Legendary Café Bar El Nido Closes in San Sebastián After 107 Years. Café Bar El Nido, which had been operating in the center of San Sebastián since 1917, has closed due to the owners’ retirement. The premises are already up for rent, and the city loses another iconic spot with a century-long history.
On Wednesday evening, the doors of Café Bar El Nido—one of San Sebastián's oldest and most iconic establishments—closed on Larramendi Street. The bar, which opened in 1917, operated for over a century and became part of the city's landscape, but now its story has come to an end: the current owners have decided to retire.
The reason for closing was not a lack of customers or financial difficulties, but rather the age and fatigue of the managers. This situation is typical for many traditional Spanish establishments, where businesses have been run by the same family or couple for decades. Now, the 150 m² venue with its active license and historic interiors is up for rent at €5,000 per month.
A unique atmosphere
Café Bar El Nido was always more than just a bar. It was valued not only for its drinks but also for its ambiance: a long nine-meter alpaca bar counter, classic furniture, vintage posters on the walls, music, and regular patrons created a unique space for socializing. On social media, it was described as a place where “a well-poured pint, a proper gin and tonic, coffee, and conversations with friends—that’s what El Nido is all about.”
History and continuity
The bar was founded by Simona Aperte from Aragon and in its early years operated as a cider house and tavern with affordable prices. In the 1930s, management passed to Pascual Miguel Calvo and Maria Vare, who carried out a major renovation and made the famous shiny counter the establishment's hallmark. In 1985, Óscar Grao and Bittor Gárate updated the format, adding elements of a café and pub, and in recent years the bar has been run by Óscar and his wife Flora González, maintaining a loyal clientele.
What awaits the premises
The El Nido premises are now being offered to new renters as a turnkey establishment with valid licenses for the bar and terrace. The listing highlights that no additional investment is needed—operations can start immediately. Its advantages include the historic counter, classic interior, and central city location.
El Nido's closure coincided with the departure of two other long-standing San Sebastián establishments—the Ekaitz-Polipaso restaurant and the Yarza hardware store. This underscores a trend: the city is gradually losing traditional venues that have shaped its character and atmosphere for decades.
According to Talent24h, the fate of El Nido now depends on whether a new tenant is found who is ready to preserve the spirit of the place or turn it into something new. For many residents of San Sebastián, the disappearance of such establishments is a significant loss for urban life.
