6 Historic Bars in Seville That You Can’t Miss

This blog post was originally posted on August 21, 2015, and was updated on February 9, 2018.

Seville is a city with an amazingly complex and interesting history. But it’s not just the historical recounts and architecture that tell the story of Seville.

Apart from a number of fascinating history tours, we also have some historic bars in Seville! Each one gives us a fantastic insight into the history of the city. There’s the bar that once upon a time had a winery on site, the bar that was the first place to introduce a special and well-loved wine to Seville, and then there’s the bar with a special claim to fame. Here are 6 historic bars in Seville that you can’t miss!

Photo credit: Fred PO, Text overlay: Devour Spain. 

El Rinconcillo

Let’s start with the most iconic of all the historic bars in Seville, a little bar on the outskirts of the center called El Rinconcillo. Yes, El Rinconcillo is no longer a well-kept secret. Every guidebook recommends a visit to this bar. But this place is a Seville institution, and for good reason. Its claim fame is that it’s the oldest bar in Seville, dating back to 1670!

Once inside the bar, it feels like things haven’t changed for decades. Gruff but friendly waiters, bow-tied and waist-coated, race around serving the crowds. Dusty bottles of wine decorate the walls, jamón dangles from the ceiling, and your bill will appear on the bar top in chalk. So get yourself a glass of manzanilla sherry, snack on a tapa of Iberian ham, lean up against the bar and enjoy the atmosphere.

Address: Calle Gerona, 40

Casa Ricardo

We love Casa Ricardo, a little spot hidden in the back streets near La Alameda. This place opened in 1898 and, although it went through some refurbishments over the years, still retains an old-school atmosphere. Its walls are lined with religious images, mixing bar culture and religion in a way that only Seville knows how.

There is no menu so the waiters explain to you the plates of the day. You can expect to find typical Andalusian favorites such as solomillo al whisky (pork loin with whiskey sauce) and carrilladas (pork cheeks). If all else fails, you can’t go wrong with the freshly cut slices of Iberian Ham.

Address: Calle Hernán Cortés, 2

Casa Morales

This little family run bar was founded in 1850, and this great stop to enjoy some delicious wine could possibly be the second oldest bar in Seville. Going in here is a little like walking into a time warp — albeit a time warp with delicious food. Here they are famous for their montaditos, with almost every option on the menu coming as a tapa or montadito (on top of bread).

The front room has the timeless atmosphere of a local bar, while in the back room you will find tables and chairs, as well as old concrete wine vats that previously stored the wine – an homage to this room’s former use as the winery.

Address: Garcia de Vinuesa, 11

Learn a bit more about the great selection of tapas in Casa Morales with this great video from local expert Cyra.

Alvaro Peregil La Goleta

This hole in the wall bar, La Goleta, was originally opened as a wine store in 1904 by the grandfather of the current owner, none other than Alvaro himself. This bar was the first bar to introduce to the city vino de naranja – a sweet fortified wine produced in the nearby province of Huelva.

You’ll see the walls full of pictures and quirky decoration, from the boar’s head wearing glasses (which apparently has no symbolic meaning) to the sign reading “Prohibido el cante” (singing is prohibited), which has several different stories about the meaning behind it. The vino de naranja — which is still sold by the jugful in the bar, the history and the friendly and passionate owner make this place an essential stop in the Santa Cruz neighborhood. Easily one of our favorite historic bars in Seville.

Address: Calle Mateos Gagos, 20

Bodeguita Romero

Bodeguita Romero, in the El Arenal neighborhood, is another favorite of ours for the great food, friendly service, and the authentic atmosphere of the historic bars in Seville. This bar dates back to 1939 when they were originally located in the old Mercado de Encarnación. Later, they moved to their current spot in El Arenal, where it still remains run by the family today.

Here they had a great menu with high-quality tapas, although they are particularly well-known for their pringá sandwich, a local specialty here in Seville. We also love their montadito with smoked sardine and mojo verde (green spicy sauce).

Address: Calle Harinas, 10

Casa Moreno

Abacerías are stores that also sell simple tapas made from cold produce. These include conserved goods, cured meat, and cheeses, that are all available for purchase in the store. This is an old concept that has grown in recent years in Seville, with new abacerías popping up around the city, but Casa Moreno is the oldest one still in existence in Seville.

This tiny little joint could, at first, seem intimidating to an outsider, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s a welcoming little spot with great service, great food, and a unique experience.

Address: Calle Gamazo, 7