La Barceloneta is a relatively small, seaside part of Barcelona, complete with a fantastic and popular beach and the freshest of the city’s seafood. La Barceloneta also boasts a great selection of bars, including beer bars, tapas bars, and cocktail bars. Here we explore 10 of the best in this seaside district of Barcelona.
Styled like a narrow cruise-ship bar, El Vaso de Oro certainly doesn’t lack in character, nor in tapas. Enjoy favorites like the chorizo or patatas bravas, and wash it all down with some of their very proud beer. With over 50 years of history, this unique and popular bar opens onto the street, giving guests the chance to enjoy with a delicious meal in a bustling daytime or balmy night time atmosphere. With both simple and elaborate dishes, there’s something for everything. So for a great drink in a cosmopolitan atmosphere, make sure not to miss out on El Vaso de Oro.
If you’re looking to dress up and have a more elegant and sophisticated bar experience, then Bar Eclipse, with its ‘elegant and chic’ dress code is the bar for you. Situated on the exclusive 26th floor of the W Barcelona Hotel, Bar Eclipse serves guests the finest of sushi fusion cuisine and inventive and creative cocktails made by expert mixologists. Guests can enjoy some of the best views of Barcelona, while mixing with fellow jet setters and fine diners and enjoying the best of Barcelona’s DJs.
One for the all-nighters, Bar Ké is located in what used to be the famous Nolo in the upper part of the city, and is a modern restaurant by day and lounge-bar by night, which attracts a lively and friendly crowd. This small bohemian inspired bar features keg chairs and worn out loungers, making it the hub of comfort. Not only great for a comfortable and relaxing drink, you’ll be sure to find animated conversation among the lively staff and customers. A reflection of its Dutch owner, Bar Ké is an open and welcoming bar, ideal for a snack or a tempting drink, and even boasting outdoor seating for those summer days.
Located right near the popular La Barceloneta beach, Bar Colombo attracts beach goers with its promise of great conversation with an even better beverage. A standard bar but with a superb location right between the port and the beach, the bar is found right next to a huge square which boasts ample outdoor seating for those summer days and evenings. Popular with locals, it’s a perfect location for those wanting to escape the masses of tourists. Head here for some relaxing and good quality wine.
Situated near the market of La Barceloneta, this bar attracts attention not only thanks to its bold name, but its bold green exterior. Don’t hesitate to order crab salad, or other intriguing seafood additions to the menu, and relax in the warm, homely and very much neighborhood-feel bodega. Not only does the bar boast a fantastic tapas menu, with fantastic potato omelettes showcasing some of the best of traditional Spanish cuisine, Bar Electricitat is famous for its classic house vermouth and wine barrels. Bar Electricitat has pleased guests for 10 years, and is still a charming favorite with the locals thanks to its great food, drinks and relaxing atmosphere.
This small but buzzing family run tapas bar has stood since 1944, and is one of the most loved food places in the area. Guests are drawn to La Cova Fumada by the strong smell of fried fish, and their other famous delights, notably, their own invention of the ‘potato bomb’ which has since become a tapas favourite in Spain. A friendly and homely bar, this is the perfect place to revel in the 1940s décor and chat with the friendly guests while tucking in to their fantastic food. With seven old tables and a cramped open kitchen, the décor and menu remain almost unchanged since its establishment, yet its popularity keeps on growing.
Jai-ca bar is an authentic tapas bar which has been growing in popularity ever since its establishment in 1955. Currently split into two bars on the same street, but situated just a few metres from one another, Jai-ca can proudly boast enough space to entertain its many customers. No stranger to being fully booked, this is a great place if you love a full and lively atmosphere, but perhaps book in advance. Regulars love its chess style flooring and typically Catalan white marble tables, and in particular the characterful long and twisted bar which creates an archaic and authentic environment in which to enjoy some classic wine or famous vermouth.
Popular with the locals, as well as students and expats looking for an affordable place to eat and drink, Absenta boasts a crowded bar, as well as a homely chill out area in the back. With proudly affordable prices, it is no surprise Absenta is always full. The great snack selection and even better prices are accompanied by decent music. A perfect place for those who love their beer, guests can grab some for just €1. If beer isn’t your thing, Absenta also serves fantastic mojitos at around €5, and for those daytime lovers, breakfast and coffee.
Located on an ancient street in Barcelona, Rubi Bar is best known for its selection of 25 international gins. Not only do they serve the best of the bottles, staff at Rubi bar are well known for their unbeatable homemade gin infusions made from grain alcohol and fresh ingredients. This drink is one of the city’s favorite, so there’s really no better place to try it than Rubi Bar. Choose from a variety of flavors, including strawberry gin, or the traditional Tanqueray & tonic. Guests can also enjoy the dimly lit and atmospheric red bar which boasts a rustic atmosphere complete with velvet red stools. Stay all night, whether you’re a gin expert or a newbie to the scene, and chat with fellow drink lovers in this friendly bar.
One of the most modern bars in the area, and serving what are undoubtedly some of the best cocktails, Zahara Cocktail Club has all the trendy features, from leather sofas to coffee tables, and a very popular night bar, all of which give the bar an air of sophistication. The terrace in front of the club simply completes the ambiance, and is perfect for those summer nights. This small and intimate cocktail bar boasts an ideal location on the end of the marina waterfront, and can be considered an oasis for those tired after a long day soaking up the Spanish sun. For those captivated by the art of mixology, head here to enjoy lounge music, sunset views, and creative cocktails, as well as tempting wines and beers.
