Bodega Valero: 39 Years of History and a Family Legacy in the Heart of Valencia

The legendary Bodega Valero, run by the Abizanda brothers, celebrates 39 years as a unique meeting point in the city.

Image of the interior of a traditional bodega with wooden barrels and a bar, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
IA

Image of the interior of a traditional bodega with wooden barrels and a bar, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Bodega Valero, an emblematic establishment in Valencia, celebrates 39 years of history under the direction of the Abizanda brothers, offering a unique space full of stories for local clientele.

Bodega Valero, a true neighborhood icon, has completed 39 years of history thanks to the dedication of the Abizanda brothers. One of the brothers, known for his energetic character, remains in constant motion during lunchtime, serving customers with speed and a particular sense of humor. The establishment, far from being a conventional bar, is a legendary bodega that has managed to preserve its essence over the decades.
The interior of the bodega is a picturesque space, filled with memories adorning the walls: banknotes from different countries, beer bottles, siphons, and humorous signs. In a small lounge, a panel displays faded photographs from the establishment's tenth anniversary, celebrated between 1987 and 1997. However, what truly makes Bodega Valero unique is its clientele, especially in the afternoons, when the place fills with singular characters.

"If you leave, I close."

one of the Abizanda brothers
The brothers opened the bodega in 1987. One of them, born in San Sebastián, lived there for only two years before moving to Valencia, his mother's hometown and where his brother was born. After living in several cities, they returned to Valencia and decided to open a hospitality business. They found a bodega that was being transferred, called Casa Valero, and renamed it Bodega Valero, maintaining the original spirit of the place, which was formerly the home of the family who ran it.
Over the years, the bodega has been a cultural meeting point, hosting concerts by groups such as Los pájaros del folk, Licor de fardacho, and Lo tumbao. Music has always been a fundamental part of the atmosphere, with a selection ranging from jazz to rock. The brothers fondly recall their youth, when people were happier and went out more, and emphasize that they have never compromised with football, refusing to show matches on the local television.
The bodega has received recognitions such as a Sorell Repsol in 2024, a testament to its quality and service. One of the brothers, who handles the mornings, remembers how his brother asked him to cover for him so he could study. This decision forged a commitment that has kept the bodega open to this day. Their 91-year-old mother continues to be an important figure in the life of the bodega, visiting them daily and being received with affection and humor.