LA RIOJA - LOGROÑO - PINCHO BAR CRAWL

Jun 6

4 min read

LA RIOJA - LOGROÑO PINCHO BAR CRAWL

On our recent trip to La Rioja, we decided to take a pinchos bar crawl down the famous Calle Laurel in Logroño. These were our favourite bars and bites on this hectic but pleasant November evening.

BAR CID

Travesía de Laurel, 1, 26001 Logroño, La Rioja

It's truly a hole in the wall and easy to overlook. Traditional Bar Cid features vines and grapes hanging from the wooden beam ceiling above the same pair of men who frequent the bar every night.

They serve up one pincho only:

grilled mushrooms (setas a la plancha).

"Setas refer to all types of mushrooms that are not the typical white button mushrooms (champiñones)."

Share a large plate of grilled setas with friends. For a mini sandwich, spear one or two pieces with a toothpick and place them between two slices of crispy bread. The garlic wine sauce soaks into the bread as you take a bite, creating a satisfying and tasty pincho.

LETRAS DE LAUREL

Calle del Laurel 22, 26001 Logroño, La Rioja

+34 941 28 96 80

This modern bar features a restaurant in the back. One of its specialities is a pincho called "piruleta de solomillo Ibérico," which is an Ibérico pork lollipop that is grilled and topped with a mushroom sauce. This dish is one of the most popular pinchos on Calle Laurel, making it a must-try.

BAR PÁGANOS Calle del Laurel 22, 26001 Logroño, La Rioja +34 606 28 70 95

This place is just a little hole-in-the-wall. The chistorra hot dogs (€2.20) and very tasty pinchos muronos are not to be missed. They are all made freshly to order.

BAR JUBERA

Calle del Laurel, 18, 26001 Logroño, La Rioja +34 941 24 52 14

A bustling bar specialising in patatas bravas with excellent spicy sauce. You must fight your way to the bar to order. For extra heat, ask for “muy picante.”

Like most bars here, they also serve a perfect, well-priced glass of the local Rioja.

BAR TORRECILLA

Calle del Laurel 15, 26001 Logroño, La Rioja

+34 608 34 46 94

We would have happily enjoyed nearly every item on their 16-item menu. They offered mini hamburgers and anchoas con pimientos verdes (anchovies with green peppers), all served on slices of bread.

Solomillo con una crema de barbacoa (fillet steak served with a BBQ cream sauce)

Queso con una rodaja de tomate y una pieza caramelizada de jamón ibérico (cheese with a slice of tomato and a caramelised piece of Jamón Ibérico).

That said, the must-try pincho here is the Foie Gras with caramelised onion marmalade.

For drinks, you can choose cider, beer, or wine. There are no pinchos on display at the bar; each order is prepared fresh.

BAR ÁNGEL

Calle del Laurel 12, 26001 Logroño, La Rioja

+34 941 20 63 55

This bar specialises in serving mushroom pinchos alongside a selection of wines from La Rioja. Located in the heart of Calle Laurel, it features large mushroom caps grilled on a plancha, topped with garlic butter and a small shrimp. The pinchos are presented skewered on a piece of bread.

Just go to the bar and order champi, or point at the plancha to the lady cooking.

You can sit or stand indoors, but the atmosphere is much more enjoyable when you're outside with the crowds on Calle Laurel.

JUAN Y PINCHAMÉ

Calle del Laurel 9, 26001 Logroño, La Rioja

+34 678 58 96 33

Situated in the centre of Calle Laurel, this bar specialises exclusively in grilled shrimp and pineapple skewers. The flavours blend perfectly, with the shrimp absorbing a sweet taste and the pineapple turning savoury and caramelised. Bread is also provided to soak up the delicious juices.

D.O. LAUREL

Calle del Laurel 4, 26001 Logroño, La Rioja

+34 941 70 05 93

An excellent spot for enjoying both modern and classic pinchos of exceptional quality. Their speciality is a layered liquid tortilla served in a small bowl, available in variations with just egg and potato, or with added cheese or ham.

LA TAVINA

Calle del Laurel 2, 26001 Logroño, La Rioja

+34 941 102 300

Sleek, shiny, and contemporary, La Tavina is a bar, wine shop, and Restaurant in one, on three levels.

The pinchos are made with locally sourced ingredients, especially the vegetables, and include dishes like grilled sardines served with pisto. They also offer dessert pinchos, featuring deliciously gooey brownies and creamy cheesecakes. Additionally, the wine shop boasts a selection of over 500 wine varieties, making it an excellent place to purchase a bottle of Rioja’s famous wine to take home.

A glass of Rioja Tinto costs €1.

The street is bustling on Friday and Saturday evenings, but some bars may close on Monday and Tuesday.