roquefort) are very tasty. In addition, there are many delicious wines. Make sure to drink the Castillo de San Diego very cold; it is an ideal white wine to accompany the seafood.

El Copo

The shellfish and seafood that this bar brings daily from Sanlúcar de Barrameda, a tiny village by the Bay of Cádiz - famous throughout the world for its excellent products 'stolen' from the Atlantic ocean - are absolutely delicious. The way in which these specialties are prepared is typically Andaluz, with olive oil as the star of the show. In addition, they will offer you some magnificent homemade desserts, as well as an excellent selection from their wine cellar. But don't be wary; everything is very informal and relaxed, and the prices are more than affordable. Sit down in the outdoor summer terrace if it's a warm day, or in the heated interior. The area is conveniently located in the 'El Arenal' neighborhood, the heart of downtown Seville.

Chile

Here the most traditional young Sevillians come together every weekend, packing the place until dawn. In the afternoon, college students from the nearby universities meet up for a quick drink and a snack, waiting for the crazy nights to get underway. Located in a privileged location in an area populated by the pavilions from the 1929 Exposition, the terrace offers views of the Guadalquivir River, while the inside is decorated in exclusive style by local artists, making it one of the most tasteful and colourful bars around. The music is usually varied and once in a while a DJ mixes it up. In addition, they offer a monthly program of shows.

La Andana

This wine cellar/bar is the perfect place to stop in for a refreshing drink after a morning full of plans. Just a few meters from the Cathedral, this bar specializes in so called "montaditos" (little portions of tapas served on bread). There are more than 50 different kinds here, available in both cold and hot varieties. With rapid service, they also have tables outside. And to make things easier for you come lunchtime, a simple mountain ham and tomato sandwich, or one with fresh cheese and salmon, can appease your hungry stomach. The typical drink here is the sweet wine, accompanied by some regionally grown olives.