Alicante is not only renowned for its good food and rich cultural offerings but also for its vibrant nightlife. This captivating city, hailed as a culinary gem in Spain, boasts an ever-expanding choice of cocktail bars. Alicante caters to every palate. And just like the Mediterranean climate, the bars exude warmth and hospitality, making visitors feel right at home amidst the enticing cocktail bars in Alicante.
Cocktail bars focus on mixology, serving a range of mixed alcoholic drinks from classics, like martinis, manhattans, mojitos, and margaritas, to specialty drinks, usually concocted and created in-house. Typically the cocktail bars in Alicante can be found in the old town, El Centro, Benalua and Ensanche Diputacion. The cocktail bars in Alicante take many forms and all offer a sophisticated and relaxed atmosphere and range from themed cocktail lounges to speakeasies, to rooftop bars.
In this post we are going to list the five places to stop a while and enjoy a few decadent cocktails and luxurious tapas on a night out in the city.
5. Samoa (Marina)
For that authentic boats and palm trees “Mediterranean” experience head to Samoa next to the Alicante’s main marina. The vibe here is laid back and stylish. It’s great for one or two drinks but might be a tad expensive if you stayed here the whole night. The staff are professional and courteous, the view of the marina is the best in Alicante and the drinks are cold. Best time to come is at sunset. Watching the sun go down here is absolutely gorgeous even in December as you can see.
4. Amérigo Rooftop (Calle Mayor)
Alicante is not yet awash with rooftop bars in the same way as other Spanish cities but things are rapidly changing and each year more and more rooftop options are popping up. The next bar on our list sits on the roof of one of the most prestigious hotels in Alicante city; Hotel Hospes in Calle Mayor.
Amérigo Rooftop is a cool space in the heart of the old town where you can sip a cocktail, eat very good croquetas and enjoy the views of the attractive traditional buildings of the old town, not to mention the amazing view of Santa Barbara castle on top of Mount Benacassi. As the bar is not too well known by tourists, it tends to be requested more by guests of the hotel but it’s definitely worth putting on your list of bars to tick off your list whilst you’re in town.
3. 26 Lounge Bar (plaza portal de Elche)
Plaza portal de Elche, one of the finest plazas in Alicante, is one of those places that everyone passes through. Built in the 19th century as a meeting place and water supply, it is now a very chic place to meet friends to start or finish an evening. 26 Lounge bar sits next to the Plaza.
The attractive small kiosk bar inside the middle of the plaza also serves drinks but it tends to be overpriced because of its location. The cocktail menu at No 26 is extensive, the staff are young and energetic and the glasses are large. You’re sure to enjoy this place, whether you decide to sit at an outside table or to enjoy the chic wooden interiors of the bar.
2. El Portal (Bilbao 2, Alacant, 03001, Spain)
Situated on the other side of the Plaza portal de Elche, El Portal stands elegantly on the corner of Calle Médico Manero Mollà and Calle Bilbao. This opulent and plush gastro-bar serves up the very best quality of local food in the form of plump Denia prawns, fresh tuna, beef cheeks, local bread and cheeses. The decor is deliberately over the top, the kitchen is very good and the ambience is super cool. Don’t expect a lot of change when you order your cocktails here but El Portal is one of those places that feels reassuringly expensive. Definitely, not one to miss.
1. Bar Manero (Calle Médico Manero Mollà)
It says a lot about Alicante’s rapidly growing reputation as one of Spain’s culinary cities that Literally 3 doors up from El Portal you will come across the small but beautiful Bar Manero.
Everything about this compact, Art Deco bar cum delicatessen feels stylish and sumptuously elegant. The bar/ counter boasts a fresh display containing king crab, oysters, prawns and small tins of caviar. The tapas and small dishes served here are among the best in the city. Some examples are; classics like croquetas, pulpo Gallego and the finest Jamon sit alongside rich small portions of beef cheeks, tuna tatiki and the finest cheeses. You may have to wait a little while for a table, but it’s worth the wait. While waiting, enjoy a cocktail and the slightly quirky music from the live DJ.
The five bars listed above are fantastic to visit when you next come to Alicante, but bear in mind that there are hundreds of fantastic bars and restaurants in this great city. Watch out for more blogs on some of them.
