Bar Casa Julio

Bar Casa Julio is a small tapas bar at Calle Hermosa, 5, in the centre of Granada, Andalusia, Spain, a short walk from Bodegas Castañeda and Plaza Nueva. It belongs to the city's free-tapa tradition, in which each drink arrives with a small plate of food at no extra charge, and it is best known for fried fish. The kitchen's specialty is Andalusian fried fish tapas, and the standout is battered fried fish served with a slaw-style side, alongside fried anchovies. These are simple dishes that depend on fresh product and hot oil, and they have made the bar a regular recommendation for visitors looking for an inexpensive, local-style meal in the historic centre. The dining room is compact and informal. Space is limited to a counter and a handful of tables, so the atmosphere is crowded, noisy and friendly, with no dress code and little ceremony. Drinks are standard for a Granada tapas bar: caña (small draught beer), house wine and soft drinks, each paired with the free tapa. Reservations are not taken, so the bar operates on a walk-in basis. Because of its size, waiting for a spot at the counter is common at peak hours, especially in the evening and at weekends. Typical spending is about €8–€14 (roughly $9.20–$16.10) per person. Opening hours are generally Tuesday to Saturday from 13:00 to 16:00 and from 20:30 to midnight, and Sunday from 13:00 to 16:00, with the bar closed on Monday; visitors should confirm these times locally before making a special trip. The bar suits travellers who want to work through several fried specialities in a short time. Many visitors pair a drink here with a visit to the nearby bodega for a mini tapas crawl in the Calle Elvira and Plaza Nueva area, taking one or two drinks at each stop. Orders of an extra ración of fried fish stretch a free tapa into a full meal while keeping the bill modest.