Rincón in a Bottle aka La Estación

If you had two words to describe iconic Rincón, what would they be? For many, they would be Tres Palmas. For others, El Faro. Maybe Playa Steps. But think about it. Two words that encompass history and that vibe that is purely Rincón. La Estación. 

Let that sink in for a minute.

You see, we are not just talking about the dive bar that we all love. We are talking about 107 years of history.

We recently sat down to chat with Manny, to be clear, our local rockstar Manny, to talk about the past, the present, and the future.

If you have ever walked into La Estación, and if you have not, you should, you can feel it. That sense of “if those walls could talk.” It is a place where you can still get a cheap beer, a fair price for a drink, a good song on the jukebox, and a conversation with a complete stranger.

Everyone Is Welcome

No judgment. Whether you are a politician, celebrity, tourist, local, rich, poor, or just an average Joe like most of us, everyone is the same within those walls.

In fact, that is pretty much their motto: “There are no strangers at La Estación, only friends you haven’t met.” And that right there is the essence of Rincón. Everyone finds their way to this little corner of the island for their own reasons, but if you don’t get that, you are missing out.

A Community Hub Since 1918

La Estación wasn’t always a bar. However, it has always been a community hub and gathering place.

In 1918, just after the earthquake and tsunami that devastated much of Western Puerto Rico, Manny’s great grandfather opened a general store. The old train station was nearby, where the Cooperativa stands today. This family has been serving Rincón in one way or another for longer than almost all of us have been alive.

There are still reminders of the original general store. Even today, you can grab your fishing tackle at La Estación.

The Wisdom That Shaped It All

In the early 1970s, Manny’s very wise grandfather turned the spot into the iconic bar that it is today. Why do we say wise? Well, besides the obvious fact that this place is still here today, wisdom seems to run in the family. 

You see, Manny’s great grandfather owned a lot of land; beachfront property that today would be worth millions. Or would it?

He sold it for basically pennies, saying, that the ocean will take it away. “It kind of makes me mad,” Manny laughs.

But without getting political or preachy, he was right. Somehow, that wisdom is going to be the thing that protects this family’s future generations from what may come. His wisdom and practicality define the Lorenzo family. It is a family that has lived, worked, struggled, thrived, and survived in this town for over 100 years. As Manny makes clear, and history shows, they are not trying to exploit Rincón. It’s not about dollar signs.

Keeping It in the Family

Around 1989, Manny’s dad, also named Manny, took over. The date is not exact because, as family businesses go, responsibilities shift over time. More than 35 years later, he is still at it, manning the bar and making everyone feel welcome during the day hours at La Estación.

He is there to welcome fishermen, tourists, and locals who just need a spot to unwind, whether it is just a moment to put down the cell phone and have a conversation, or a much-needed respite.

At night, you will find Manny, yes, that Manny, behind the bar most of the time. Since he took over the bar management, he has been bringing new energy to La Estación. Some nights you will find him jumping from behind the bar for a quick change of clothes before he performs live. We saw him do exactly that earlier this year at a Se Vende show. And that is exactly the energy that this fourth generation brings to this Rincón icon.

Same, Same, but Different

So, we asked what’s next. The answer is that La Estación is exactly the same as it has always been. Same, same, but different.

What is the same? These guys are an institution. The one thing that has remained steady as the world, and Rincón, have changed. They are more than the local watering hole. Friendships, marriages, babies, and maybe even a few divorces, have come from this spot. La Estación is a place where people can find simplicity in a world that feels complicated.

What’s New This Season

What’s new? A lot, actually.

Manny has a whole agenda of exciting things coming this season, both for La Estación and his own musical journey. On tap are their New Year’s Eve Bash, more details soon, Gringo Mania, burlesque, and a full schedule of events for the season.  We told you; this place has something for everyone.

What else? Jack’s Shack has recently opened a second spot in front of La Estación. They are there slinging your favorites from 3 pm to midnight most days.

This season, La Estación will be open Monday through Friday, with special late-night events on Saturdays. On weekdays, the law requires that they close by midnight. If things are happening, they will be open until then. If not, consider yourself lucky that you can experience the old Rincón. If you are there, they will be there. If not, come back tomorrow.

Stay tuned for all the upcoming events.

Oh yeah, and musically, you will just have to wait and see. But we are pretty sure you are going to be stoked about what is coming.

Nothing More, Nothing Less

La Estación is not trying to be trendy. It is not trying to reinvent itself. It doesn’t have to. It has already stood the test of time. In a town that keeps changing, it remains a place where everyone belongs. And maybe that is why, when you think about Rincón, the answer is simple. La Estación.