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Cocktail barModern pintxo counter
La Cuchara de San Telmo on Calle 31 de Agosto in San Sebastian, open since 1999, pairs the made-to-order pintxos with a Rioja-leaning by-the-glass list.
DrinkHalf-bottle of Rioja with the carrillera
FoodModern Basque made-to-order pintxos
TipThe carrillera with a Rioja red is the canonical Cuchara order. Queue early.
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Cocktail barWhisky and cocktail bar
Museo del Whisky on the Boulevard in San Sebastian's Old Town displays 3,400 whisky bottles across two floors, including the world's smallest.
DrinkWhisky from the 3,400-bottle display
FoodSnacks
TipOwner Paul Bordonaba mixes cocktails at the upstairs bar; the basement is the piano room.
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Cocktail barNightclub
Bataplan on Paseo de la Concha in San Sebastian is the city's well-known 1990s house-music nightclub, with spectacular night views over La Concha bay.
DrinkCocktails over La Concha bay
FoodNone
TipOpens 00:30 Thursday to Saturday in summer. Dress smart; the door is selective.
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Cocktail barPintxo and Txakoli bar
Atari Gastroteka on Calle Mayor in San Sebastian's Old Town pours Txakoli from height across the city's busiest standing-room terrace on the steps.
DrinkTxakoli poured from height
FoodModern pintxos and brochettes
TipTerrace fills first; the Friday and Saturday close is 02:30.
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Cocktail barPintxo bar
Bar Sport on Fermin Calbeton in San Sebastian's Old Town pours a steady cana and Txakoli with grilled foie and stuffed squid pintxos, the classic.
DrinkHouse Txakoli
FoodFoie a la plancha, txipiron stuffed with crab
TipOpen daily until midnight. Counter standing only.
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Cocktail barCraft beer bar
Mala Gissona Beer House in San Sebastian's Gros, a hundred metres from Zurriola beach, runs 12 draught taps with the house Oiartzun brewery beers plus 150.
DrinkMala Gissona house IPA on draught
FoodAsian-leaning bar snacks
TipIndustrial-minimalist room; the brewery flights are the value pour. Open daily.