# El Gato Volador — Bilbao

El Gato Volador is a Bar & grill in Abando, Bilbao. 4.9★ from 113 Google reviews. Data as of 2026-08-13.

Locals come back for the burgers and nachos—both made with care and local ingredients—and they stay for the bartender who treats every drink and plate like it matters. It's unpretentious and it delivers.

## Go if
Walk in Friday or Saturday lunchtime when you want excellent nachos and a burger without the evening noise, or Thursday after 4:30pm when it's still quiet.

## At a glance
| Signal | Value |
|---|---|
| Rating | 4.9★ from 113 Google reviews |
| Momentum | 6 substantial reviews in the last 90 days |
| Hot Score | 38.1 |
| Chart history | 15 weeks on the Hot List, peak #3 |
| Rating trend | +0.78 over the trailing window |

## What stands out
- **Burgers and nachos that justify the trip** — Five separate reviews specifically praised the burgers ('one of the best burgers I've ever had', 'the meat was fantastic'), and three called the nachos exceptional. One reviewer noted 'there are only two places in Bilbao to eat good nachos. This is one of them.' Made with local ingredients and care.
- **Service that notices details** — A reviewer noted 'the guy who served us poured our drinks with great care, paying attention to every detail, and the beer was perfectly poured.' Another called the service 'impeccable.' The owner is described as 'welcoming and friendly, which is sometimes lacking in other bars.
- **Well-executed cocktails and beer selection** — Mojitos are 'perfectly prepared', cocktails are 'fantastic', and the beer range includes craft options on tap and canned, kept fresh. One reviewer specifically praised 'great selection of craft beers' and highlighted the quality of pours.

## What people say
> "Excellent place!" — Cristina L., 2026-01-11

## Good to know
| | |
|---|---|
| Categories | Bar & grill, Cocktail bar |
| Best for | Lunch with friends, Casual dinner, Group hangout, Late-night food, Solo bar visit |
| Where | Abando, Bilbao — Printzipe Kalea, 3, bajo derecha, Abando, 48001 Bilbao, Biscay, España |

## Opening hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 17:00–23:00 |
| Tuesday | 17:00–23:00 |
| Wednesday | 17:00–23:00 |
| Thursday | 16:30–1:00 |
| Friday | 12:00–2:30 |
| Saturday | 12:00–2:30 |
| Sunday | 12:00–23:30 |

## Common questions
**What's the best time to go if you want a quieter experience?**

Lunch—reviewers mention it's quiet on Sunday afternoons and weekday lunch hours. Evenings get 'excessively noisy in the late afternoon and evening' according to one regular.

**Do I need to book a table?**

No. It's a counter-service bar—you walk in, order at the bar, no reservations taken. Arrive during lunch or early evening to avoid waiting.

**What should I order?**

The burgers (both on bread and brioche) and nachos are the standouts—reviewers call them 'amazing' and made with local ingredients. Wings and tacos also get praise. One reviewer ordered vermouth with homemade chips and called it 'delicious.

**What are the opening hours?**

Weekdays 5pm–11pm (Thursday until 1am), Friday and Saturday noon–2:30am, Sunday noon–11:30pm. Closed Mondays–Wednesdays before 5pm.

**Are dogs allowed?**

Yes. Dogs are allowed inside and outside.

## Contact
- **Website**: [elgatovoladorbar.com](https://elgatovoladorbar.com/)
- **Phone**: +34 639 17 62 74

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Source: [DondeOndeWhere](https://www.donde-onde-where.com/venue/ChIJXQFoWQlPTg0RXkFJMyhkewU) — independent restaurant & bar Hot Lists ranked from real Google reviews with a transparent Hot Score. No editorial picks, no paid placements.