The 10 Best Bars In El Poble-sec

Many of Barcelona’s best restaurants, art institutions, and bars can be found in the Spanish quarter of El Poble Sec. Whether you searching for live music and cabaret over a drink, or just a beautiful venue at which to relax and unwind, there is something for everyone in our guide to the 10 best bars in El Poble Sec.

Gran Bodega Saltó

Bodega, Spanish

Gran Bodega Saltó is a small and quirky space. The walls are lined with figurines, stuffed animals and a plethora of antiques. Their wine is so good that neighbors line up to fill their jugs from the barrels each evening. They’ve also partnered with Cultmusic Cultural Association to collect bottles of oil to give to the neediest people in the neighborhood.

Tinta Roja Espai d’Art

Bar, Pub Grub, Beer

This former dairy turned performance and drink site has been labeled one of Europe’s most original venues. At Tinta Roja Espai d’Art, you can enjoy a drink whilst watching some theater, tango, circus, and flamenco, or revel in some Hispanic and Latino music. The courtyard, which was once populated by cows, resembles the inside of a theater: it’s an ideal venue for enjoying some entertainment. Flamenco | © Aitor Aranda/Flickr

Psycho

Bar, Pub Grub, Beer, Spanish

Passeig Jean Nicolas Forestier,Parc de Montjuic. Barcelona.

Located next to concert venue Apolo, Pyscho is an ideal bar for a drink before and after a concert. Red and blue lighting infuses the venue with a grungy rock ambiance, complemented with band posters and photos of famous musicians lining the walls. You can even buy Psycho merchandise – t-shirts and tote bags – from the bar. Expect a lively atmosphere and be prepared for some dancing.

Bar Rufián

Bar Rufián is a huge hit with locals. Here you can enjoy a good drink and great conversation. Owners Dani, Jorge, Ghenado and Berta are always keen to chat to customers, be it about politics or family life. This is a fun and friendly bar, serving quality products in a cool and modern space.
Carrer Nou de la Rambla, 123, 08004 Barcelona, Spain, +34 931 80 68 28

Koska Taverna

Located in Carrer Blai, Koska Taverna is a small basque bar with a great atmosphere and fantastic service. The pinchos and tapas come highly recommended: from stuffed squid to beef cooked in red wine through to chorizo in cider, every menu item is imaginative and worth trying. There is also a good selection of wines, carefully selected by the owners. If you want a table outside, it’s best to arrive early because this place gets busy.
Carrer de Blai, 8, 08004 Barcelona, Spain, +34 931 27 03 13

La Federica

Tucked away in a side alley, La Federica is an immaculate vintage-style bar with antique cashiers, fans, and telephones dotted around. Everything about the bar oozes cool, from the lighting to the mural by artist Julio Fuentes. The bar has an excellent list of wines and cocktails too, all of which are good value for money. Order one of their delicious homemade cakes if you fancy treating yourself to some food; you won’t be disappointed.
Carrer de Salvà, 3, 08004 Barcelona, Spain, +34 936 00 59 01

Mau Mau

Founded by the guys behind maumau underground –an online guide to Barcelona’s most popular alternative spots – Mau Mau is popular with creatives from El Poble Sec and the rest of Barcelona. Mau Mau is a warehouse space beautifully decorated with low white couches and wooden tables. They host short film screenings every Thursday.

El Rouge

Bar

El Rouge is another beautifully decorated bar with leather sofas, chandeliers, and red mood lighting to match. The walls are covered in all sorts of oddities, from the framed torso of a mannequin, to cutouts, to Van Eyck and Velázquez paintings. There is also a small stage for acoustic performances and poetry recitals. The bar hosts tango classes on Thursdays and regular photography exhibitions.

Tribal Cafe

Tribal Cafe is a quirky bar on Carrer de Blai. Handmade puppets line the brick walls and dim lighting exudes mystery. There is something very theatrical about the space, with heavy velvet curtains framing all sorts of other artworks. Tribal Cafe is also celebrated for making the best mojitos in El Poble Sec.
Carrer de Blai, 29, 08004 Barcelona, Spain

Celler Cal Marino

Celler Cal Mario is the place to go for a glass of wine. It has a giant selection, from bottled wines to regional wines, found in barrels. If you prefer champagne, cava, and beer, there is a huge range of these too, with delicious tapas to accompany the drink of your choice. A traditional bodega, Cal Marino is the ideal place to visit for an authentic basque experience.
Margarit. 54, Poble-sec 08004 Barcelona, Spain, +34 933 29 45 92