Apotheke Cocktail Bar

Apotheke is a speakeasy-style cocktail bar on Calle Císcar, number 18, in Valencia's Eixample district, a few minutes on foot from Plaza de Cánovas and the northern edge of Ruzafa. From the street there is little to give it away: the bar sits behind a curtain and, in keeping with the speakeasy idea, guests are asked for a password at the door. The current word is usually shared through the bar's own channels, so check its Instagram or booking page before you go. The name is simply the German word for pharmacy.

Inside, the room is small and intimate, with space for roughly 60 people, low lighting and a look inspired by the 1920s Prohibition era. It is a place for sitting down rather than dancing: tables and the bar counter fill up with couples and small groups who come for a slow drink and a long conversation. The soundtrack leans towards lounge and jazz, kept at a level where you can still talk without raising your voice.

The focus is the cocktail list. Apotheke works with signature creations built around ingredients such as mezcal, matcha, yuzu or rhubarb, alongside well-made classics like a whisky sour or a daiquiri with a twist. The bar takes part in international cocktail moments such as Negroni Week and has hosted guest bartenders from other bars, so the menu changes over time. To eat there are small plates for sharing: charcuterie, gildas, cheese, olives and crisps.

The crowd is a mix of locals and visitors, and the bar presents itself as open and welcoming to everyone, including the LGBTQ+ community. There is no strict dress code, but people usually dress smart rather than sporty, which suits the setting. Entry is for adults over 18. Cocktails generally cost between 12 and 20 euros, in line with other craft cocktail bars in the city.

Practical tips: because the room is small, booking ahead is recommended, especially on Friday and Saturday nights; reservations are taken through the bar's website and by phone. It opens in the evening and the schedule has changed over time, so confirm the current hours before heading out. Apotheke works well as a first or last stop of the night. Many people combine it with dinner in Ruzafa or Cánovas and then continue to the bars and clubs around Plaza de Cánovas and Calle Conde de Altea, all within walking distance.