In Barcelona, a bar is much more than just a bar.
These authentic bars in Barcelona are the places where the city’s real life runs: wine cellars lost in time, friends raising glasses and old marble tables topped with vermouth and tapas. Shrimp heads and napkins on the floor are just a sign of good food, any regular would say. And crossing the door means it’s time to be a local, order a caña, and let the Spanglish flow.
Here are some of the most authentic bars in Barcelona for you to explore:
QUIMET & QUIMET
Perhaps the most famous bodega in Barcelona. For four generations Quimet & Quimet has been pouring wines, vermouths, beers and delicatessen treats in the vibrant quarter of Poble Sec. A must do for locals and visitors alike.
BAR BODEGA QUIMET
This wine cellar is not to be missed by anybody who’s around the Gràcia quarter. A traditional tapas joint with the authentic Spanish flare and a lovely selection of local appetizers, embutidos (cold cuts), papas arrugás, and the best cheeses from Extremadura.
LA COVA FUMADA
Founded in 1944 in the fisherman district of La Barceloneta, this old and family ran wine cellar is the last of its kind. Famous for its fish tapas and their incredible bombas (bombs): a potato ball stuffed with meat and a spicy touch.
LA BODEGA D’EN RAFEL
The resurrection of a 1970’s classic tapas joint in the up and coming area of Sant Antoni, this is THE spot for local hipsters and all-time common wanderers. Worth for the friendly bartenders, cheap drinks, nice tapas and the kitsch touch of its original 70’s decor.
EL MORRO FI
Since 2010 El Morri Fi brings back the vermouth tradition. A tiny place where locals go to savor a selection of artisan vermouths, anchovies and other quality canned foods as olives or clams: a local ritual before lunch or dinner.
VELODROMO
Historical meeting point for Barcelona’s intellectuals, thru its history this beautiful building has been the perfect hideaway to gossip, play card games and grab a bite. Furbished in Art Deco style this classy joint is a locals pride and the right place to quench the thirst for good tapas, any time of day.
Open non-stop from 6AM to 3AM.
BAR TOMÁS
Tomás has a well deserved reputation for serving the best Patatas Bravas in Spain. A longstanding bar in the former village of Sarrià, what this place lacks in glamour, it compensates in their bravas, delighting the local high society for a very long time.
BAR CALDERS
Casual and charming spot to enjoy local and foreign flavors by the Sant Antoni market, one of the coolest quarters of the city. Nice and cozy terrace with a fantastic selection of artisan beers. Show up early, it gets packed quickly.
BIER CAB
Awarded the best beer bar in Spain, Bier Cab is, no doubt, Barcelona’s temple of craft beer. About 30 pumps are waiting for those who love to taste and discover these fermented wonders, locally and internationally brewed.
