Review: El Batey

First impression?
Graffiti covers the walls of El Batey, a legendary little dive in Puerto Rico's Old San Juan. It's dark, rough, and grimy—the floor is perpetually sticky with spilled drinks and the room smells musty—but there's a vintage jukebox, a pool table, and a grungy charm that will make you want to stick around.

So who’s there?
Cigarette-puffing locals and Medalla-swigging expats, plus tourists and off-duty cruise-ship crews.

How are the drinks?
$3 beers and basic rum drinks—think the Cuba Libres (a rum and Coke with lime juice).

How did you find the staff?
Relaxed and friendly. Service is swift as can be.

What's the bottom line?
Come here if you've had too many overpriced, umbrella-topped frozen cocktails—or come if you're the type of person who would never touch an overpriced, umbrella-topped frozen cocktail to begin with. Bring a friend who appreciates a good dive.