Arraun — Restaurant in San Sebastián

Go here. My girlfriend and I came to this cocktail bar knowing that beer, wine, and vermouth were the standards in San Sebastian, however the cocktails here proved more than worth a stop. Mikel - the owner and bar manager - made us the most phenomenal mezcal drink and old fashioned we've had in a long time. We live in LA, so we're familiar with expensive bars and exclusively trained bar tenders, but Mikel was on another level. He traveled abroad for over 17 years training all over the place, before returning to San Sebastian. He brings an incredible knowledge of local and foreign liquors and experimental cocktails, and has a tender appreciation for the classics. Our mezcal cocktail, the Al Green, was tart and boozy - beautifully garnished with wasabi peas. Served in a coupe glass, it was a deep green, but tasted of the floral and bitter notes of the mezcal with citrus and savory notes. Any mezcal or margarita lover would love it. The old fashioned was served as it should be - with a massive rock and a heavy shake of bitters. The orange garnish and local cherry set off the bourbon perfectly. On your quest for pintxos and dinner in San Sebastian, make a point to stop and see...

Easily the best cocktail bar in San Sebastián, perhaps my favourite cocktail bar experience ever. It's a little 15-20 cover room on the West edge of the old town, with atmospheric lighting, music at about the right volume, and, when we were there, one mixologist-barman behind the bar. Turns out this local man, also the manager and owner, has been round the world and back again, working at some of the most prestigious bars in London and elsewhere. He's returned to build a menu of classics and his own inventions and twists, all of which he does with a rare precision and professionalism, but without pomposity, pretension, or fussiness. The cocktails range from about €8 to €12 - just look up how much you'll pay at some of the other (far less classy and interesting) bars around town. He's got a bottle of just about everything behind him, he literally knows all there is to know about drinks (just test him on rare amaros!) and drinking with him feels like a treat. For us, it was some of the most fun we...

From the moment you step into the micro realm of Arraun, all your senses are awakened.The ambience and mood stsrt the journey with great decor, funky music and attendant bar staff.I don't like to call these guys bar staff as the reality is they are true,committed artists with your choice of poison being their tapestry. Whilst their are eclectic, creative cocktails on the menu. The team can rip up anything else Furthermore, the selection of liquors on offer in line with the artists knowledge of each one is extremely refreshing and allows you to either find comfort in a favourite or try a new delight . The customer service is above and beyond , from greetings and first meetings, to returning customers. Even when returns are years apart. The attention to detail, the smiles and chats, the unique cocktails and ambience will bring you back many times. By the way, best Pina Colada in all my travels, I'm still thinking about it.. Enjoy the visit of the best bar by far on that side of...