A town devoted to the pursuit of hot times, Alicante never lacks a bar. You can find alcohol and socializing at almost any time of the day or night. One of the town's densest concentrations of watering holes lies adjacent to the port. Night owls wander from one bar to the next along the length of Muelle del Puerto (a stretch of pavement also known as the Explanada d'Espanya). There are at least 20 nightspots that rock through the night. The most popular and visible are Bar Potato, where tapas are consumed with something approaching vigor; and Puerto di Rana. Their addresses are all Muelle del Puerto s/n, and they have no phones. Also consider the bar at one of our favorite restaurants, La Dársena.
Alternatively, walk through the narrow streets of Alicante's Casco Antiguo. Streets particularly rich in bodegas and tavernas include Calle Laboradores, Calle Cien Fuegos, and Plaza Santísima Faz. We usually prefer to wander aimlessly through this district, popping in and out wherever we feel most comfortable. If you want to plan ahead, consider El Mesón, at Calle Laboradores 23; and El Pote Gallego, Plaza Santísima Faz 6 (tel. 96-520-80-84).
The evening starts at one of several bars. Among the most popular is Caníbal Pub, César Elguezabal 26 (no phone), open Monday to Thursday 10pm to 3am, and Friday and Saturday 10pm to 5am.
