El Gato Volador is a bar & grill in Abando, Bilbao. Rated 4.9 stars from 113 Google reviews. Known for burgers and nachos that justify the trip and service that notices details. Best for lunch with friends and casual dinner.
Rankings updated April 2026
El Gato Volador
Quick Verdict
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.
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.
About El Gato Volador
El Gato Volador is a casual bar in Abando that does small plates and cocktails with genuine care. The counter's where the action is—you order at the bar, watch them work, and eat standing or perched on a stool. The menu's limited (nachos, burgers, wings, tacos, mushroom dishes) but reviewers consistently praise the quality of ingredients and execution. One reviewer noted the owner makes nachos himself when kitchen staff are stretched. The beers are well-chosen—craft options on tap and canned, kept fresh—and the cocktails (mojitos especially) arrive properly made. It's not loud during lunch; evenings get packed and noisy, which reviewers mention as a trade-off. Dogs are welcome inside. The vibe is cosy and relaxed, the kind of place where the bartender's attention to detail matters. Open from noon weekends, 5pm weekdays, late on Fridays and Saturdays.
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.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Reservations
Reservations RecommendedContact
Amenities
Frequently Asked Questions about El Gato Volador
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.
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.
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.'
Weekdays 5pm–11pm (Thursday until 1am), Friday and Saturday noon–2:30am, Sunday noon–11:30pm. Closed Mondays–Wednesdays before 5pm.
Yes. Dogs are allowed inside and outside.
Also in Abando
View all9 venues changed rank in Abando this week → See full zone ranking
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