El Manantial: My Favorite Nieghborhood Cantina in San Miguel

El Manantial is my neighborhood spot. It is just two blocks from where I normally live when I’m in San Miguel, so naturally, it has become the place I take almost everyone who visits me. And without fail, they love it.

It is low-key, has a cool, easy vibe, and there is really nothing not to like. The food is good, the drinks are good, and it feels comfortable without trying too hard.

El Manantial has been around since 1920, but it doesn’t feel like a museum piece or a tourist attraction. It feels like a neighborhood cantina that happens to have a lot of history. E. From its blue swinging saloon doors to the dramatic black-and-white wall painting in the front room, it has exactly the kind of character you want in an old San Miguel cantina.

The front room is my favorite. It has the best atmosphere and is where I always want to sit. There is a big bar that is also a great option if you are on your own or with just one other person. What I particularly like about El Manantial is that you can sit at the bar alone and never feel awkward or out of place. There always seems to be someone around to strike up a conversation with.

You will hear plenty of English here, but it isn't annoying or overwhelming. It is more the kind of place where you might end up making a couple of new bar friends while you have a drink.

When I'm with a group, we usually order all the carpaccios: tuna, salmon, octopus and beet. The tostadas are also excellent, and there is plenty on the menu for an easy lunch or dinner without making the whole thing feel too serious.

If you're staying around the El Chorro side of Centro, put it on your list. And if you're traveling alone, don't hesitate to grab a seat at the bar. If you're staying on the other side of town, it's still worth making the trip.

For a perfect evening progression, start with sunset drinks at Núuk, just three blocks away and up high. Then head to El Manantial for dinner, and afterward walk a couple of blocks to San Mezcal for a mezcal tasting. And don't forget to get the Bandito drink at San Mezcal.

• Nüuk rooftop — Montes de Oca 25
• El Manantial — Barranca 78
• San Mezcal — Recreo 88

A note: Don't confuse this El Manantial with La Hija del Manantial, the newer location at Correo 14, closer to the Jardin. They are related, but the experience is quite different. La Hija is much bigger and has a more modern, busy feel, with live music often adding to the atmosphere.