A beach bar dream on Playa Mansa in José Ignacio — sandy floor, surfboards, hammocks, perfect rabas (squid rings), clericó cocktails, and the most fashionable crowd on the Uruguayan coast. Best for sunset drinks sliding into dinner.
Why It Belongs on the List
La Susana is the archetypal chic beach bar of José Ignacio — tucked between sand dunes on Playa Mansa, its pine-plank structure decorated with surfboards and sofas to sink into, a sandy floor underfoot and the ocean in front. The rabas (squid rings) are the best in the region; the clericó (wine punch) is the right drink. Chef María Elena Marfetán sources blue crab and shrimp from Lake Rocha (two hours away) for the evening menu when the catch is good. The crowd is described as 'hip and beautiful.' Arrive before sunset, order drinks, and let lunch slide into dinner.
What Stands Out
- Most fashionable beach bar in José Ignacio
- Sandy floors with surfboards and hammocks
- Known for standout rabas (fried squid)
- Clericó (white wine punch)
- Located on Playa Mansa — the sunset side
- Led by Chef María Elena Marfetán
- Blue crab and shrimp when available
- Arrive before sunset