EBG Rating: 8.5/10

Choice/Quality of Drinks:
❤️❤️❤️
Style/Décor:
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Atmosphere/Character:
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Amenities/Events:
❤️❤️❤️❤️
Value For Money:
❤️❤️❤️

Description:
Jerez’s most emblematic bar that for many is the starting point of the Tabanco. This term originated from Jerez and the surrounding sherry towns and villages as a portmanteau between shop and tobacconist. These places, like Bodegas became bars as off-sales morphed organically into taverns. There are many in Jerez but El Pasaje is the most famous, perhaps as they combine their tavern with Flamenco, performed daily.

Opening in 1925, the building had hosted several businesses before then. Some like Pandilla and San Pablo are based in former sherry houses where the barrels were stored in the solera system. Here though, the operation began as a shop then tavern.

These days El Pasaje is known for Flamenco above all else. A group of musicians on retainer perform daily. If you go online there is a suggestion this works like a Tablao, with seat reservations and dining. While this is true – there is a small stage and furniture positioned in front of it, there is no requirement to stay for a set dinner. In fact, the majority on our several visits linger at the bar.

An L-shaped pub with two entrances on two streets, impressive ornate Art Nouveau signage immediately draws the eye. Inside, lime green, Flamenco artwork and rustic beams and fixtures set the scene. There’s a long bar – which is handy for access during busier times.

You’ll find the tapas selection here higher priced for fairly modest quality, but the drinks remain affordable and given you are also getting to experience the Flamenco, you can regard that as part of the price of admission.

As with many institutions, it has a gravitational pull and keeps more accessible hours than some. The staff were also friendly and engaging, quickly recognising me on my return visits.

Although geared to visitors as much as locals, Jerez is not overrun and we still found 80-90% of customers either locals or Spanish on our 7…or was it 8 visits.

You can visit more local places – and we’ll tell you about them – but this is undoubtedly the city’s reference point.

(Added July 2026)