The coaching inn that emerged in Ezcaray in the late 19th century and now houses the iconic Echaurren. Ca l’Enric, which opened as an inn in 1882 and is now a culinary landmark in the Vall de Bianya. These are just a few examples of businesses that have stood the test of time and transformed themselves with style. Seville does the same with a landmark destination, a witness to history that is, in turn, the oldest bar in Seville and Spain: El Rinconcillo, in operation since 1670, during the reign of Charles II.
Its iconic white shelf in the purest style of traditional grocery stores, wooden bar, tile floor, barrels serving as tables, and floral-patterned tiles halfway up the walls are just some of the details that adorn El Rinconcillo.
The dim light somehow foreshadows the passage of time, evoking the atmosphere of ancient places, historic bars that were here long before us.
The owners who run El Rinconcillo today, the Rueda brothers, inherited this business, which has been passed down from generation to generation since the family acquired it in 1860.
The cuisine of El Rinconcillo
Nearly 400 square meters spread over three floors steeped in history.
Customers gather affectionately at its bar, eager for dishes steeped in tradition. And indeed, the composition of its menu reflects a firm commitment to preserving tradition.
Chacinas, clams, the legendary spinach with chickpeas, codpavías, and other fried dishes they handle with ease, scrambled eggs, meats, and succulent suggestions. El Rinconcillo is dedicated to the noble art of savoring the city, where they operate with ease and where loyal customers continue to make the pilgrimage.
As you can see, it holds centuries of history (there are documents dating back to around 1633 that mention activity at El Rinconcillo), it is one of the most legendary bars in the world, and it also boasts fantastic cuisine, true to its heritage.
In 2023, the Taste Atlas gastronomic guide recognized it as one of the bars capable of transcending time. It added that “each tapa tells a story of local ingredients and traditional recipes, reflecting the rich history of Seville and its cuisine, making El Rinconcillo its foremost ambassador.”
A witness to the reigns of 15 kings; the Habsburg, Bonaparte, Savoy, and Bourbon dynasties; cholera and Spanish flu epidemics, the Spanish Civil War, and even the COVID-19 pandemic.
Only then would Spain’s oldest bar—and the fourth oldest in Europe—temporarily close its doors. The oldest tavern, however, is Las Escobas, whose origins date back to 1386.
Where is the oldest bar in Spain?
To find El Rinconcillo, head to Calle Gerona, next to Plaza Ponce de León and just a few meters from Las Setas, the Palacio de las Dueñas, or the bustling Calle Feria.
To confirm the enthusiasm it inspires, judge for yourselves: it is always bustling with regulars and tourists.
