Bar Charly is a bar in Casco Viejo, Bilbao. Rated 4 stars from 1166 Google reviews. Known for pintxos—especially croquetas and pork belly and warm, attentive staff. Best for pintxo hopping and casual evening drinks.
Rankings updated May 2026
Bar Charly
| Rating | 4.0★ |
| Reviews | 1,166 |
| Best for | Pintxo hopping |
Quick Verdict
A corner-of-the-plaza discovery where large, carefully made pintxos and warm service justify the central Bilbao location.
You want large, well-made pintxos and two-for-one beers in a corner of Plaza Berria that feels like a local secret.
About Bar Charly
Bar Charly sits tucked into Plaza Berria's porticoes in Casco Viejo, a corner discovery that rewards the curious. The pintxos here are the draw—large, generously loaded, and executed with care. Croquetas de boletus, jamón, and bacalao appear consistently in praise; the crispy pork belly is described as "pure alchemy," skin shattering under the tooth. Tortilla de patatas con cebolla, langostino with courgette and cheese, and morcilla round out a menu that balances tradition with invention. Vegetarian options are available. The staff—warm, attentive, and unhurried—set a tone that feels unhurried even during Saturday rushes. Two-for-one beer deals signal the house philosophy: unpretentious, a little mischievous, the sort of place where "just one more" becomes inevitable. Prices align with the central location and quality on the plate. The space is small, with limited indoor seating; the terraza is where the real magic happens on warm evenings, especially after dark when the plaza quiets.
What Stands Out
Pintxos—especially croquetas and pork belly
Croquetas de bacalao, jamón, and boletus appear across multiple 5-star reviews; pork belly skin described as 'pure alchemy, shattering under your teeth.'
Warm, attentive staff
Reviewers consistently praise camareros as 'un encanto,' 'simpático,' and 'excepcional,' with service holding steady even during busy Saturday service.
Value and two-for-one beer deals
Multiple reviews cite 'muy buena relación calidad precio' and note promotional offers like 6 pintxos for €15.95; pricing described as 'acordes a su entorno.'
Practical Information
Contact
Frequently Asked Questions about Bar Charly
The croquetas—especially bacalao, jamón, and boletus—are consistently praised. The crispy pork belly is a house signature, with skin that shatters under the tooth. Langostino with courgette and cheese, and morcilla are also recommended by regulars.
Yes. The bar has limited indoor seating but a terraza on Plaza Berria. The outdoor space is especially pleasant in the evening when the plaza quiets, and it's where much of the atmosphere happens.
Yes, the menu includes several vegetarian pintxo options. Staff are happy to advise on choices.
Prices are fair for the central Casco Viejo location and quality of the food. Promotional offers—like 6 pintxos for €15.95—appear regularly. Two-for-one beer deals are standard.
Yes, though the indoor space is small. Groups work best on the terraza or by standing at the bar. The pintxo format suits sharing and grazing.
Yes. One reviewer noted bringing their dog inside without issue, suggesting a relaxed, pet-friendly policy.
Also in Casco Viejo
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