Going out for drinks in Santiago can sometimes feel like an epic quest. Between the tourist bars where a glass of water costs as much as champagne, the ones that always seem to be full, and those that, once found, are so far out of town that they’re not worth it, you might not get the true Xacobea experience.
So, in this article, we bring you the best recommendations for having a drink in Santiago without getting ripped off.
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Table of contents
1. A Ferradura
Located on Santiago’s Alameda, one of the city’s most emblematic spots and a popular meeting point, A Ferradura is easily recognizable for its innovative design and its views of the entire park.
Here, you can enjoy a drink while watching passersby and the famous Las dos Marías.
- What we like:
- Location
- Design
- Atmosphere
- What we don’t like:
- Price


2. Restaurante Cotolay
Down the street from San Clemente, you’ll find Cotolay, where the views might not be the best in Santiago, but the quantity and quality of tapas make up for it. Enjoy tortilla pinchos, homemade mussel croquettes, ham, chicken, and more.
The drinks are quite affordable, and you can also order dishes from the menu, but the tapas will leave you more than satisfied.
- What we like:
- Price
- Tapas
- Service
- What we don’t like:
- Views

3. Orense
Head up Travesía de Fonseca to Franco Street and discover Orense, one of Santiago’s oldest bars. Prices are very reasonable for such a busy street, though note that it closes at 15:30 and reopens at 18:30.
We recommend trying the house wine, which is available by the bottle for just 4€ and is of exceptional quality.
- What we like:
- Price
- Location
- Atmosphere
- Wine
- What we don’t like:
- Few tables
- Limited tapas

4. El 46
Continuing on Franco Street, you’ll find El 46, a traditional Galician bar with a classic homely atmosphere and attentive staff, making it a charming place with a bit of nostalgia.
If hunger strikes, you can order quality homemade rations at very reasonable prices, making you feel like a true Galician.
- What we like:
- Classic Galician atmosphere
- Price
- What we don’t like:
- Limited space
- Waiting time for a table

5. La Tita
One of Santiago’s most famous bars, La Tita offers a fantastic terrace in the old part of the city and a generous serving of slightly undercooked tortilla de patata with each drink.
Do be prepared for a wait, as the terrace is popular, but it’s worth it for one of Santiago’s best tortillas.
- What we like:
- Tortilla tapa
- Price
- Atmosphere
- Location
- Service
- What we don’t like:
- Waiting time


6. Pub Quintana
Located in Plaza de la Quintana, near Santiago’s famous Puerta Santa, Pub Quintana offers views of the Puerta Santa, the Monasterio de Clausura, and the Cathedral.
Prices here are a bit higher than other bars in Santiago, but the views of the city’s architectural history make up for it.
- What we like:
- Views
- Location
- Always has space (if the weather is good)
- What we don’t like:
- Price
- Food in general (limited tapas, poor rations, etc.)

7. O Filandón
If you head up the stairs from Plaza de Quintana and go down Vía Sacra Street towards Plaza de Cervantes, you’ll find O Filandón. Though it starts as a charcuterie, there’s a hidden bar with affordable prices and quality tapas, mainly made from the cured meats they offer.
It’s recommended to visit in winter or cold/rainy weather as they have a chimney (a traditional Galician “lareira”) to keep you warm.
- What we like:
- Atmosphere
- Location
- Quality homemade tapas
- Service
- Unique experience
- What we don’t like:
- Few tables
- Small space


8. A Gramola
Continuing with interesting and eclectic bars, A Gramola offers drinks with views of Plaza de Cervantes and is known for its vibrant atmosphere, featuring live music and dance, including folk, rock, and Celtic performances.
If you want to enjoy a drink with live entertainment, add this bar to your list.
- What we like:
- Atmosphere
- Location
- Live music and/or dance
- What we don’t like:
- No card payments accepted
- Price

9. Hotel Costa Vella
Although it’s a hotel, the Hotel Costa Vella has one of the best interior terraces for drinks in Santiago. It features a garden terrace full of plants and a decor that perfectly matches their style. If the weather is bad, you can still enjoy the intimate ambiance through their glass walls.
Prices are a bit higher than other bars, but the service and tranquility make it worthwhile.
- What we like:
- Views
- Decor
- Tranquility
- What we don’t like:
- Price
- Limited space in bad weather

10. Caña hueca
Next to the Faculty of History, Caña Hueca offers a more everyday atmosphere compared to the other bars mentioned. It provides generous tapas and competitive prices, understandable as it competes with two other bars in the same square.
- What we like:
- Youthful atmosphere
- Price
- Tapas
- What we don’t like:
- Limited seating

11. Plaza de Abastos
One of Santiago’s busiest areas, Plaza de Abastos has many bars worth exploring. All bars are equally affordable, offering fresh and homemade tapas like cured meats and toasts, along with the lively market atmosphere.
Note that this is best enjoyed in the morning, as the market usually closes at 15:00, so plan accordingly.
- What we like:
- Atmosphere
- Price
- Variety
- What we don’t like:
- Not open in the afternoon

12. Novena Porta
A standout in Santiago’s bar scene, Novena Porta features unique interior decor, with covers from classic to modern music.
Ideal for enjoying a variety of beers, including an excellent pint of Guinness with a hot dog and fries with your choice of sauces.
Unlike many bars in Santiago, it is Pet Friendly, so you can bring your furry friend along.
- What we like:
- Tapas
- Atmosphere
- Decor
- Beer variety
- Service
- Pet Friendly
- What we don’t like:
- Limited outdoor terrace


13. Mercado La Galiciana
Located a few streets from Plaza Galicia, just three streets away from the bus stop from the airport, Mercado La Galiciana offers numerous high-quality dishes prepared by expert chefs specializing in Galician cuisine.
There are several spaces for eating and drinking, with up to four rooms each having a unique design, from a central courtyard with an innovative and creative design to an open space with a more classic style.
What we like:
- Decor
- Location
- Quality of dishes
What we don’t like:
- Price

If you enjoyed this post, you’ll love our article about Plaza de Cervantes!