Although there are now several locations around town, my favourite is still the original Patio San Eloy on the street of the same name (which also became my local when I moved to the barrio in 2017). Founded in 1972 by Julián Gómez Pando it qualifies as a “de toda la vida” bar, and is famous for the distinctive seating arrangements that have made it something of a landmark – a bank of ceramic tile stepped benches at the back of the bar area, and the tables with ceramic benches beside the steps leading up to the upper dining room, and it’s worth a visit for these alone.

Good basic food, always fresh, served with ice cold beer or chilled sherry wines, with an emphasis on montaditos (toasted buns with a variety of fillings), tortillas and cold salads. You can also get plates of jamón and prawns at very reasonable prices. It’s all self-service and you wonder how the bar staff keep the orders straight when it’s busy (which it usually is). A favourite haunt of students, you’ll also see families, groups of señoras with their shopping, and tourists taking photos of of the famous ceramic steps. It’s buzzy and fun, cheap and cheerful… a great place to stop in for a snack.

This year Patio San Eloy is celebrating its 50th anniversary with special events and a commemorative poster (which you can see below) featuring local and not-so-local celebrities.

Bread/Service Charge: 0€

San Eloy, 9
Tel 954 50 10 70
Open 12.00 – 4.30 / 19.00 – 11.30
€ € €

Food 7 | Wine 6 | Service 6 | Ambiance 7

chicharrones

jamón tower

chicharrones de Cádiz with hot toasted bun and olive oil

carne mechá with melted cheese

El Granjero: chorizo, egg, bacon & cheese

prawns with alioli

El Manchego: jamón, cheese, caña de lomo and pâté

jamón

façade watercolour by local artist Alfredo Rodríguez

Celebrating 50 years on the bleachers with the Duchess of Alba, Rita Hayworth,
El Pali, Silvio and Howard Jackson with Velázquez, Becquer, Curro Romero,
Antonio Puerta, Miki Roqué, and even Curro (the Expo 92 mascot) ?

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Updated April 2022