Vejer's cafés and bars
In Vejer, the dividing line between restaurants, cafés and bars, is a little fuzzy. Most restaurants are happy to have you sit and drink wine, and most bars serve great tapas. Here are a few of the places we like to visit when we just want to have a drink, meet friends, or just watch the world stroll by. All are within walking distance of your Vejer Casas holiday home, so there is never a need to take the car.
El Paseillo. This is the closest bar to your Vejer Casas holiday home and the centre of the community. The owner, Alberto, has a selection of drinks and small tapas, and he will also serve the typical Andalusian breakfast until 11am. It is the perfect spot for a coffee or an early cheeky drink and to meet the neighbours. During the Sunshine Tour, don't be surprised to see patrons sitting on horseback enjoying a tipple. We highly recommend you visit it during your stay.
El Poniente. This is an extraordinary bar. Occupying one of Vejer's famous windmills, El Poniente sits on the highest point of the town overlooking the sea and the views are stunning! The bar serves the usual drinks plus some cocktails. Though the food offerings are limited to sweet crepes, it doesn't seem to matter. The views are the important thing about this bar. And, if you have had enough of looking out over trees and fields to the ocean then turn to your right and watch launching pad for the local paragliders who will soon by flying over your head as you enjoy a cold beer.
Café Bar el Trafalgar. Not to be confused with the Trafalgar restaurant on the Plaza de España, this tiny, authentic and atmospheric bar in the old town is a real find. Inside, the bar fits no more than half a dozen people, but there are tables outside in the buzz of the cobbled street. You’ll have to move your chair if the rare car eases by. The bar is well-stocked and serves a good selection of homemade, inexpensive tapas. Bar Trafalgar is popular with local people (including the chess club) ensuring it stays open all year round.
Casa del Vino. If you walk to the main square, you will see the Casa del Vino on a corner with inviting barrels that have been turned to tables. This is well worth a stop with a good variety of wines on offer and several sherries that are poured straight from the barrel. They will also serve very traditional tapas of meats and cheeses if you are feeling peckish. It is one of the best places to sit and watch the world go by in the centre of town.
Taberna Caragato. This is the local flamenco bar and well worth a visit. There is always flamenco music playing and if you are lucky, live flamenco guitar will play in the evening. This bar has inside and outside space and serves a selection of wines and beers as well as sherries and great tapas.
La Bodeguita. You will find this bar in the old town close to the church, so a steep hill is involved. This is the bar to head to if you want music and atmosphere at night. It is not unusual for customers to dance the evening away in this bar, which will stay open until early morning. The bar also has some lovely tables outside next to the Arch of Segur, so the setting is fantastic.
Bar-Tapas Nuevo Topolino. Topolinos, serves great, reasonably priced tapas, small plates (or raciones) and montaditos (little sandwiches). With seating inside or out, the bar/restaurant is usually busy with a young, local crowd, with the ever-welcoming staff adding to the relaxed atmosphere. Try the burrata salad, the fried fish (it changes dependent on the catch) or a retinto burger with everything (one of the best in town).
While not a bar as such, special mention should be made of Bodegas Gallardo selling a line of fantastic sherries. We recommend the Sol de Naranja, made from locally harvested bitter oranges. But, as they pour very generous samples, take your time deciding on your favourite.
Stroll over to Caragato at the weekend and listen to some authentic flamenco.