Founded in 1913 by Francisco Portales, who came from a village near Santander, La Aurora was taken over by Luis Sanchez Gutiérrez, also from Santander and father of the current owners, who worked there 1921-1945. His sons have run it since 1972. Original features in this century-old bar include the massive wood bar, wine casks, and the curious hatch in the door next to the shop window that female family members (living upstairs) would use to collect wine or olive oil, as they weren’t allowed inside the bar.
La Aurora underwent a refurbishment a few years to celebrate its 100th anniversary but remains a simple neighbourhood bar. The aforementioned shop window hales from its origins as an abacería (shop & bar) and these days it holds wonderful window displays of seasonal holidays and events.
The food is basic but good. A favourite is the “do it yourself” flaming chorizo, and I also like their chicharrones de Cádiz, thicker cut than usual. Ask for local orange wine and vermouth straight from the barrel. The bar is self-service and when they get busy a few small tables are put out on the sidewalk.
Pérez Galdós 9
Tel 954 228 438
Open 13.30 – 16.30 / 20.30 – midnight
€ €
Food 6 | Wine 6 | Service 5 | Ambiance 8
chicharrones de Cádiz
owner Agustín flaming a chorizo
flaming chorizo
flamed chorizo on bread
pringá montadito
owner Agustín and his sister Ana
secret hatch within a door