Bar Facal is a cafe located in the centre of Montevideo, Uruguay. The bar has operated in various forms along 18 de Julio for over 140 years serving up the best of Uruguayan cuisine.

Originally opened in 1882 as a chocolate and sweets factory, it would later convert first into El Facal and then finally Bar Facal later on in the 20^th century. The bar is recognized as Montevideo’s oldest bar in the city centre and definitely its most popular.

Apart from serving great coffee, Bar Facal also features a comprehensive menu and a great selection of drinks. The bar features a large indoor area and a sizable outdoor section that is served excellently by the bar’s exceptional waitstaff.

Unfortunately, much of the interior of the bar appears to have been renovated since our last visit, a questionable decision given this is supposed to be Montevideo’s oldest bar. This effort to modernise was unnecessary and has definitely taken away much of the bar’s old-world charm.

Be sure to check out the statue of famous tango musician Carlos Gardel and the Fuente de los Candados when you leave, two great photo ops located just outside the front entrance.