drinkBarcelona

Welcome!

2015-04-17T03:03:00.008+02:00

Check out our list of bars in the Center of town and also the Born, Gotico and Raval areas. Ex-pats and tourists alike will find our Pub and English Speaking lists useful. If you're looking to venture further afield and find a more authentic Barna drinking experience, then Gracia is the place to head for. For a brief description of all the "barrios" that we cover there's the list of Areas. Finally, check out the list of bars that we think are cool with our Top-10 selection, and our Clubs list if you're looking for places to boogie the night away! Check the menu at the top of every page and the tag cloud on the right for useful links to find what you need.

In each review, you can click on the bar's address to get a map. We give each bar a star rating, which gives a general overall idea of whether we thought the place was any good or not. The euro rating gives you a rough guide to how expensive the bar is. If you would like to automatically receive new bar reviews when we publish them, just click the feed icon and subscribe to drinkBarcelona now

drinkBarcelona Bar Map

2015-01-01T14:23:00.017+01:00

Mobiles : Click here to use Google Map App.

PC / Mac : View Map + Full Bar List

Barramón

2012-02-19T12:04:00.003+01:00

C/ Blai 28 : Paral.lel : Poble Sec
Facebook Page : Tel. 93 442 3080
:
Barramón (not to be confused with Bar Ramón in Sant Antoni) is one of the best Barcelona tapas bars situated on the very cool C/ Blai (the Gracia of Poble Sec). Sit back and chill out on their open terrace and watch the street life of Poble Sec pass by. The speciality tapas from the Canary Islands can be a bit on the pricey side, but all things considered, they are well worth it. Start with tapas and beers at Barramón and then move on down C/ Blai and check out the number of cool bars on this street, ending with Maumau club up on C/ Fontrodona.
Karma

Café Royale

2012-01-22T18:23:00.002+01:00

C/ Nou de Zurbano 3 : Liceu : Drassanes
Café Royale website : Tel. +34 93 318 89 56 : Daily 11pm - 3am.
:
Café Royale is a fun, different type of club / lounge bar, full of locals and tourists alike. It's not a nightclub, but not just a bar either. With a busy bar area up front, tapas next door, and a lounge come dance area with couches in the back, the place offers something for everybody. The bar area finds a pleasant mixture of cultures and languages - fusing tourists and ex-pats together from all over the world, with a generous helping of Catalan locals too. The bar staff speaks English and is friendly and efficient. Café Royale is regaining its popularity, and always gets crowded on the weekends. That's no surprise, as it's one of the grooviest evening club options in town - perfect for chilling out with warm lighting, a good-looking crowd, and irresistible soul, funk and bossa fusions. The programme varies by day – Flamenco Tuesdays, Jazzy Wednesdays, Club Tropicana Thursdays, Clubby Fridays, Funky Saturdays and Housey Sundays - check the website for details.
Karma

Blondie Bar

2011-12-30T18:00:00.000+01:00

C/ d'En Roca 14 : Liceu
www.blondie-bcn.com
:
Like to go against the grain? Feel like you need some 80's punk, but not overtaken by cheap beer, very smelly dogs and cheap patio chairs? Well, Blondie Bar is a great punk / 2-tone themed cocktail bar. Sounds weird - and it is, but in a good way. The music is of course punk, but never really in your face. Mostly you can talk to the resident DJs as they are always near one of the tables there. I personally recommend the Wheels of Steel DJs that play on Wednesdays. Blondie is situated on a quiet street that seems to offer nothing, but don't be deceived - this bar offers a friendly atmosphere, great tunes and the best original cocktails in the city. Just ask for anything with strawberry in it. They're all served up by the Italian barmen, who are real geniuses! The cocktail list is in English and Blondie is just a stone's throw from Las Ramblas. Happy Hour Tuesday-Thursday 7pm-10pm
adventureMan

Bar Lupara

2011-12-15T16:00:00.001+01:00

Plaça Santa Caterina, 2 : Jaume I
Tel. 93 310 5019
:
At any time of year its cool to take a stroll around El Born - one of the more cultural and artistic areas of the city. For the adventurous, there are many hidden bars around the backstreets, and Lupara is one of the more interesting. The bar combines simplicity with a friendly atmosphere and a terrace strategically located behind Santa Caterina Market. The interior is an eclectic mix of film themed cocktail bar and down-to-earth tavern, spread over two floors. The ground floor is slightly larger, though always busy at the weekends, and the upper floor, reached via a tricky spiral staircase, holds more intimate tables and sofas. Lupara is a small, charming, neighbourhood bar with friendly service and locals.
Karma

McCarthy's Irish Bar

2011-11-28T15:16:00.003+01:00

44 Via Laietana : Urquinaona : Jaume I
www.mccarthysbarcelona.com : Tel. +34 932 681 003
:
McCarthy's is an authentic Irish bar between the George Payne (near Urquinaona) and Dunnes (at Jaume I). All three make up a handy triumvirate of decent pubs on Via Laietana, the main street running parallel to Las Ramblas that separates the two major tourist destinations of “El Born” and “El Gotico”. Good deals on cocktails and a top quality pint of Guinness (worth the visit alone) will make you want to stay longer in this friendly place that has a laid back, welcoming feel with a good mix of locals, ex-pats and tourists. The pub itself is of the long & thin variety with extra table seating towards the rear (see the website for more pictures). A couple of TVs and a big screen projector take care of any desired sport event viewing, but they don't overpower the general ambiance, which is geared to socialising and conversation. McCarthy's is perfect as a pit-stop during a busy day sightseeing in the heart of Barcelona, or as a great place to start or end your evening in the city center!
Karma

Elephanta

2011-11-06T20:39:00.005+01:00

Torrent d'en Vidalet 37 : Joanic : Fontana
www.elephanta.cat : Tel. 932 376 906
:
Love gin & tonics? If you're downtown near Plaça Espanya, Xix is recommended; but when in Gracia, Elephanta is the place to head to. Specialising in offering over 36 different gins with various flavour hints: spiced, apple, mandarin, etc. - even rose petal, the Elephanta is a G&T shrine. They also serve a full compliment of cocktails and you can still get a draft beer if that's what you need. At first it's surprising how small the bar is - even the chairs, tables and stools that are curiously low, but perfectably comfortable. In keeping with it's welcoming bohemian atmosphere, there are occasional art exhibitions, film screenings and even live music - though how everyone squeezes in is a miracle! Elephanta is petite and popular - charming and chilled out - a perfect start or end to an intimate evening.
Karma

Mosquito

2011-10-20T20:11:00.003+02:00

C/ Carders 46 : Jaume I : Urquinaona : Arc de Triomf
www.mosquitotapas.com : Tel. 932 687 569
:
Mosquito is a restaurant bar specialising in exotic tapas / dim sum and a great selection of quality bottled beers. All the food is freshly made while-you-wait and is best washed down with some of their european brews. The selection for the tapas certainly makes for a pleasant change from the typical, standard kind available at most restaurant bars. And the beverage choice beats the normal Estrella / Moritz decision - 40 different types in all - be prepared to spend a good 10 minutes making your mind up! The table service is great and the waitresses are friendly and more than willing to help you choose from the Catalan menu, which is particularly vegetarian friendly. Mosquito is a little bit out of the way, but well worth a visit if you fancy something different to the usual tapas bar fare.
Karma

Bar Amsterdam

2011-07-18T22:10:00.002+02:00

C/ d'Arago 305 : Girona : Passeig de Gracia
www.tavernaamsterdam.com : Tel. 93 207 3740
:
As its name suggests, the Amsterdam Bar is a Dutch pub & restaurant which is about five blocks north of Plaça Catalunya. They offer a good range of beers, both on tap and bottled, plus a wide variety of mainly Dutch food with international influences. Obviously, it's a haven for the Dutch ex-pats and tourists who long for their homeland, but it is also a welcoming pub for people of any nationality. In fact, its multi-cultural environment is one of its greatest attractions. For sports fans, there are live sports events shown on big screens, with the expected focus on Dutch football. Bar Amsterdam often offers some good deals on food and drink (check their website for details) and this attracts a young, hip, international crowd. The atmosphere is like the clientèle: fun, laid-back, but lively. Friendly English speaking bar-staff add to the welcoming, casual environment. All in all, Bar Amsterdam is a great place to meet new people in a pub with a uniquely Dutch atmosphere.
Karma

Q-Bar

2011-06-28T23:35:00.002+02:00

C/ d'En Quitana 6 : Liceu : Jaume I
Tel. 93 270 1852
:
This Dutch and Peruvian owned lounge is located right off of Ferran and the Ramblas, making it easy to find from any central location. If you're looking for a place to have a quiet, intimate drink and dinner with that special someone, then this is a beautiful space. It has two floors: on the lower there's a bar as you enter and then an arch that leads to a seating area. On the upper floor there are some small tables with stools and wooden chairs. The bar and restaurant has a comfortable, relaxed but trendy vibe and that atmosphere makes it a popular favourite amongst a mixed crowd of locals and ex-pats. One Q-Bar specialty is the 'Qosmopolitan' - their version of a Cosmo. There's also Heineken and Amstel on draft. Everything is subdued, sensual and dark - surprisingly intimate given its very central location. Q-Bar is a perfect place to lounge and relax with a group of friends, or to get closer to that new squeeze!
Karma

Sol Soler

2011-06-12T16:00:00.000+02:00

Placa del Sol 21 : Fontana : Joanic
Facebook Page : Tel. 93 217 4440
:
A local tapas bar on the corner of the bustling Placa del Sol, with wooden beamed ceilings, old tile floors, wood panelling, and earthy tones. The bar has classic small marble tables and soft lighting to create a pleasant, intimate vibe. Besides an ideal bar to spend time with friends drinking beers, Sol Soler also serves traditional tapas and plenty of vegetarian food options. The portions are good, however the service can be a little slow, but on the other hand, this fits in with the relaxed atmosphere of the place. Sonic sustinence comes in the form of reggae, rock and other eclectic mixes that add to the ambience. The crowd here are quite laid back and it's nicely informal. In short, Sol Soler is a pleasant place - perfect for a beer or glass of red wine with some great tapas to boot!
Karma

Luz de Gas Port Vell

2011-05-31T17:18:00.001+02:00

Moll del Diposit : Barceloneta
www.luzdegas.com : Tel. +34 93 4842326
:
Luz de Gas Port Vell is an ideal destination for a romantic or carefree drink and tapas. This floating barge restaurant & bar is located in the old harbour of Port Vell and is very popular with tourists. It's a unique destination, and the prices reflect that, but it's very well done with a good selection of tapas and wines, all provided with generally good service. Sit on the top deck of this boat and let go of the day's cares. It's easy to relax away from the crowds and let the warm afternoon while away into the evening whilst being cooled by the harbour's gentle sea breeze.
Karma

Ryans Irish Pub

2011-05-22T20:34:00.005+02:00

C/ Paradis, 4 : Jaume I
www.ryanspubs.com : Tel. +34 93 566 8055
:
Ryans Paradis is located very close to Plaza Sant Jaume, in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona. The pub has three floors, all decked out in wood with oak barrel tables and plenty of Irish memorabilia on the walls. There's a pool table upstairs and a large converted cellar downstairs that features live music on certain nights and other events, like stand-up comedy. For the sports fans amongst you, there are six large screens throughout the pub that show all the major sports events. Generally speaking, the upstairs tends to be quieter, with the street level bar being typical of most city center pubs, and downstairs is where the fun and rowdiness happens - especially on the weekends. The staff all speak English and even when it's crowded (which it often is) they do well and service is good. Classic pub grub is available at good prices - check their website. Ryans is frequented by some ex-pats and a few locals, but basically it's lots of tourists and is a favourite with the English (whereas the Yanks tend towards Dunnes nearby). Put that together with cheap drinks during happy hours and you get a lively pub. That may or may not appeal to you: if you're after somewhere a little more tranquilo to take that new intercambio, you might be better advised to try El Nus, but if you're on holiday with the lads and looking for a pub with some of the best beer prices in town and plenty of action, Ryans is a perfect choice.
Karma

El Nus

2011-02-18T14:15:00.001+01:00

C/ Mirallers 5 : Jaume I
Tel. 93 319 5355
:
Open one of the white curtained doors into El Nus and you'll take a step into the past with stone walls, dusty chandeliers and lots of dark wood. A wonderful place to enjoy a quiet drink whilst chatting with friends over the subtle jazz music playing in the background. Here the beer is served in the old fashioned, traditional way with frosted glasses and a small saucer of free nuts. There's a small area to sit at the bar, whilst the other half is split level with a staircase to the low mezzanine directly above a sunken seating area. Very much an old school bar of simple wooden tables and chairs, but decorated with genuine objects d'art and a cash till out of the 50's, this place is perfect to escape the crowd and enjoy the simpler pleasures of life.
Karma

Dunnes Irish Bar

2010-10-24T19:15:00.005+02:00

Via Laietana 19 : Jaume I
www.dunnesirishbar.com : Tel. 93 268 9917
:
Dunnes is a relatively new, spacious Irish sports bar / pub in the center of town on Via Laientana - literally only a stones throw away from the Jaume I metro. The pub is well laid out with two bars and plenty of seating - all done in a brick and wood decor with the building's steel beams giving it a slightly different look. It's nice to see the owners haven't gone overboard on the Irish pub theme, with just a single comedy signpost with directions to Derry, Dublin & Donegal. Non-smokers especially will enjoy the high ceilings and decent air-con that keeps the place fresh and cool. The young mixed crowd gives the bar a lively, but not intimidating atmosphere - mostly tourists, but with some local suits in the week. There are plenty of wide screen TVs strategically placed for sport fans, plus a projection screen (one slight niggle though: the projector doesn't seem to show wide screen correctly - chopping off the action at the edges) Prices for drinks are what you'd expect in town - not cheap, but not outrageous either. As for food, check out their website for a full menu - the burgers and stew are recommended.
Karma

Bar Pepino

2010-10-12T20:11:00.006+02:00

C/ Nou de la Rambla 44 : Drassanes
Bar Pepino's Facebook Page : Tel. +34 934 438 636
:
The Pepino is the definition of a hip, trendy bar which makes the most of its space with cool design and lighting. The style is a laid back, indie retro lounge with an upstairs restaurant area that offers mediterranean fusion. Unbelievably, there is also a small dance floor slightly below the main bar area. Depending on the night, the music ranges from dance, electronica, DJ to indie rock alternative beats. The decor is interestingly themed with crash test dummies and old monitors in the bar area (a nod to Max Headroom, perhaps?) and pleasant wood furnishings elsewhere. Check out their Facebook page for more photo's and announcements. The cocktails here are excellent and reasonably priced, making this place a popular lounge - be prepared to squeeze in if you arrive after 11pm. Either as a tourist or a local, if you want something different from the generic tourist spots in town, head down to Pepino and enjoy the eclectic!
Karma

Bar Avesta

2010-07-24T19:36:00.005+02:00

C/ Marquet 2 : Jaume I : Barceloneta
http://www.avesta.es : Tel. 93 310 7374
:
It's probably fair to say that Zoroastrian themed bars are few and far between, but one can be found in the streets of El Gotico in Barcelona. Bar Avesta is a snug little place with a wine cellar like ambience. The bar is small but super cool, with a rustic atmosphere and good, quiet vibes. This is a great place for couples, but best avoided by large groups or anyone over 6' tall. The beamed ceilings are very low, but this does add to the feeling that you're stepping back in time to a more antique era. Ask to see the chupitos menu and enjoy a grand selection of interesting, quality shots - none of your cheap tequila or ouzo here - and at €1.50 a pop they are an affordable way to get your evening jump-started! The famous "leche de pantera" is also available here - a drink of milk, gin, rum, Cointreau, peppermint and cinnamon that is lethally strong.
Karma

Scobies

2010-03-09T19:36:00.011+01:00

Ronda de la Universitat, 8 : Universitat : Catalunya : Passeig de Gracia
www.scobiesirishpub.com : Tel. 93 601 1908
:
Your intrepid drinkBarcelona reviewer recently found himself sheltering in Scobies from a torrential downpour. Any port in a storm, as they say, but what a port Scobies is! A better place to sit out thunder and lightning must be hard to find in the center of town. Scobies is a simple, open and spacious pub with plenty of seating, both around the bar itself and further back where there's room for larger groups. A couple of big TVs are placed strategically in the center of the pub to cater for the sport loving customer. Music is classic rock & pop that's set at an entertaining level that encourages conversation. According to the website, there's live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Overall the ambiance hits a good balance and works for both couples and larger groups who want to socialise rather than be entertained by TVs and loud music. That said, Scobies isn't a quiet pub (unless, like me, you dive in there at 7pm to avoid the rain) and it gets busy come 10pm on the weekend - the extra crowds of people being a good mix of locals, ex-pats and tourists from around Europe. Scobies is Irish owned and run, with very friendly and conversational staff - it's a proper pub, through and through. Like Obama just round the corner, Scobies is perfectly placed, being close to three metros and Plaça Catalunya. However, you won't need to take out a second mortgage on your house in order to drink a few pints of Guinness (or whatever your tipple happens to be). At under €5 for a pint of the black stuff, Scobies offers excellent value in these harder times. And it's a good pint of proper Irish Guinness - since the closing of The Celtic Cross, Scobies is now my #1 recommendation for a top pint. If you're in the center of town and you fancy a decent pint in a good pub then put a visit to Scobies on your list - highly recommended!
Karma

The Shamrock

2010-01-24T13:43:00.002+01:00

C/ Tallers 72 : Universitat : Catalunya
Hours: Mon/Wed 6pm-2.30am, Tue/Thu 9.30am-2.30am, Fri 9.30am-3am, Sat/Sun 11.30am-3am
Tel. 93 412 4636
:
There are many Irish pubs in Barcelona - most seem to have settled on C/Ferran - but like all popular holiday destinations, the best places are usually to be found tucked away and slightly hidden from the casual tourist's view. So it is with The Shamrock - not as large as The George Payne, nor as central as The Temple Bar, but friendly and they serve a good pint of Guiness. Less plastic than some pubs these days, this place will suit you if you like your drinking establishments to be down to earth - i.e. in the business of selling decent drinks in a condusive atmosphere, rather than attempting to be an entertainment center. Now, that said, no pub would be complete without the ability to show all the usual sporting fare - and the Shamrock excels in this regard with a large projection TV for footy, rugby, Gaelic & American football. Darts and pool are available for those who want to participate as well as spectate. There's good pub food available too, with English & Irish breakfasts, burgers, steak & kidney pies, sandwiches, etc. The Shamrock is a small and friendly place that's popular, but not overly so - you can normally find a place to relax with your friends - but be certain to double check the byzantine opening times. In short, worth checking out and could become a favourite if it's your kind of place.
Karma

Las Cuevas del Sorte

2010-01-18T14:52:00.002+01:00

C/Gignas 2 : Barceloneta : Drassanes
Facebook Group
:
The cute wooden door leads to... a beautiful den of soft lights, great cocktails and of course, a cave! Started and run by Jack, a very friendly American, and his wife - they wanted a great place with great cocktails and the right atmosphere - and they did it. Mostly redone by Jack himself, it boasts a small upstairs bar and a larger bar downstairs in the main cave. This could be Gaudi's basement, with blue glass tile all along one wall and curved shapes wherever possible. The selection of cocktails is excellent and perfect for groups of 4/5 people, and this bar can always accommodate more. Halloween is a big event here, with all the clients and staff turning up in dress and a free shot for you if you join them! Little details really make it special: place mats are deck cards, candles on the wall, etc. It's just an eternal favourite amongst anyone who has ever been there.
adventureMAN

The Pink Elephant

2010-01-16T22:57:00.005+01:00

C/ Villarroel 82 : Urgell
www.pinkelephantlounge.com : Tel. 935 024 825
:
Zero Zero and I stumbled across this superior establishment whilst seeking new inspiration in and around the Eixample Izquierda barrio, to the west of Plaça Catalunya. Whilst 7Sins and Belchica are both good picks for this area, we decided to see what else was around. The Pink Elephant is really a high quality restaurant, but it also has a lounge area with a full wine and cocktail menu. Owned by a New Yorker and Catalan, it apparently opened in 2008, and has been very tastefully done, with an elegant decor and an eclectic mix of music playing softly in the background. Although the lounge and restaurant are clearly aimed at the classier end of the market, the staff were perfectly friendly, accommodating and attentive, which helps one marinate in the pleasant surroundings. In addition, the drinks were of high quality and not outrageously priced. This lounge is not really suitable for groups though - it's a setting that's perfect for romantic couples or drinks / dinners with close friends. Check the rather good website for full cocktail and menu list, plus plenty of pictures of the interior.
Karma

Obama

2009-10-28T18:33:00.006+01:00

Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 603 : Passeig De Gràcia
www.obamabcn.com : Tel. 93 301 6524
:
Obama-mania has reached Barcelona at last! If you needed to do a double-check on this pub's name, then join the club. I couldn't decide whether to be impressed with the pure chutzpah of whoever named and themed this pub, or to be appalled at the cringingly obvious connection between the first black American president and British colonial rule in Africa. Talk about walking a tightrope of white, middle class, liberal guilt! It's surely not meant to be intentional, right? Well, anyway, the bar itself is surprisingly spacious, given its compact corner location. There are three levels: the first is the walk-in street level, facing the main bar; this is followed by a slightly raised seating area as you move further back which has its own smaller bar; finally, there's an additional cosy and intimate seating area upstairs. It's fair to say that the pub is themed to within an inch of its life! The walls are covered with faux pictures of scenes, maps and characters from the Great British Empire - all nice and interesting, but with an authenticity score of exactly nil. The affect is also somewhat spoilt by the inclusion on pretty much each wall of a flat screen TV. The clash of old empire memorabilia with modern media is jarring to say the least. That said, the decor is so overdone that it's actually rather awe inspiring, in a "My god, I can't believe someone has actually done this!" kind of way. One big plus, in my book at least, is the bar's location - it's just to the north of Plaça Catalunya, right next to the Passeig De Gràcia metro and so is really convenient, yet away from the usually packed out tourist pubs that are directly off Las Ramblas. As with all pubs in the center of town, drinks aren't cheap, but for a visit to such a (unintentionally?) controversial pub is surely worth the price! I still just can't quite believe it exists!
Karma

Kimera

2009-04-07T05:33:00.005+02:00

C/Mozart,16 : Diagonal : Fontana
Tel. 627 526 404
:
Kimera is the classic cheap, scruffy, hole-in-the-wall bar that is favoured by locals and youngsters on a budget. Small, dark and smokey, this bar is tucked away in the bowels of Gracia and quite hard to find. This is certainly one for hardy ex-pats as opposed to fresh-faced tourists, as a smattering of Catalan is recommended in order to communicate with the bar staff. Still, all the patrons are friendly enough and the beer and food served is cheap and wholesome. Very much favoured by the young, helmet wielding moto crowd, the bar has plenty of vibe and conversation. Music was modern reggae and pop, interspersed with rock classics. There are stools at the bar and the classic marble tables & chairs as you delve further into the back into the place. There's art on the deep red walls, but this isn't a fancy-schmancy cocktail bar - this is a bar to drink beer at cheap prices before heading off to more salubrious locations, but I for one enjoyed it!
Karma

Xix

2009-03-16T13:34:00.006+01:00

C/Rocafort 19 : Poble Sec :
www.xixbar.com
:
Cool bars in this neighbourhood? Surely nobody comes to this area for a good imbibing? Well you'd be wrong if you checked out this rather wonderful find! Situated nice and close to the metro this place is stylish, beautifully kitted out and provides a fab range of cocktails. A bar for local peeps and the more curious ex-pat (include myself in that category) that oozes nice decor, good music and actually feels like if you picked it up, popped it in your pocket and dropped it into El Borne it wouldn't be out of place. Of course the universe being what it is there is a 'catch' and that'd be the prices which are likely to suck dry your wallet if you're not careful! Standard beers are a hefty price, sitting at over 3 Euros however you get what you pay for in a bar like this and to be fair the cocktails are well priced. The building itself is particularly old and rustic-ish and the inside although not big has adequate seating space - if not you might find a place at the bar. The staff are friendly and take making cocktails seriously so if you fancy going somewhere special in the neighbourhood you won't go wrong here! Too expensive for alcoholics but recommended for the rest of us when we want a little more than a drink and a stool to park on!
N.B Fans of Gin will want to check out their website for some expert advice!
ZeroZero

Treinta y siete grados

2009-03-16T10:53:00.004+01:00

Avinguda de Roma 114 : Hospital Clinic
Tel. +34 653 088 948
:
It's not every day in Barcelona that you find a bar which is stylish, spacious and soundproofed. Well, the day we discovered Treinta y siete grados was clearly no ordinary day. Compared to its local rivals, it's not as cheap as Mama's (pronounced "Mama! Ooo-oo-oooh!" to the tune of Bohemian Rhapsody), nor as lady-friendly (oh yeah, you know what I'm trying to say) as Mini USA, nor as easy to pull in as the nearby brothel. Treinta y siete grados nevertheless has its own charms, namely live music (hence the soundproofing), comfy English pub style seats and alcoholic drinks which you can pay for at the bar and then drink while sitting down and chatting to people you know. When they're not hosting live bands, they show football and other sports on a reasonably massive projector. Bars here in Barcelona tend to be long and narrow, as opposed to being wide and squarish like most bars back in the UK, therefore the most oustanding aspect of this pub is simply its spaciousness, something that we continued to remark upon way beyond the point at which it stopped being interesting, relevant or profound. This bar is probably way too far off the beaten track for tourists, but people who live nearby should give it a shot. If the mention of "Avinguda de Roma" doesn't make you go, "Avin' a what, mate?" then this bar could be right up your alley.
Paul

El Racó de Sants

2009-03-16T10:03:00.005+01:00

Guadiana, 6 : Plaça de Sants
Tel. +34 93 421 6422
:
An Irish pub? In Sants??? Yes, fear not, the hitherto Irish pub shaped gap in the Sants boozing market has been well and truly plugged with this dark, expensive, "atmospheric" (whatever the hell that means) drinking hole. Perhaps due to its location on the outskirts of central Barcelona, this pub is not the most authentic Irish pub you will ever come across, although it's certainly a step up from Taladro's which could be described as a bog-standard Spanish bareto with as much talent for disguise as a giraffe in dark glasses trying to get into a "polar bears only" golf club. El Racó de Sants combines all the classic characteristics of the typical Spanish bar (narrow shape, uncomfortable seats, shit service, etc) and adds a few cosmetic "Irish" touches such as dark oaky wood furniture, celtic music and lots and lots of ships (some of them in bottles, which to me is a bonus). I shouldn't be too harsh on this place as the last time I was there I accidentally smashed my beer bottle and the waitress very kindly cleaned up the resultant carnage without so much as a disparaging look in my direction. Believe it or not, I'd been on the zero zeros all night, so it just goes to show you gotta be careful with those non-alcoholic beverages. The moral of the story: drink more alcohol!
Paul

Tribal cafe

2009-03-07T16:03:00.008+01:00

C/Blai 29 : Poble Sec
:
Yet again the infamous ZeroZero has been out and about in Poble Sec working his little socks off - seeking out more dens of iniquity in order to pass away the somewhat more mysterious hours of darkness, after a day of soaking up the life affirming Barcelona sun. And here we have a place that'll serve that purpose. If a chilled, semi-lit ambience, hand crafted cocktails and puppets hanging from the ceilings are on your 'to do' list anytime soon then I've found the space for you! And what a space it is, with well placed tables and chairs, a large but not imposing bar, great friendly service and even an ante-room for those who need to smooch after ingesting the beautiful yet deadly she-beast which goes by the name of Mojito! Talking of which, these she-beasts are not cheap here compared to say B.O (a bar further up this street) but they are wonderfully created and the bar itself is certainly much more interesting when it comes to 'good vibes and atmos'. Definitely a place to take a potential suitor to add a spark to your night and with the magical cupid puppets watching over you, you might just find Mr Mojo rises!
ZeroZero

Maumau underground

2009-03-01T13:27:00.007+01:00

C/ Fontrodona 33 : Poble Sec
www.maumaubarcelona.com : Tel. 934418015
:
The idea of taking an old Victorian style warehouse (not whorehouse!) and turning it into a bar can't be beaten. The results are simply wonderful due to the flexibility of space and the fun that can be had with the ambience. In this case we have a HUGE bar (something that BCN regularly has problems with!) filled with sofas and projectors semi-illuminating the lovely old original brickwork of the building. Tucked away into a salubrious street in the lesser explored Poble Sec area, you'll find this bar simply magical when you walk in - feeling like you've found somewhere really unique and exclusive and this is partly due to the membership system that they run. Don't worry though as although it's possible to enter without signing up, I thoroughly recommend that you do so as for only 8 euros (per year) you'll receive discounts on all drinks. After spending one night here you'll have recuperated your fee if you stay for a couple of bevvies. Talking of which the bar has the usual array of beer, wines, spirits and cocktails although I wasn't able to confirm how 'artisan' the cocktails are. Music wise, the bar veers towards soul, funk and Motown (think old-school) and adds another unique element to this wonderful yet slightly tucked away establishment in Poble Sec!
ZeroZero

Mudanzas

2009-02-25T10:54:00.006+01:00

C/ Vidrieria 15 : Jaume I : Barceloneta
Tel. 93 319 1137
:
Mudanzas (Movings) is an unpretentious local bar/café which has been preserved for almost two decades. The traditional wooden structure and simple decoration provide its characteristic essence and appeal. The design and décor is of the classic euro-café: a main bar with stools and space for round marble top tables and chairs - perfect for small groups. Larger throngs should head upstairs, but don't expect sofa's or anything fancy - the seating is comfy, but utilaterian. In the daytime this place is mainly a café, which the quarter dwellers, local working people and tourists frequent. In the evenings the customers are a cosmopolitan mix of intellectuals, neighbours, artists and locals that contribute towards the agreeable and cozy atmosphere. Music is as varied as the audience: jazz, pop, reggae and house - but all at socially conductive volume levels. If you're looking for a simple drink and snack away from the glitzy and boisterous Born, then pop into Mudanzas for the classic, traditional café-bar experience.
Karma

7Sins

2009-02-13T09:37:00.004+01:00

C/ Muntaner, 7 : Universitat
www.7sinsbar.com : Tel. 93 453 6445
:
This centrallly located bar seems to have a bit of a split personality, but that ends up making the place all the more interesting. At street level there is an open, uncluttered space with simple dining tables for couples and a central U-shaped bar, over which hangs a huge chandelier. The lighting is bright, but not severe and there is a flat screen TV for sports. Music was classic pop, funk and soul at an unobstrusive level. The downstairs bar offers a darker, burlesque and more intimate atmosphere with an area of vaulted ceilings and sumptuous chesterfield sofas, that lend a VIP air to the club / music room (see website for live music). The bar appears to attact a relaxed, younger international crowd, with a sprinkling of ex-pats due to the pints of Guinesss and Heineken on tap. 7Sins would seem to be a good bet for casual drinks with a few friends - but the layout isn't condusive for large groups, unless you're going to head downstairs for a gig. Outside street tables & chairs of the classic silver aluminium variety are available for pavement dining and drinking. Good quality food is available: salads/starters from €7, burgers from €9, main dishes from €11. There's a fine selection of beers, wines & spirits at reasonable prices: good value bottled beer at €2.50 / €3, and pints at €4.50, yet oddly expensive cocktails at €8. Tea, coffee and soft drinks are also available and are reasonably priced. The staff were all friendly, and many spoke enough english for this lazy ex-pat!
Karma

La Luna

2009-02-01T16:04:00.010+01:00

C/Abaixadors,10 : Jaume I
www.lalunabcn.com : Tel. 932955513
:
La Luna is definitely a place for those who like a bit more on an night out than just 'any old' bar. This rather wonderfully cavernous style bar/restauarnt combo is a joy to imbibe in. Featuring a huge bar with a large selection of wines and spirits, comfy seating, beautiful brickwork arches and wonderful lighting there's not much to find fault with here. For lovers of ambience, the light and shadows here can't fail to impress along with a nice background peppering of ambient music. Bring your wife/girlfriend/mistress here on a Saturday night and I guarantee you'll still be in her 'good books' the following Wednesday!
ZeroZero

Maria Mulata [Part Deux]

2009-01-22T12:51:00.005+01:00

C/ de la Merce 27 : Barceloneta : Drassanes
www.mariamulata.com : Tel. 932955584
:
[This review is an alternative/addendum to Paul's review of Maria Mulata.]
One of my fave bars of the moment, Maria Mulata is a relatively small but friendly bar sporting sexy red walls, a low lit ambience and fab cocktails. Despite being a Latin American bar you'll find plenty of tourists and ex-pats and usually a jovial crowd to interact with. The speciality here, like many up-and-coming bars in this area is our old friend (and sometimes enemy!) the freshly made cocktail. I won't go into any details but they have the usual range of cocktails that you'll find in most self-respecting bars in Barcelona. As they go they are well made and well up to par! Moving on to more unique aspects, I'd recommend checking out their website as they appear to offer a variety of events from WII olympics to film nights and also a gourmet menu! The limitations of language really prevent me from painting a complete picture of this abode so I'd like to conclude by saying that if you're wandering/staggering/drifting around this neighbourhood looking for a lively bar with pretty much everything a bar should contain, check this place out, you won't be disappointed! By the way did I mention you get a free shot (chupito)too!?
ZeroZero

Yakuta

2009-01-21T23:17:00.005+01:00

C/Merce 36, : Jaume I : Barceloneta
Tel. 935123365
:
Well as you can see from the scan, this bar is firmly committed to lighting, shadows, cushions, low tables and bumpy old renovated walls! As seems to be the trend in this gentrifying part of the old gothic neighbourhood, this is a place to go to sample one of many unique establishments in Barcelona. In this particular bar you'll find an original retrotastic jukebox, high def TVs and (depending on whether you're in the opening room or venture to the 'lovers cave' at the back), two types of music! This is definitely a bar seeking to provide a little of everything plus a little bit more. Added to this they're currently charging a bargain-ness 3.50 for any cocktail (try the Mojitos) plus a free chupito (shot of spirits to us Brits!) so I can think of no other reason to the sample the delights of this bar other than the fact they're facing stiff competition from virtually every other bar in the area! In case you're confused by my rambling diatribe, I'm thoroughly recommending a trip here...
ZeroZero

Italian Job

2009-01-21T21:56:00.009+01:00

C/ d'Enric Granados, 38 : Diagonal
Tel. 934514875
:
A bar with slightly upmarket pretentions that keeps itself gently nested in really what I can only describe as 'the middle of everywhere'! If you're after somewhere to park yourself down, chat, eat a little, drink a bit and escape into a classier than usual ambiance, this could well be your kind of place. Think high stools, clean tables, excellent upbeat (but not in your face) music and you'll be on the right lines. Couple to all of this an outrageously cool name (I'm literally having an internal fight with myself trying to resist the obvious puns!), and a wonderfully lowlit, semi-romantic terrace and you just might be onto a winner!
Zerozero

Cafe Suec

2008-12-13T01:03:00.011+01:00

Carrer de les Tres Senyores 1 : Fontana : Joanic
:
A slighty 'out of the way', yet chilled out Swedish abode - hidden behind the popular Pl. Virreina. This is a low-lit, pretty and mellow bar that you'll find intoxicated with local art work. If you're looking for something a little different, they also specialise in mulled wine. Music is nicely inconspicuous yet it's enough to fool the sub-conscious that you're spending your leisure time more than wisely. The bar staff are English speaking and more importantly friendly and this is the type of bar that you might find yourself popping into for a swift drink and end up staggering out of at 3am, wondering if you can yet again phone your boss in the morning for a well-deserved 'sickie'. Don't say I didn't warn you!
ZeroZero

Raim

2008-11-10T19:53:00.004+01:00

Carrer del Progrés, 48 : Fontana
:
I can't guarantee that you'll love this particularly old, dark Cuban haunt but in my case it's the perfect place to go if you're tired of the glut of trendy, projector filled bars that dominate this part of Gracia. Think dank, dusty and other adjectives in this vein and you'll be on the right track to picturing this rather wonderfully down-to-earth and lively bar, located just off the slightly more intrusive and seductive Torrent d'Lolla. Although it's not rammed with seating space it's definitely a bar rammed with peeps whose idea of a night out needs nothing more than a bench to park on, a kicking atmos and plenty of cheap, good booze. A place for those (like me!) who just wanna cut to the chase and forget all the stresses of yet another monotonous week of slaving for the 'man', whoever that man might be!

ZeroZero

Andu Bar

2008-11-10T14:20:00.010+01:00

C/ de Correu Vell 3 : Jaume
Tel. 646553930 & 637746411
:
A lovely, cosy, wine orientated bar tucked away in the barely lit streets of the Gothic neighbourhood. This is definitely a place to come, kick back and drink some quality beverages without completely annihilating the entire contents of your wallet. Low lit yet sizeable rooms, plenty of quaint tables and chairs and a jolly, busy atmosphere make this is a place to bring your annoying relatives or drunken excitable pals for a debauched yet respectable evening of chatting, flirting and knocking off a few brain cells along the way! The music here is 'backgroundy' enough to not get in the way of the all important conversational process that you'll inevitibly be having and you never know, you might just meet the infamous drinkBarcelona crew chattering away in the corner and putting the world to rights! Either way this is highly recommended.
ZeroZero

Liadisimo

2008-10-08T01:25:00.003+02:00

C/Guillermo Tell 23-25 : Fontana
:
Fascinating Fact: in Spanish, the word "bar" can mean both "pub" and also "coffee shop", and it's under the cover of this dubious linguistical ambiguity that I'm going to attempt to squeeze unnoticed into our bar guide a place which is quite flagrantly a coffee shop, not a venue for late night drunken debauchery at all. I'm going to justify this off-topic choice on two grounds: first of all, it's right by my flat, and anybody who thinks this isn't a good reason to review a bar should check out the disproportionately large number of bars we have covered in the Plaza España area - no prizes for guessing where ZeroZero lives! ; ) Secondly, it is the only place that I'm aware of outside Starbucks that serves my favourite coffee variant, the frappuccino, which has all the benefits of a cool drink with an added caffeine boost! Of course, you can also drink alcohol in here just as you can in any bar in this great country of wonderfully relaxed drinking laws. They also have a tasty and reasonably healthy food menu with pasta, tapas, bikinis (if you don't know what these are, let's just say that they're not as good as they sound), etc. It's a nice place for lunch, elevenses, a morning coffee, or even an intercambio, a bit like DosMilTres in fact, but without the racy art.
Paul

Continental

2008-10-06T12:37:00.003+02:00

C/Providencia 50 : Fontana
:
The major selling point of this trashfest was always the sexy barmaid clad in a Tron style outfit. Sadly those halcyon days are over and there's not much left to recommend Continental. It's one of the worst places to play pool, although not quite as bad as the Bristol Blue, where the craters in the wall testify to the frustrations of playing pool in a shoebox. The decor is reminiscent of Nos Vemos and Distrito Cinco and not, as they say, in a good way. At weekends there is a DJ who pumps out a musical selection which veers chaotically between "so bad it's good" and, more often, "so bad it's bad". I once saw a group of young Catalans do the hokey cokey here, a sight I would not wish on anyone. If you lack taste and have more money than sense, I can heartily recommend this overpriced dive.
Paul

Rita Rouge

2008-10-04T15:06:00.007+02:00

Plaça de la Gardunya : Liceu
Tel. 934813686
:
Quite possibly one of the longest bars I've seen in Barcelona, this is a happening place for those with a bulging wallet in search of a touch of class. Think of modern dining, kitsche furnishings, artisan inspired cocktails and super cool music and you're half-way there. Rita Rouge has lots of nooks and crannies to park your alcohol sodden corpse in and a lengthy bar if you find that all of the seating has been monopolised by smooching couples in search of romance. There is also a terrace for those warmer BCN nights and fairly friendly staff. Unfortunately I was unable to sample the food here but judging by the faces of the diners (and my own quick gander at the menu), I'd say that I'm sure it would more than live up to even the snobbiest of culinary-expert wannabe's! Drinks are surprisingly well priced although I suspect that an entire night of 'wining & dining' could put a strain on your meagre finances!
ZeroZero

Nakupenda

2008-10-02T13:03:00.006+02:00

C/Marques de L Argentera 7 : Barceloneta
www.nakupenda.com
:
This is a cool, little bar fairly close to the beach and the Borne neighbourhood. Its uniqueness is that it serves up a large selection of smoothies as well as the usual array of cocktails and standard beers that grace most of the bars in Barcelona. Sporting hippyish decor and a small but adequate terrace, it's a bar to pop in for a change of scene or to imbibe a fruity mixed drink to line the stomach before moving on to the more 'kicking' bars that inhabit the Borne neighbourhood that we all love so well! By the way, I have no idea what the name refers to.
ZeroZero

St.Pau 68

2008-09-25T21:20:00.008+02:00

C/ de Sant Pau 68 : Liceu
:
Hmm, how to write up this one? On paper it's an average bar but I've really enjoyed my sourjourns here! I guess it's because this bar makes no claims to being anything else than what it is! That's to say it's a lively, slighty scummy, yet appealing bar in the Raval area. Music is loud and upbeat enough to add a little 'pep' to your night and there's plenty of room to sit at the - quite frankly forgettable yet functional tables and chairs. Space itself is a-plenty including an adequately sized bar with stools area. Not a bar I can recommend for any particular reason except that I've always enjoyed coming here and never fail to feel like I'm in a typical yet above average bar in the more gentrified part of La Raval!
ZeroZero

It Cafe

2008-09-24T16:22:00.006+02:00

C/Joaquin Costa 4 : Liceu
Tel. 934430341
:
If you are wandering aimlessly (i.e. drunkenly!) through the lively and sparsely lit streets of the Raval and need somewhere to park your weary posterior, this place should please your desire to sit in comfort and quaff a reasonably priced beverage. Although this bar looks slightly menacing from the outside (in keeping with the street folk that inhabit this area), it's in fact rather cosy inside, pleasant and spacious. The genius of this bar is that the actual bar area is not overly big and this leaves a huge amount of space for the plethora of (possibly self-copulating) sofas that will give the lesser explored regions of your body a well-deserved rest. The music here is very good - in line with the ambience of 'slightly upmarket but not overly pretentious' and thus it is a pretty laid-back bar perfect for tanking up in before you go off disco dancing somewhere more upbeat! I'll see you there lurking in the depths of the cushions!
ZeroZero

Bar Muy Buenas

2008-09-18T16:52:00.007+02:00

C/Carme, 63 : Liceu
Tel. 934425053
:
A lovely bar in this rather popular street in the up-and-coming Raval neighbourhood. Placed inside a beautiful old building, you won't have to jostle too much for space in here. At first you are graced by a large, stool-lined bar and as you wander further in there are an assortment of not overly comfortable but functional tables and chairs (think Pub not cocktail bar!) Like most 'cool' bars in Barcelona, an array of cocktails are served and the bar sports the usual assortment of beers, wines and spirits. Decor here is pretty down-to-earth (in a good way) and the music pleasing if you fancy checking out some latin vibes. Prices are normal for BCN and added to this is an extensive food menu. Overall you won't go wrong in here, whether stopping in for a 'refuel' on your travels or camping down for a long evening session!
ZeroZero

Mandragor

2008-08-30T12:34:00.007+02:00

C/ del Progrés, 38 : Diagonal
:
A bar for rockers and fans of 'live' music with a surprisingly large back room where you'll find local bands playing. When you enter, it seems like a typically claustrophobic Gracian bar. The bar space is small with a dozen or so stools that line the bar itself and there's a TV playing classic rock gigs. The walls too are plastered with pictures of just about everyone famous you can think of that has made an impact on non-electronic music in the last few decades. As is usual in this area, an assortment of typical cocktails are served here and due to lack of space at the front it's very smokey (which in fact adds atmosphere and creates a slightly surreal ambience to add to the rock mix!) All-in-all, it's a great place to escape the multitude of slightly snobbier, cocktail bars in Gracia and to think there isn't a projector to be seen here!
ZeroZero

Marmalade

2008-08-15T15:13:00.008+02:00

c/Riera Alta, 4-6 : Sant Antoni
www.marmaladebarcelona.com : Tel. 934423966
:
Well, whether or not you think that this is a super-cool name for a bar or absolutely nuts, it's certainly a bar well worth checking out in the 'classier' part of the Raval neighbourhood. Featuring a plethora of cocktails, a modern and eccentric food menu and comfortable furnishings, there's little I can say to prevent you from popping in for a bite and a freshly made drink. And you'd be right to do so. I say this especially if you are lumbering around in a large group or looking for somewhere spacious to lay back in and soak up the super modern vibes here. OK, so you're asking me how much this classy, luxury is going to cost you? Well, it's not the cheapest or in fact 'seediest' bar in the area but definitely not over-priced for the luxurious ambience it'll assault you senses with. Add to this good, laid-back music and a pool table and there's really nothing you'll find lacking here. In fact it's strengths have to lie in that it has pretty much everything you'll need for a good night out with a sprinkling of extra class and panache to swirl around your cheeky little drunken heads! Just don't expect to pop in for one drink, I dare you to try...
ZeroZero

Sidecar (Factory Club)

2008-08-07T13:11:00.008+02:00

Pl.Reial 7 : Liceu : Drassanes :
www.sidecarfactoryclub.com : Tel. 93302 586
:
Reviewing this place is rather hard as Sidecar offers such a variety of events that it's difficult for me to give you a succinct summary. Basically though this is a bar/music venue with everything from live music to anti-karaoke! The particular night that I went was the latter of these and I must confess that I really didn't enjoy it at all! I found it extremely rammed with people, noisy (I guess that was to be expected really) and once I had lost my friends it was nigh-on impossible to re-group again! However being the well balanced human being I am, I would say that I thought that his place could be really great, depending on what event you go to. The bar itself was pleasant enough - although there was a little jostling going on for service so stand your ground and although there was a 7 euro entrance fee that includes a free drink, I had to pay extra for a mixer! Whilst there I surveyed a few random (and coincidentally rather attractive local girls) and didn't get much positive feedback from them either. All and all I would still recommend this place if you want to go to somewhere more interesting than 'just' a bar although checking out their website is probably a good idea as the events may or may not tickle your fancy. NB: I'd be interested in some comments on this one as I'm sure my review doesn't give this place the justice is deserves!
ZeroZero

La Vinya del Senyor

2008-08-07T12:42:00.010+02:00

Plaça de Santa Maria 5 : Jaume
Tel. 933103379
:
If you've got a little more cash to spend than usual and fancy a nice bottle of wine whilst soaking up the ambience of this rather quaint part of the Born area then this place is recommended! The concept is simple: good wine, views of the famous 'Santa Maria del Mar' church and conversation on the terrace. If that's not enough to keep the endorphins permeating through your synaptic channels, I don't know what is! In winter (i.e. the only time it will be cold here), there is a small inside bar area, but be warned it's tiny and clearly the function of this bar is to provide a somewhat classier and tranquil outside drinking experience. Not a place for lager louts or those with small, moth infected, barely utilised wallets!
ZeroZero

Paddy's Lane

2008-08-05T00:33:00.006+02:00

Plà del Palau : Barceloneta
:
In the unlikely (well, let's say hypothetical) event that a psychiatrist, in the midst of a word association game, were to say the name of this bar to me, I would probably instinctively blurt out "boring" or "dull" or perhaps even "meh", such is the crude nature of the subconscious. My conscious mind, however, would surely strive to be much more kind and point out the few good points that this otherwise bog-standard pub possesses. First of all, it's pretty much the only Irish pub in central Born so it has a local monopoly on Guinness, cider and Irish music. Secondly, it's one of the few Irish pubs in town with an outdoor terrace - and in these sweltering summer months what could be more appealing than a lovely pint of refreshing cider al fresco? Third, the terrace is situated in a square overlooked by a proud building which is the spitting image of the Hill Valley clock tower in Back To The Future, which to me is a bonus, albeit a slight one. If these three dynamite factors are not enough to have you right now hailing a cab in Paddy's Lane's direction, there is yet a fourth reason: the pub is next door to a terrific Italian restaurant called Al Passatore, which compensates for its occasionally dopey staff with great value Italian grub. In fact, if it's lunchtime, why go to Paddy's Lane and pay 5 euros for one beer, when you could pay 6.90 at Al Passatore and have 2 glasses of wine, a starter, a main course, a dessert, a basket of bread and a coffee. You do the math.
Paul

De Copas

2008-08-02T12:30:00.012+02:00

C/Bruniquer, 65 : Joanic
:
OK, so some reviews are easier to write than others as sometimes you wander into a bar and immediately get a feeling of either 'I'm digging the vibes here!' or 'this place sucks!'. In this case I had neither of those sensations, more of a 'this place isn't bad but nor is it anything special!'. At first glance your eyeballs are assaulted by the neon, American style decor and once they've adjusted to the light settings, you'll find yourself sitting at the bar wondering if you've ever witnessed such a plethora of Coca cola memorabilia in your life. Anyway we can probably say in conclusion that its general theme is that of trying to mimic a rather stagnant stereotype of a typical American bar! To back up this claim, there's a pinball machine, Budweiser on tap, and inflatable bottles of various beers hanging from the ceiling. The best thing however is the Pool room which has plenty of space to manipulate your cue and also a foosball table if you tire of that.
The music here wasn't too bad, a mixture of 90s and R'n'B and the general impression I got from this place is that it's a bar for local 20-30 year olds - probably single or at least open minded enough to be seeking a superior replacement for their disintegrating current love affair! All in all it's a pleasant enough place but not really much in comparison to the Mecca of arty and street furnish inspired bars that are spreading through Gracia like a virus!
ZeroZero

La Bolsa

2008-07-31T12:04:00.008+02:00

C/Tuset 17 : Gracia : FGC
Tel. 932 022 635
:
This is not a gay bar called "The Handbag", but rather a lively disco-pub based on the same pricing gimmick as the mega-popular Dow Jones. "La Bolsa" means "the stock exchange" in Spanish (as well as handbag), and instead of having a fixed price list, the cost of drinks fluctuates by the minute. Of course, when I say "fluctuates", I mean on a spectrum ranging from normal to expensive to extortionate. Last time I was there, a pint of Guinness cost a mighty six euros. To put that in perspective, that's the same cost as 12 litres of Don Simon table wine or two thirds of a slap-up menu del dia. Having said that, it's a great pub to go to at the weekend, with a young friendly crowd and there are plenty of attractive women (the chick/dick ratio is about 50-50, which is about as good as a straight guy can usually hope for). For what looks like a pub, it's actually quite clubby with a DJ and a small dancefloor in the back, so this sets it slightly apart from the Dow Jones which is more of a football and dry-roasted peanuts kind of pub. Good luck finding the loo in the dark when you're steaming as it's cunningly disguised in a way that I can´t really describe, so cunning is its disguise. Nevertheless, nice pub!
Paul

Cafe Ma'ma

2008-07-30T12:51:00.009+02:00

Avinguda de Roma con Entença : : Entença
:
This tiny bar near Plaza España is too far off the beaten track for tourists to bother with and it's not worth making the trek across town if you don't live in the area. However, if you happen to live close by it's a great place to knock back a few cheap beers. This bar has three great points in its favour: first, and most importantly, the beers are incredibly cheap (we're talking an unheard of 2.50 euros for a pint of lager - and that's not some kind of happy hour price, that´s all the time), secondly they play excellent music (they often show classic hard rock concerts on the projector, such as Led Zeppelin's classic gig at the Royal Albert Hall), and thirdly the general ambience is pretty nice (a scummy old man's bar this ain't). The decor is pretty tasteful up to a height of about 8 feet, from that point up there is a bizarre mural of naked cyclists (given the bar's predilection for classic hard rock, this could be a nod to Queen's Fat Bottomed Girls video) If you're in the area and on a tight budget, this is definitely the place to go. Once you're fully tanked up, it's customary to move on to Mini USA.
Paul

Sifo

2008-07-25T18:33:00.009+02:00

C/ d'Espalter 4 : Paral.lel : Drassanes
www.sifo.es : Tel. 933296832
:
Despite my snobby trepidations about this particular area, there's no denying that it really has life and soul, character and most importantly great places to get wellied in. In this case we have a bar which will provide you with the usual assortment of drinks and if you're feelng energetic a fab little room to dance in. Like most of the cooler places 'to wiggle your posterior', there is no entrance fee and although typically hot and sweaty, this place - like a multitude of others like it, is at least intimate and there's no chance of you protecting your personal space. That said if you feel like clashing body parts with the locals (in a good way!), this is a cool place to come!
ZeroZero

BigBang

2008-07-25T17:48:00.013+02:00

C/Botella, 7 : Sant Antoni
www.bigbangbcn.net
:
A great bar, with a great name - nestled in the darker depths of the city's Sant Antoni neighbourhood. Despite its name this isn't a place for old geezers looking for some hot grannies to boogie with, but a bar that places its musical emphasis on the 50's and 60's. This place has a great ambience: mixed between those who wanna rhythmically swing their hips at an attempt at some kind of sexual signallng to those who just want to drink, chat and soak up the down-to-earth yet low voltage electric atmosphere that oozes through the masonry of this rather unusual bar. You could do much worse than spend an evening here with friends, peers or anyone else that you manage to procure during your drunken wanderings! A bar for real people who like some 'old-school' spiciness mixed in to a good evenings imbibing! Oh, and by the way there is no entrance fee.
ZeroZero

Rita Blue

2008-07-13T22:30:00.003+02:00

Plaça Sant Agustí 3 : Liceu
www.ritablue.com : Tel. 93 342 4086
:
Rita Blue is a modernist themed bar in a small open plaça just off the Ramblas. As such it's a perfect spot to chill out from the tourist rush during the day, and a good bar & restaurant experience in the evening. The interior has a retro feel that includes 50's-style lamps and lanterns hanging from the ceilings. The front of the establishment has a curved bar with plenty of funky shaped stools along it and the glass front that overlooks the plaça with adjoining church. In addition, there's a small comfy sofas area in one corner, and behind the bar is the rather compact restaurant seating area. There's a dark basement dance floor complete with disco balls that gets crowded later on for live acts during the week and house and techno sets on weekends. There are plenty of tables available on the terrace in the square, however these are very popular and the outside service can suffer when the place gets busy. Food is pretty good Mexican and Mediterranean fare and the great drinks, especially cocktails, will get you grooving. Rita Blue is one of those bars that just has a really good vibe, and this is helped by friendly staff, many of whom speak good English. It attracts a fairly young crowd and so has a studenty, artsy, friendly atmosphere that is very endearing. This place is very popular with locals and tourists alike, and so it pays to get there earlier rather than later if you want to get a seat. All in all, Rita Blue is one of the better modern bars in the center of town, and well worth a visit.
Karma

La Rosa

2008-06-18T11:29:00.009+02:00

Av.Mistral, 99 : Espanya
Tel. 934235079
:
Well it's nice to see a slightly eclectic bar amongst the normally down-to-earth locales in this neighbourhood! With the name translating as 'the rose' you would expect to see a plethora of deep red colours when entering - and that is exactly what you will do my friends! What makes this bar stand out from the others on this street is that it actually seems like someone has thought about how to decorate it and funk it up a bit. Inside, although it is small, there are two floors to inhabit and comfy chairs. Outside there is a pleasant terrace which although is fairly close to the hustle and bustle of cars on Paral.lel, is fortunate enough to be quietly tucked a sufficient distance away for that to be unnoticeable. All in all then, if you factor in the cheap beers, food, cocktails, interesting decor and pleasant terrace you'll have few excuses not to visit this unusual flower of a bar hidden amongst the weedier bars in this neighbourhood!
ZeroZero

Siddartha

2008-06-15T19:23:00.008+02:00

c/Avinyo, 26 : Liceu
Tel. 933010422
:
A bar that is for those who like low lighting, chandeliers, good Asian food and excellent cocktails! Siddartha is really a fusion of bar and restaurant but the distinction doesn't make it a place you can't pop into without having to fulfill any gastronomic expectations. One thing I particularly liked was the lower parts of this abode which has candle lit wooden tables and makes you feel like you're somewhere a little bit unique and special. Whilst there we sampled the house-made cocktails and I have to admit that they were rather good. Music wise, this place has nothing special beyond an erratic mix of 'world music' but this is completely in-tune with the ambiance of this place. Prices were not particularly cheap here but you're paying for the atmosphere and uniqueness of your surroundings and like all good things in life, you get what you pay for. This is not a bar to go in for a heavy drinking session with the 'lads' but a good place to go for a chat, some strong drinks and an interesting somewhat 'east meets west' experience!
ZeroZero

El Petit Apolo

2008-06-15T19:03:00.008+02:00

Vila Vila, 60-62 : Paral.lel
Tel. 933298641
:
This is an interesting 'novelty' bar for those who really want to maximise their 'beer-to-drinking time' potential! This is due to the fact that all the tables are self-service! Each table has it's own beer tap and a series of tactically placed screens give you the opportunity to check on your average beer consumption or compete with other tables. Another interesting feature about this bar is that it has long pub style benches and a very pubby atmosphere. Unlike a lot of places in Barcelona, it feels more like a place to go drink, chat and of course unwind with vast amounts of intoxicating liquid (in a good way!). Although this bar's focus is more on drinking beers, there is of course an ordinary large bar with the usual selection of tipples! Highly recommended for hardcore boozers and large groups!
ZeroZero

Taladro's

2008-06-15T18:04:00.009+02:00

Gran Via de Les Corts, 453 : Rocafort : Placa Espanya
:
As an ex-pat I'm normally quite adverse to English and Irish bars (but that's another story), suffice to say I was pleasantly surprised by this pub once I was forcibly dragged in by my semi-alcoholic friend to celebrate my birthday. Like most pubs and bars in this neighbourhood, prices are much cheaper than downtown locales and the quality just as good. Sporting a wide range of drinks from the usual array of beers, to cocktails and a significant food menu, you're unlikely to feel any need to unseat yourself once you are here. Add a sprinkling of sports matches on the numerous TVs and even darts - (if like me watching sports is too passive for your neurons!) - and you're bound to have a kicking night in this friendly English speaking abode!
ZeroZero

Belchica

2008-06-15T16:00:00.004+02:00

C/Villarroel, 60 : Urgell
:
A nice Belgian bar with a very large choice of beers. Apparently, Barcelona's first and only Belgian bar. This is a friendly place where you may encounter many French speakers from Belgium, as this is their local hangout. Quiet during weekdays, even with their Happy Hour from 6pm to 8pm, but nice ambiance at the weekend. There are regular DJ sessions, a large screen TV for big football games and a photo / art exposition that changes regularly. The places is usually buzzing with a good mix of Europeans, sampling over 40 top quality Belgian beers with Stella, Leffe and Hoegaarden on tap. For ex-pats, the barmen speak English and French, and and you can drink it in a relaxed, slightly sports bar like atmosphere with original colours and decoration.
Wit

Tinta Roja

2008-05-18T14:50:00.006+02:00

C/Creu dels Molers,17 : Poble Sec
www.tintaroja.net : Tel. 934433243
:
Following the arty vibes of Poble Sec, this fab and funky bar assaults the senses with a spectrum of colours and a sprinkling of all that is Latin Ameican. One of the hugest bars I know - not just in Poble Sec but in all of our fine city, this is a bar for those who appreciate everything from secluded nooks & crannies, romantacising a betrothed, to guys like me who like space to stretch my weary legs. With the initial bar area (non-smoking) meandering into a second smokey back room for plays, Salsa dances and private parties, this bar offers large doses of potentially dangerous quantites of fun! Cocktails are also a speciality here and although some might call the decor a little gaudy, others might say its bright and cheerful - kind of like a rainbow that got shredded in the washing machine. A highly recommended bar.
ZeroZero

El Cafe

2008-05-03T18:49:00.008+02:00

C/Torrent de L'Olla 48 : Diagonal : Fontana
Tel. 934576097
:
This is a surprisingly nice, funky bar amidst the plethora of bars in this happening street in Gracia. Surprising in the sense that there's something for everyone and although not comparable to the hipper local cocktail bars such as La Fourmi et al, it does hit the spot just right. Prices are cheap, including the usual range of cocktails, the food menu is nice and eclectic and the music and ambience better than you'd think when peeping in from the street! Expect this abode to get busy around midnight as couples, groups and bar stool dwellers start to drift in, in search of a little hedonism to spice up their (one presumes), otherwise typical daily grind fest.
ZeroZero

19th Hole

2008-04-25T12:15:00.005+02:00

Avinguda Pla de Vinyet 12-13 : Sant Cugat : FGC
Tel. 93 674 8884
:
Warning: this bar is not recommended for tourists! The 19th Hole is not even in Barcelona, but in the nearby town of Sant Cugat, about 20mins away by train, and while it is a very charming town and many ex-pats move there after a few years in Barcelona to escape the busy city life, it´s not exactly a classic destination for holidaymakers. However, a significant proportion of the young ex-pat population work for one of the many multinational companies located in and around Sant Cugat, and so for this reason, and in the absence of a drinkSantCugat bar blog, this pub is well worth a mention. If there was an annual contest for “Best bar in Sant Cugat”, then the 19th Hole would surely triumph year after year, if only for the total lack of competition. It´s a very big and spacious bar with chandeliers, tasty tuck and a classy ambience. In the evening and on weekdays, the pub is fairly subdued and feels more like a pub-restaurant than a balls-to-the-wall boozer. However, on Friday and Saturday night from about midnight to 3am, the local Catalan youngsters come out in force and the pub is then rammed until closing time, with a DJ playing mainstream but inoffensive dance tunes. It´s not cheap, but then of course neither is Sant Cugat. If you live or work in the area, this is an excellent, and indeed the only, place to go for after-work drinks followed by a naughty segue into late-night revellry.
Paul

De Deus

2008-04-23T20:29:00.008+02:00

C/Torrent de L'Olla 89 : Fontana : Joanic : Gracia : FGC
:
Gracia is alleged to have the largest number of bars per square metre than anywhere else in the world, although admittedly this allegation tends to be made by those who are in the process of drinking their own bodyweight in cairpirinhas. This bohemian barrio is light on cool places in which to dance the night away post 3am, but heavy on cosy, slightly pretentious cocktail bars. Gracia may not really have more bars for its size than anywhere else in the world, but it can surely boast Barcelona's densest concentration of film projectors. However, amongst the cocktail bars, old man's cafes and English pubs, there evidently remains a gap in the market for those who like to while away their Wednesday nights drinking artesanal cocktails surrounded by fantastical art while watching a local magician perform his dark art before leaving with take-away coffees. If that´s what you´re been craving in a bar, then congratulations, your niche has finally been catered for. Apart from the regular Wednesday night magic shenanigans, this is a pretty conventional bar, but it's a certainly better than the average Gracia drinking pit. When we paid a visit recently, the music was a funky mix of indie and electroclash, which stood out from the bland fare played in many Barna bars. This is also one of the few bars in Barcelona that has got the lighting right, rejecting the horrors of strip lighting in favour of a smattering of candles and a superbly tacky mirrorball suspended above the bar. With a similar vibe to other Gracia favourites like El Otro and Cine Bar, this is a pretty good place to start your night out in Gracia, and, being on bar-heavy Torrent de L'olla, you won't have to stagger very far to find the next bar to prop up.
Paul

Sincopa

2008-04-20T15:07:00.005+02:00

c/Avinyo, 35 : Liceu

:
This bar was opened by the local well known musician, Manu Chao. This quite possible explains two things about this abode. One, it is eclectic, in that it has musical instruments on the walls and ceilings (which are usuable with permission from the barstaff) and two, it's very down-to-earth bohemian! Assaulting you with a lively and loud ambience, this is a great place to go and liven up your night if you're wandering around the shady streets of the Gotico. Despite the obvious presence of drug dealers, prostitutes and other 'entrepeneurs of the night'. this area oozes with character and is in fact not as dangerous as it seems. Although I can't give any overwhelming reason to visit this bar, if you are in the city centre and fancy somewhere with a little more 'je ne sais pas', you could do worse than dropping in here. If you do pop in for a drink or three and it's 'not your cup of tea',at least you can say you've been to Manu Chao's drinking den (and you might just get a chance to see him)!
ZeroZero

Raval 32

2008-04-20T14:27:00.006+02:00

Rambla de Raval 32-34 : Drassanes : Paral.lel

:
The Raval area in general is little by little being polished up (ie. gentrified) so if you fancy a journey into one of the older and seedier parts of the city you could do a lot worse than to visit the main 'Rambla' where this bar is located. If a lively atmosphere, kicking tunes and comfy sofas are your bag, this place will sit comfortably in your bar visiting itinerary. Although you might be a little overwhelmed by the 'sardine can' dimensions of this locale - once you manage to fight your way to the bar and grab a handful of drinks, it's fairly comfortable as long as you can jostle your way to a table. For this reason, this is a bar to try and get to before the main rush after 12pm and most likely it's a bar to idle away your evening in. However having said that there are also many other bars in this rather bohemian local 'high' street so either way you can pass your night in to semi-oblivion in Raval 32 or for those with a sense of adventure, include it on your back street, maze like drinking crawl. Recommended for those who wanna get off the cheesy tourist track!
ZeroZero

Los Alamos

2008-04-14T22:34:00.004+02:00

C/Escudelles 12 : Liceu/Drassanes
:
There's not much to say about this long, dark, L-shaped hole-in-the-wall bar. It's purely functional rather than inspirational, but the bar staff were friendly and the beers were cheap. It's a bare-bones type of place that'll suit anyone on a budget who likes to sit and prop up the bar. If you dislike the gentrified bars in the center of town that change 30% more just for subtle lighting then this is a place for you. There's standard bar music that leans towards rock - hardly controversial, but not offensive either. If you're looking to escape the expensive fake irish pubs that are rammed with anglo tourists, then you might poke your head in here and take a look, but it's unlikely to capture you for more than one or two cheap drinks.
Karma

El Chiringuito

2008-04-13T15:34:00.019+02:00

Barceloneta Playa : Barceloneta
:
Just when you thought Barcelona couldn't get any better, you find yourself in one of the many beach bars (chiringuitos) that spread themselves thinly but firmly along the beach, starting at Barceloneta. This particular one is one of my favourites in the area, but having said that they all pretty much offer the same thing - drinks, beach views and slow service. Prices can vary from average to a little overpriced so although this is a good place for a couple of beers in ths sun, you won't necessarily find yourself implanted for the whole night. Depending on the time of day you might be treated to some upbeat, funky/dancy tunes but really this bar (and the others too) are places to unwind in the sun. Views of the beach and sea are wonderfully relaxing and will wash away all of the stresses of a hard day's snaking yourself around the city's hectic streets. There's not much else I can really say about this, except despite my comments about prices and slow service, it's all well worth it if you want to let your worries and stresses blow away into the wind!
ZeroZero

Tripode

2008-04-08T12:58:00.005+02:00

C/Canvis Nous, 6 : Jaume I / Barceloneta
Tel. 933101084
:
An impressive looking bar, slightly off the beaten track in this Bohemian part of town. Specialising in cocktails (I could have sworn the barmen was a wanna be alchemist!), very cool music and interesting camera related decor, this is a bar for those who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the main, funky high street. Perch yourself on a stool or sink into the comfy, cushion adorned chairs and you'll find all of your troubles dissipate into the night (or at least until the morning!) However, like all good things in life, there is a price to pay for all this self-indulgent luxury and that's through your trusty wallet! Prices are not cheap here - 3.50 euros for a standard beer and 7 euros for a cocktail knocked down my otherwise unabounded enthusiam for this place and thus although 'technically' this is a four star bar - I can't justify giving it a rating of four as there are plenty of bars as 'cool' as this who support more regular prices. Nice bar, great for tourists and the nouveau riche (or those on a date) but not one that suits my humble kitty!
ZeroZero

Try Line

2008-04-07T15:09:00.008+02:00

C/Diputació, 36 : Espanya / Tarragona : Rocafort
Tel. 933255192
:
Although I have given this bar only a two-star rating, it's really not too bad. The problem is that there is nothing special I can say about it, and is often the case in Barcelona, there are always better bars lurking around the next corner. However, if you out-and-about in the area, this place isn't too bad if you fancy a quick drink or two. The overall decor is better than average and there's some music to add a little flavour. Prices are also cheaper than bars in the 'posher' parts of the city and it does do food to eat-in or takeaway and there is plenty of space to sit! All in all, not a great bar that I can recommend but it's average qualities are not necessarily a bad thing!
ZeroZero

La Trajinera

2008-04-02T18:00:00.000+02:00

Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes 459 : Rocafort
Tel. 93 426 5394
:
The Placa Espanya area isn't perhaps as well know as the Born or Gracia areas for places to go, but there are in fact quite a few bars around here that cater to the thirsty and hungry traveller. One of these is La Trajinera, which is a full on Mexican bar and restaurant. Here you'll find a full range of beers, including San Miguel and Coronita (or Corona as the anglo's know it) There's a fake moat and drawbridge entrance that opens into a small bar area that features large wooden barrels and high stools for furniture. The decor is pleasant - plenty of wood and adornments to catch your attention, but subdued enough not to annoy. Further on through and the place opens out into a surprisingly large dining area. Obviously this is a good place for margaritas and food, but you're not obliged to eat and there's enough space in the bar zone to chill out over a few beers or tequilas. Interestingly, the place is entirely smoke free - a plus or negative depending on your personal preferences. Whilst we were there a mariachi band appeared and began to regale the diners. At this point we made our excuses and left, but although perhaps slightly kitsch, it's all harmless fun and adds to the holiday atmosphere. All in all a nice place to visit if you're in the area and in need of a drink.
Karma

Margarita Blue

2008-04-01T11:21:00.001+02:00

C/Josep Anselm Clave 6 : Drassanes
www.margaritablue.com : Tel. 93 412 5489
:
The Margarita Blue is a colourful restaurant and bar with plenty of bohemian character. It attracts a mixed bunch, but especially the young and trendy, both locals and foreigners in large numbers for cocktails and Mexican food at pretty reasonable prices. Located close to El Bosc de les Fades, it's a great place to stop in for an early evening drink and that's probably the best time to come and relax. Later in the night you will find it becomes pretty crowded with tourists dressed up and ready to drink, so get there early if you want to find a free table. The design is cozy, but hip, and all the mirrors behind the bar give you the illusion that this place is larger than it really is. The atmosphere is informal, yet stylish and the staff are friendly and tolerant. All the usual beverages are available, but their specialty is cocktails - naturally, their namesake cocktail - The Margarita Blue - is a must.
Karma

Minusa

2008-04-01T01:36:00.009+02:00

C/Valencia, 166 : Hospital Clinic
www.minusaclub.com
:
Minusa is a strange bar but in a good way! The best I can say about it is that it's the closest to a genuine pub without trying to be. Whilst perched on a bar stool I felt like I could have been in a typically cool bar in the centre of London. Maybe this was because unlike virtually every bar in Barcelona, this place actually cares about music and fortunately so do I! They have a DJ who early on in the night who plays Indie/Alternative tunes and later - once the bar really hots up and packs out some rather cool dance beats. Prices are normal for BCN although you could find cheaper in this neighbourhood. However, it's definitely worth paying a little bit more for the great decor, fantastic furnishings (armchairs and the like) and of course the music. This is the kind of pub that you pop in for a quick drink and find yourself glued to your seat until the sad demise that is closing time. More, more, more like this please. Check out their website for live music info!
ZeroZero

Retruc

2008-03-29T18:22:00.007+01:00

Gran Via De Les Corts Catalanes, 399, 08015 : Placa Espanya
Tel. 934231569
:
Placa Espanya is a popular place for tourists and those visiting the plethora of trade fairs in this area. There are a lot of hotels and tourist friendly restaurants so you are likely to find places where English is spoken - at least at a basic level. Although I wouldn't say this bar is one of those, it's certainly a great place to go in large numbers and to spend the night playing pool (four good quality tables), darts or even ping-pong! This is a large bar for Barcelona, the drinks are nice and cheap and the music is lively although a little 'young' for my taste. If you get peckish during your evening, there is a good menu with plenty to chose from and if you are one of the modern breeds of non-smokers you'll find this place nice and toxic free! All in all it's a very good bar, not eclectic or particulary special in a Barcelona way but likely to be rammed with plenty of locals, ex-pats and tourists alike. Highly recommended!
ZeroZero

Daytona

2008-03-19T20:40:00.015+01:00

C/Entenca, 85 : Rocafort : Placa Espanya / Tarragona
Tel. 646458993
:
If you happen to be in this rather less touristy and 'cool' part of town and fancy a drink, this place isn't at all bad. Positing itself as a kind of American bar with neon signs, confederate flags and an on the whole bikers feel, you might find yourself too intimidated to step in. However don't fret as I found this place very friendly, reasonably priced and although my ears witnessed some rock tunes, they also played some rather more jazzy and soulful numbers. As bars go, this place is not really anything special, but it is a surprisingly laid-back kind of place and offers a pool table to boot! All in all, one of the better, more intersting places to drink, chat and play pool in this down-to-earth neighbourhood.
ZeroZero

Xampanyet

2008-03-13T20:06:00.009+01:00

C/Montcada 22 : Jaume I
Tel. 933197003
:
Fancy a bit of 'old skool' Catalan quaffing of cava? If so, this is the place to go! To call this place 'functional' would be an understatement but despite its lack of interesting or in fact remarkable furnishings, this bar is great if you really want a truly local experience. Music is non-existent and the lighting like a basic living room in an old flat. However the charm of this place is its 'down-to-earth' simplicity in that it does exactly what's said on the box! It provides excellent local, basic cuisine in the form of hams and cheeses and ridiculously well priced and even better tasting cava. Besides this, there really isn't much else to say as you'll either warm to its fundamental charm or perhaps find it a bit too brightly lit and busy to get into the groove. In my case, I can honestly say that it's a fantastic place to liven up your night and will definitely get you into the spirit of real Barcelona. You can almost imagine this lovely old place full of the intelligentsia, discussing politics or citing the next philosophical theories during Franco's era of repression or you can forget the past and celebrate the present in this wonderful old traditional drinking den a stones throw away from the famous Picasso museum. The choice is yours!
ZeroZero

Bosc de les Fades

2008-03-09T22:45:00.000+01:00

Pasaje de la Banca : Drassanes
www.museocerabcn.com : Tel. 933172649
:
Bosc de les Fades (Forest of the Fairies) is to be found near the bottom of Las Ramblas, behind the Museu de Cera (Wax Museum). This is one of Barcelona's more unusual bars, to say the least and is quite clearly aimed at the tourist market. As an attempt to create a bar with a mystical, fairytale theme, it's a success - but whether it really works as a place you want to go to for a drink is a different question. I suspect some will love it, whilst others will find it's kitsch organically shaped tables, gnarled fake plastic trees and tree trunk ledges just a step too far. The bar is a dark, dimly lit place, where the windows have been replaced by weird, illusionary mirrors to perhaps represent the mist beyond the trees or vertical, stagnant, silvery pools of mystery. Lanterns hanging from the branches provide the internal light amongst the trees. Just when you think that it couldn't get any stranger, you'll spot another anteroom in the corner of the main bar area that is decked out in the style of an old colonial bar, with tables chairs and wooden cabinets. What's more, snacks are available via a vending machine, or you can go the more traditional route, and chose one of the cakes, peanuts or savouries on view underneath the glass counter at the bar. The ambience is further enhanced by the background noise of forestry sounds, distant storms, insects and wild animals. Ideal for fans of fairytale creatures, ghostly woods, or just about anybody else who fancies a drink in an unusual surrounding. No visit to Barcelona is complete without a visit to El Bosc de les Fades, but its eerie strangeness (and tourist prices) rather rule it out as a popular favourite for expats.
Karma

Alma

2008-03-09T21:54:00.006+01:00

Sant Antoni dels Sombrerers, 7 : Jaume I : Barceloneta
Tel. 93 319 7607
:
This "hole in the wall" bar is tucked away down a side street off C/Banys Vells and is a short walk from Rubi. The bare brick walls, subdued lighting, erotic art and small size of this bar enhance its intimate, bohemian atmosphere. The place is long and thin, with a small bar at the far end and basic low tables and soft furnishings in the minimalist, Ikea style. The ambiance is tickled by gentle, unobtrusive music that makes this a bar for nuanced conversation, rather than bawdy celebrating. Not really a good choice for large groups, but it is ideal for couples or small groups who want to escape the tourist crowd without leaving the center of town. Given the bar's general location in El Born, prices are very good value and the happy hour matches those found in St Germain, La Fourmi, Le Journal and other bars in the Gracia area. This is definitely a bar to drop into for a couple of your favourite drinks in order to break up your evening's itinery and escape the hubub of the Born area.
Karma

Cine Bar

2008-03-07T19:38:00.008+01:00

C/ Torrent de l'Olla 53 : Diagonal : Fontana
Tel. 932177852
:
Well I hate to repeat myself, but this is yet another above average bar in Gracia! Unlike most however, this is more of a bar than the typical table-and-chairs establishments that grace this neighbourhood. Sporting a huge TV and a smaller one above the bar, this is clearly a place for those who want to watch some 'hot Barca action' whilst perched on a stool, munching pork scratchings and sipping the night away. However if you are fortunate enough to pop in on a normal, non-soccer night you'll also find plenty here to keep you amused. There's a dartboard, fruit machine and pinball machine to keep you distracted whilst waiting to refill your glass and music to tingle your eardrums. The barstaff are friendly and speak good English. There's the usual array of beverages, including our old favourite assortment of cocktails. Being more of a bar than anything else there are no menus, but this is a place for drinkers not culinary quest seekers! A good bar, with plenty of entertainment, a good 'atmos' and plenty of space to drink and be merry.
ZeroZero

La Cigale

2008-03-07T18:47:00.010+01:00

C/ Tordera 50 : Joanic : Verdaguer
Tel. 934575823
:
Apparently the name of this bar is of French origin, although in Catalan it means something rather ruder! Still this is one of a family of five (soon to be six) bars in Gracia that do their very best to give you a good mix of chilled, yet at the same time not dull atmospheres. Although this is fairly similar to its sister bar 'La Fourmi', (literally around the corner) there are some important differences that make this place stand out and perhaps make it worth its own visit. Where it differs is in its much more electic food menu and size. On first entering you might wonder whether or not you'd even attempt to swing a kitten (never mind a full blown moggy!) in the initial bar area - but I'll tell you a secret - there's a huge, wonderful lowlit upstairs with sofas, armchairs and room to swing a tiger! The music here is also nice and subtle, enough so that you can have a decent conversation and of course (in parallel with its siblings) it has the usual range of beers, wines, spirits and cocktails. Those of you who are cider hunters will also not be disappointed. Back downstairs, the bar is of average proportions and there are plenty of stools in case you are unlucky enough to not get a nice table. Like most cocktail type bars in this neighbourhood, there's a projector, but I'm pleased to say it's fairly low key and hardly a distraction unless you want it to be. (People on blind dates take note!) Finally, for those who don't smoke I was pleased to spot an air conditioner and if that's not enough there is a special room upstairs for non-nicotine addicts. All in all, a surprisingly good all-round bar with enough to please even the fussiest of punters and nicely hidden away from the busier parts of Gracia. For me, the icing on the cake has to be the food menu, and as we found out last night, all of the staff speak English very well. For this reason you have no excuses not to check this hidden 'tardis' of a bar out when on one of your next drunken odyssey!
ZeroZero

La Fourmi

2008-02-27T22:44:00.010+01:00

C/Mila i Fontanals 60 : Joanic
:
This is one of my new faves in Gracia. Basically it's a cocktail bar on the lines of St Germain et al but the difference here is it's much less pretentious. Street inspired (or actual street) furniture make this is a small and yet warm bar to idle the night away. Sporting classic film posters, a simple and functional snack menu and a nice lack of TVs, projectors and all of the other gadgets that seem to be clogging up bars these days, this is the place to come to philosophise and 'put the world to rights'. Of course if your brain cells are shutting down after a hard day's slog you can always come here to assist them further with a range of cocktails (Happy hour until 10pm) and soak up the tranquil yet not soporific atmosphere that gracefully embraces this bar. If you are lucky you might get to meet the infamous DrinkBarcelona trio as a double bonus!
ZeroZero

Zoo

2008-02-27T22:16:00.007+01:00

C/ Escudellers, 33 : Liceu / Drassanes
:
Barcelona has some good bars, great bars and then this place! Absolutely awful in my opinion. Positioning itself as a bar/restaurant, it has the worst decor known to mankind since the Big Bang. Ambiance is tacky along with the appalling furnishings. I refuse to give any more information on the location and how to find this place as if I were you (or anyone else with an active brain cell) I'd avoid it like the plague. Don't say I didn't warn you!
ZeroZero

Barroc

2008-02-27T20:51:00.006+01:00

C/ Rec, 67 : Jaume I / Barceloneta
Tel. 932684623
:
This is a great bar and surprisingly large for a bar in this neighbourhood. This drinking abode is laced with a plethora of stools and is one of the biggest I've yet to see! What is most striking though is the decor which definitely lives up to this bar's title. Huge chandaliers and antique (yet surpisingly comfy seats) make this a bar for those who want to drink in style. The usual array of drinks can be found here including wine and cava (catalan champagne) and at pretty reasonable but not cheap prices. The music is loud and enjoyable enough to add an extra spice to your night's drinking session and overall I am happy to say it's a bar I have been and will be returning to again and again, whether for a chat with a friend, to impress a local chick (or two) or just to chill out in after a hard day's mooching on the beach.
ZeroZero

Distrito Cinco

2007-09-28T12:59:00.001+02:00

C/Vallirana, 30 : Lesseps : Fontana : Gracia
Tel. 93 237 4827
:
Just outside bohemian Gracia in swanky St Gervasi, this spacious bar offers a broad mainstream appeal that is virtually non-existent in Gracia, Barcelona's most alternative area. Distrito Cinco is probably too far uptown for most holidaymakers and daytrippers to bother with, but it is worth checking out for those living in Gracia who fancy something a bit different but don't want to travel too far. It also pulls off the nifty trick of rolling into one the pre-club bar, the pool den and the café with outdoor terrace, making it suitable for many different moods and occasions. It is rather too expensive for heavy drinking sessions, but you could find much worse places to play pool and the little square outside is very charming and quiet, making the terrace a great place to sip a cheeky afternoon beer. The décor and music might be a bit tacky for some tastes and do keep a tight grip on your wallet, but otherwise this is a cool place to hang out.
Paul

Lupino

2007-09-23T17:56:00.000+02:00

C/Carme,33 : Liceu : Catalunya
Tel. 93 412 3697
:
This Parisian-influenced bar and restaurant is like a Le Corbusier wet dream, assimilating all that is most austerely po-faced in modern-day bar design trends. Long, beige and very thin, Lupino carves a swathe between two streets, fronting out on the east to a narrow Ramblas contributory and on the west to a terraced area behind the Mercat de la Boqueria (the central Barcelona market). The décor betrays all the trappings of pretension most beloved by the style-bar sluts: Spartan, tunic-wearing waitresses with the demeanour of nurses administering an enema; an airport landing strip, back-lit wall design; cream leather pouffes; and retina-scorching-white table cloths stacked with pristine glassware. Step out onto the front terrace, however, and it's a different story. As the flat, filtered brew of Barcelonan air hits you you're suddenly back in the Med, with trailing ivy, dried flower arrangements and deckchairs. Maybe worth popping in for a decent cocktail, but in general though, the Lupino is past it's prime and to be honest is in dire need of a facelift and attitude adjustment.
Karma

Milk Bar

2007-09-23T16:45:00.000+02:00

C/Gignas,21 : Jaume I
www.milkbarcelona.com : Tel. 93 268 0922
:
Since opening in March 2005, Milk has created a truly unique style. Dangerously comfortable booths, sexy cartoon art and hand-crafted wallpaper all contribute towards a decadent ambiance. The evening menu embraces culinary cultures from all over the world. Weekend brunch is excellent, not only providing delicious plates such as traditional homecooked Irish breakfeast or eggs benedict but also a selection of complimentary English, Irish and Spanish newspapers. Milk has a good location nestled in the narrow streets of the old Barri Gothic, and a soundtrack of rare and funky tunes to set the mood for a great night out. And their cocktails are a treat for selective and discerning tastebuds. The Milk Bar & Bistro offers a modern and elegant option for the ever livelier nights of Barcelona's old town. As their website describes: "Plush sofas, flirtatious pillows, gilded lacy red picture frames, antique chandeliers and incredible wallpaper designed by 50's designer Florence Broadhurst." The menu changes seasonally, and popular dishes include the "Milk hamburger" topped with the house sweet onion relish, served with wedges and tonkatsu sauce, "The Ultimate Caesar Salad" which has their homemade dressing, chapata croutons, smoked bacon, parmesan cheese and topped with a warm poached egg and of course the ever popular "Seafood Jumbalaya." Milk has a famous cocktail list with a legendary Happy Hour for selected cocktails from €3.50 between 7pm and 9pm daily. All-in-all a premium cocktail bar and definitely worth hunting out amongst the narrow catacomb streets of the old Barri Gothic.
Karma

Princesa 23

2007-09-18T18:18:00.000+02:00

C/Princesa 23 : Jaume I
www.drinkfoodlife.com : Tel. 933190472
:
A bar - aptly named after the street it inhabits - to suit those of us who like a little bit of class whilst quaffing our beverages. I was pleasantly surprised when entering to be greeted in English and given a choice of not only whether to eat or focus primarily on necking some drinks, but if I required a smoking or non-smoking area. A nice touch and not particularly common in this neck of the woods. I was also further pleasantly surprised by the array of drink choices, everything from the usual beers and cocktails (which were artisan by their very nature!) to cider. On parking my butt at the clean and spacious bar area, I was further impressed by a quick gander at the decor. To be honest there are no 'novelties' in this bar but it's definitely well thought out and (I hate to coin this adjective!) nice! Finally, I opened my ears - ready to feel disappointed by the usual, illogically chosen and out of place tunes that amateur proprietors shove hastily into their CD players - only to find them pleasantly caressed by some mellow, yet up-beat tracks that believe it or not you might find in an English bar! All in all then, if I were to summarise this bar I'd say, "Great". For those concerned that despite my unusually optimistic diatribe, I've only given this four stars, I'd like to say to them 'check your wallet on your way home!'
ZeroZero

The Fastnet

2007-08-26T20:00:00.000+02:00

Passeig Joan de Borbó, 22 : Barceloneta
Tel. 93 295 3005
:
The Fastnet is an atypical Irish pub in Barcelona, inasmuch as it is probably the only one near the Barceloneta beaches. Its décor is maritime based and the name derives from the famous lighthouse that marks the southernmost point of Ireland. Out of the dozens of Irish pubs and bars in the city, this is the only one that seems to have realised that it is situated in Mediterranean climes and not wet and windy Dublin, and as such is open, light and airy as opposed to the standard dark and smokey atmosphere preferred by most other establishments. It has the usual varied selection of local and imported beers that you would expect from any decent pub. The Fastnet's major plus is its reasonable sized terrace that overlooks Port Vell and the main street from Barceloneta to the beaches - which makes it a great place to go if you like to sip a pint of Guiness and watch the tourists go by. Like all pubs, it has a big-screen TV and is always filled with Brits whenever there are football matches on. The Fastnet also has a good reputation for offering a fine full English breakfast and other hearty pub dishes. All in all, it's the perfect place to have a cold pint after a hard day's sunbathing on the beaches.
Karma

Aurora

2007-08-17T18:00:00.000+02:00

C/Aurora, 7 : Liceu : Sant Antoni
Tel. 93 442 3044
:
The Aurora is one of Raval's secret gems. It's eccentric decorative features and a fun-loving, arty party crowd create a quirky bar that's open 'till late on weekends. There's a really fun ambiance, with friendly bar staff, eclectic electronic music, cocktails and red décor that makes Aurora a unique lounge bar with dance club mix. Throw in a daily happy hour until 11pm and you can guarantee that this place is full of punters up for having a fun night out.
Karma

The Queen Vic

2007-08-16T18:02:00.000+02:00

Nou de la Rambla 24 : Liceu/Drassanes
www.thequeenvic.net : Tel. 93 317 3771
:
Another pub in downtown, but this time on the Raval side of the Ramblas for those who have grown tired of all the Irish pubs on C/Ferran. The Queen Vic appears to specialise in catering for the football and stag/hen do crowd - so if that's what you're looking for then this is the place to go! There's little more to say about this drinking den to be honest. It's not horrendous, it's not fantastic - it's just another pub in the center of town just like all the others, more or less. Personally, I'd recommend perusing the photo album on their website in order to get an idea of the sort of clientele and atmosphere you can expect to encounter before getting too excited. Okay, okay, maybe we're being a tad too harsh and a bit pretentious, but here at drinkBarcelona we want you to sample some of the better bars with spanish or catalan character - but if you absolutely must go to a pub then there are better ones than The Queen Vic to be found near the Ramblas.
Karma

Pitin

2007-07-29T16:22:00.000+02:00

Passeig del Born 34 : Jaume I
Tel. 933195087
:
I was intrigued by the etymology of the name of this bar and it means two distinct things which I'll let you cogitate over! One, a worm that infects Windows systems and spreads through network shares. Two, a Creole word for 'a lady of the night' or 'whore' in laymans terms! Either way none of the definitions come remotely close to describing this rather cramped, claustrophobic, stair laden, pleasant death trap of a bar on the well trodden Passeig Del Born. If sweaty, sauna inducing, low celing bars with bad service and tuna can conditions appeal to your sense of fun glands then this could be the bar for you. Jam packed with peeps quaffing the usual array of intoxicating liquids, skin-to-skin and bum cheek-to-bum cheek this place will either induce an erotic tingle to your night or a feeling of being an overworked pinball in a badly designed pinball machine. Music isn't offensive - as is to be expected in the bars in this zone and although I've heard positive claims about this bar from other sources citing its historic, romantic overtones, for me it was a highly frustrating experience to spend more than a small amount of time here. A bar that doesn't live up to its name!
ZeroZero

Cactus Bar

2007-07-29T15:31:00.000+02:00

Passeig del Born 30 : Jaume I
www.cactusbarbcn.com : Tel. 933106354
:
Sometimes I wonder if there isn't anything else BUT bars in this popular part of town, as yet again I discover another abode competing for locals and tourists in this beautiful, old miniature high street. Unfortunately, the competition in this part of town is extremely high and so although this is a pleasant enough place - small, intimate and fine for a couple of swifies - it doesn't fair as anything special when pitted against the barrage of trendier bars that adorn the neighbourhood. Music however was good, upbeat (in a good way) and prices reasonable, especially as this is a very trendy, bourgeois, bohemian part of the city. Being probably one of the smallest places on the street, space is lacking but well compensated for by the use of stools and clean, uncluttered bar space. All in all, this is a pleasant and mellow enough space to hang for a drink but with the disadvantage of being literally surrounded by the hottest competition in the city. As I said to Paul last night, 'if this bar was in my street, I'd be very happy!' Let's hope the down to earth decor and friendly service can keep the punters rolling in.
ZeroZero

Travel Bar

2007-07-24T12:36:00.000+02:00

C/Boqueria 27 : Liceu : Jaume
www.travelbar.com : Tel. +34 93 342 5252
:
This haven for backpackers in the heart of the old city closely resembles one of its patrons: friendly, practical and disheveled. It is likely to polarize opinion more than most bars as it is heavily tailored to the needs of travelers. The advantages of this approach include wi-fi internet access, a busy mix of gregarious punters to mingle with and ultra-cheap 1 euro dinners every night at 8pm for those on a shoestring budget. There is also a famous bar crawl, reputedly the largest in Europe, which emanates from Travel Bar on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 9:30pm. The downside, especially for us affluent residents, is that it does feel rather more like a busy train station cafe than a cosy pub. The choice of beers on tap is limited to one, San Miguel, and the service can be a bit terse. The bar is redeemed somewhat by the nice terrace outside one of the two entrances and indeed your first impression of this bar may vary according to which side you approach it from. Ultimately, the name tells you all you need to know about this place. Travelers should flock here in droves, locals and residents should probably go elsewhere.
Paul

Maria Mulata

2007-07-20T11:26:00.001+02:00

Carrer de la Mercé 27 : Drassanes : Jaume
www.mariamulata.com : Tel. 0034 932 955 584
:
Depending on the level of political correctness you subscribe to, "Maria Mulata" is a bit like saying "Half-Caste Helen", "Mixed-Race Melanie" or even (shudder) "Bi-Racial Barbara". Not be confused with Musical Maria, or the countless other bars in town with Maria in their name, this trendy cocktail bar in the Gotico is downtown's answer to Gracia's St Germain, except everything is on a larger scale, from the spacious main bar to the gigantic film projector (oh god, not another one) and the humungous olives (seriously, they were the largest I'd ever seen). While I definitely appreciated the quirky music, which on this occasion seemed to consist entirely of smooth lounge covers of synth pop classics from the 80s, and the fancy décor (see picture above), I was less enthusiastic about the deceptively rubbish happy hour. Advertised outside as "two cocktails for 8 euros", it turned out to be a case of "any colour you like so long as it's black", with the mojito being the only eligible tipple. As if this wasn't annoying enough, it was only after having instinctively selected "large" from the choice of "large or small" that I discovered that only small mojitos qualify. That minor quibble aside however, Maria Mulata is definitely one of the classier bars in the Gotico and there are certainly much worse places to have a drink in this part of town.
Paul

The Black Horse

2007-06-07T12:22:00.001+02:00

C/Allada Vermell, 16 : Jaume
www.pubblackhorse.com : Tel. 93 268 3338
:
This is our 70th drinkBarcelona bar review and it's a bit disgraceful that we've left it so long to review this rather excellent and well-loved English pub. Unlike the majority of downtown English and Irish pubs which tend to be full of tanked up tourists seemingly on a mission to give the English a bad name abroad, the Black Horse is a firm ex-pat favourite and, in their words, "has the best atmosphere of respect and tolerance amongst its clientele". I couldn't agree more. It's the sort of place that's easy to forget about or take for granted if you live here for a long time, since while other pubs in the centre are loud, rowdy and attention-grabbing, the Black Horse has a quieter understated charm and is a bit like a homely English village pub abroad. The bar staff are exceptionally friendly, attentive and quick, and perhaps it is no coincidence that this is one of the few bars in Barcelona which attracts proper regulars. While there is no pool table or food menu (if you're hankering after a fry-up or roast dinner, you should visit the Philharmonic, which makes up for its many shortcomings with a superb choice of English food), this pub offers virtually everything else you could hope for. There's darts, playstation, chess, cards, football (it's a comfy place to watch matches although in this plasma era, the TVs are on the small side), a semi-legendary pub quiz every Sunday at 8pm, intercambios every Friday at 8pm, free copies of the many Barcelona English magazines, a corkboard festooned with handy classified adverts and an outdoor terrace. The Black Horse is not glitzy or glamorous; there are no dancing girls, arty film projectors (thank god) or pounding techno music. This is an English pub through and through, so it will inevitably divide people into lovers and haters much like that classic ex-pat staple marmite. I'm going to give it 5 stars, not because it's necessarily one of the best bars in town, although for many it undoubtedly is, but simply because it's the best bar of its kind. English pubs in Barcelona don't come any better than this.
Paul

Temple Bar

2007-05-15T16:00:00.000+02:00

C/ Ferran, 6 : Liceu
Tel. 93 301 74 18
:
Temple is your classic plastic, tourist Irish pub, but at least it's done well. The location is perfect for those tourist pub crawls, and it has a huge projection screen for the sports fans who want to watch the Premiership whilst on their hols. There are also plenty of high quality flat screen TVs dotted about so that you're in no danger of missing any of the sporting action. There's wood panelling everywhere, and an upstairs area that increases the capacity of the pub considerably. Naturally, the Temple is always popular with the tourist crowd from all over Europe, so there are interesting accents to be heard left, right and centre. Like all pubs in the centre, there's a vast selection of beers, lagers, cider and Guinness. Those of you who have a soft spot for the black stuff will appreciate the difference between your typical, average foreign pint of Guinness and a well crafted pint. If it's a superior pint you're after you should probably try further afield (Celtic Cross), but the Temple's pint is passable. It's hard to say that the Temple has any particularly interesting or unusual character, because it doesn't. The bottom line is that if you're near the Ramblas and fancy a pint, the Temple Bar is an easy, if uninspiring, win.
KarmaShark

Dietrich

2007-05-02T17:17:00.000+02:00

Consell de Cent, 255 : Universitat : Hospital Clinic
www.dietrichcafe.com
:
This classy bar, orientated towards a rather gay and masculine clientele, is the right place to go to if you want to warm up for a long club night in the “Gayxample” - THE gay district of Barcelona. The crowd is good looking and the long corridor that runs alongside the bar makes you feel like you're walking down a catwalk. The interior is very stylish and the coolness of both the décor and the “queer folk” does justice to the ice-cool blond teutonic actress that the bar is named after. There are glamorous live shows every night starting at 1am featuring strippers, drag queens, lip-syncing singers, trapeze artists and acrobats. There is also a dance floor where you can dance to chart hits and a rather campy music selection
Klaus Nummer Fünf

No Sweat

2007-04-22T18:12:00.001+02:00

C/Vic 19 : Fontana : Gracia FGC
www.barnosweat.com : Tel. (+34) 93 415 2956
:
If your night out begins in Gracia and you fancy stepping the pace up a gear and heading in the direction of the trendier, clubbier and pricier area of Maria Cubi and Aribau, you would do well to stop off at No Sweat along the way. Sandwiched inbetween Gran de Gracia and Via Augusta, this bar may not be the biggest or most famous in town, but it is deceptively charming. From the outside it seems small and unremarkable, but like Dr Who's Tardis, once you step inside it's a whole lot bigger. The walls are covered in stylized pictures of iconic movie images, from Marlon Brando to Darth Vader to Audrey Hepburn and far too many from Tarantino films. The bar wraps all the way around from the entrance into the pool section and this place is a particularly good place to prop up the bar. It's also big enough for groups and there's a dartboard, a pool table and a foosball table for when too much booze has rendered meaningful conversation impossible.
Paul

Miss You

2007-04-21T18:42:00.000+02:00

C/Bonavista, 6 : Fontana : Diagonal
:
This tasteful and excellently named pre-club bar is the kind of place you don't come across very often in Gracia. Whereas most bars in the area are bohemian, cosy and eclectic, Miss You is a much more mainstream affair with snazzy décor and funky tunes. Consisting of one big (by Gracia's standards, in the UK it would be rather small) room with no little nooks or enclaves to explore, there's no where to run and no where to hide. It somehow pulls off the nifty trick of being both brightly (but not starkly) lit and yet still maintaining the feel of a dark late-night bar. Being situated at the bottom of Gran de Gracia and the top of Passeig de Gracia, it's very easy to find and would make a good final bar stop before heading to nearby "club" Alfa. The only problem with Miss You is that for a self-styled pre-club bar it just doesn't seem to be getting the punters in and as a result it's not quite as happening as it would clearly like to be. Nevertheless, it certainly fills a gap in the Gracia bar scene and is well worth a look.
Paul