Barcelona Bars
Barcelona does not have the bar culture associated with the rest of Spain.
However, with a little research there are plenty to satisfy all tastes.
The most popular spots for foreign visitors seems to be the Irish pubs off C/Ferran. These places are
very expensive but then again so is everywhere else in this area so if it's
'craic' you're after then try out Molly Malones which is packed day and
night with visitors and shows all the British sport on Sky.
Here are a few alternatives you might like to take a look at:
Cafè de l'Opera (La Rambla, 74). The last real 19th century grand café in the city lies
directly opposite the Liceu Opera House. It is the best of the cafés on the
Rambla. Great place for a coffee and croissant in the morning.
Cafè Zurich (Plaza de Catalunya, 1). This bar is an institution in
Barcelona. As you get to the top of the Ramblas at Plaza Catalunya just cross
over to the left and it's there before FNAC. It has always been one of the city's top meeting
places. Take a seat on the outside terrace and watch the life of the Ramblas
over a few beers.
London Bar (C/ Nou de la Rambla, 34). A former hangout of the Picasso and Miró crowd, this
atmospheric bar is well worth a visit. Large screen in the back room and live
music some nights. Good prices but they rise after 9.30pm.
Bar Pastís (Carrer de Santa Mònica, 4). This tiny bar lies down a tiny alley off the bottom
of the Ramblas. Stepping inside is like entering a sailor's bar in the port of
Marseille back in the 1940s. Not surprising really as it was set up by a Catalan
couple who had lived there and modelled the bar on their French connection.
La Vinya del Senyor (Plaza Santa Maria, 5). A great bar for wine
conoisseurs with outside tables looking right at the church of Santa Maria del Mar.
They offer over 300 fine wines as well as cavas and sherries to accompany their
excellent Iberian hams and cheeses.
El Vaso de Oro (C/ Balboa, 6). This narrow beer drinker's bar
brews its own beer which attracts a lively crowd of boozers. Brilliant selection
of tapas to go with the beer.
El Xampanyet (C/ Montcada, 22). This traditional old bar is one of the
city's most famous. A great spot to try Barcelona's typical cava wines along
with light tapas.
Boadas (C/ Tallers, 1). One of Barcelona's most celebrated cocktail
bars based on the Floridita Bar in Havana.
Cava Universal (Plaza Portal de la Pau, 4). At the opposite end of
the Ramblas from Café Zurich this is another great meeting point below the
Columbus statue where you can sit outside and watch the Ramblas.
Les Tapes: A good meeting point for English speakers with English
football on TV, English books and a useful noticeboard for foreigners looking
for Spanish teachers, rooms or jobs in Barcelona.
Bar Celta & La Plata (C/ Merece, 16&18). There is a line of
traditional old drinking bars along C/Mercè, near the port. Bar Celta sells
great seafood tapas and white Galician wines served in the traditional white ceramic cups
whilst the tiny La Plata bar serves just a few fishy tapas with salads and wines from the barrel.
Taverna Basca Irati: Great place to try Basque-style
tapas where you'll see all the tapas displayed along the long bar. Just get a
plate and help yourself then tell the barman what you've had.
Euskal Etxea (Placeta Montacada, 1-3). The best Basque tapas in Barcelona
offering a
huge range of dishes. House favourites include 'pinchos' made from fresh tuna
and others from crab claws.
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