The post house that emerged in Ezcaray in the late 19th century and today houses the emblematic Echaurren. Ca l’Enric, which opened as an inn in 1882 and today is a gastronomic reference in the Vall de Bianya. These are just a few examples of businesses that have stood the test of time and have transformed themselves with panache. Seville does the same with a landmark destination, a witness of history that is, in turn, the oldest bar in Seville and Spain: El Rinconcillo, standing since 1670, in the time of Charles II.
Its iconic white shelf in the purest style of the abacerías, wooden bar, earthenware floor, barrels that serve as tables, tiles with floral motifs at mid-height are just some of the details that dress the Rinconcillo.
The dim light somehow anticipates the passage of time, the imaginary of the old places, historic bars that were here long before us.
The owners who run El Rinconcillo today, the Rueda brothers, would inherit this business that has been passed down from generation to generation since the family acquired it in 1860.
The kitchen of El Rinconcillo
Nearly 400 square meters distributed in three floors flanked by history.
The customers crowd to its bar with affection, solicitous of food with tradition. And the configuration of its menu responds to a firm respect for preserving tradition.
Chacinas, coquinas, the mythical spinach with chickpeas, pavías of cod and other fried food that they handle with ease, scrambled eggs, meats and succulent suggestions. El Rinconcillo is lavished to the noble art of tasting the city, where they handle with ease and where they continue to pilgrimage customers and loyal customers.
You see, it treasures centuries of history (there are documents that already record activity in El Rinconcillo around 1633), it is one of the most legendary bars around the world and also retains a fantastic cuisine, true to its heritage.
In 2023, the Taste Atlas gastronomic guide recognized it as one of the bars capable of transcending time. He added that “each tapa tells a story of local ingredients and traditional recipes, reflecting the rich history of Seville and its gastronomy, making El Rinconcillo its main ambassador”.
Witness to the passage of 15 kings; the Austrian, Bonaparte, Savoy and Bourbon dynasties; cholera and Spanish flu epidemics, the Spanish Civil War and even the Covid pandemic.
Only then would the oldest bar in Spain and the fourth oldest in Europe close its doors temporarily. The oldest tavern, in any case, is Las Escobas, whose origins date back to 1386.
Where is the oldest bar in Spain?
To find El Rinconcillo you have to go to Gerona street, next to Plaza Ponce de León and a few meters from Las Setas, the Palacio de las Dueñas or the busy Feria street.
To corroborate the enthusiasm that awakens judge for yourselves: it is always lively among parishioners and tourists.