El Poblenou is a neighborhood in west Barcelona that extends all the way to Mediterranean sea. Once a run down industrial area, it started a process of transformation and regeneration in the late 1990’s. Still traditional but rapidly changing, El Poblenou offers sophisticated, classic bars with enchanting history. Explore some of the best places to drink in the area.
Els Tres Porquets does not offer high end gourmet delicacies, but attracts people instantly with its casual atmosphere, as well as its great tapas and good wines at reasonable prices. There is no fixed menu, and changes in meals are frequent, as all tapas and plates are cooked using only freshest seasonal ingredients. The tapas dishes are accompanied by a great selection of wine. Worth trying are some of the delicious mushroom croquettes, or juicy and crispy Galician cow sirloin with roasted peppers and garlic.
Opened in 1912, the ice cream parlor El Tío Che has been proudly named the best horchateria in Barcelona. The owner of this local gem, Joan Pere Iborra, began what would later become a family tradition, incorporating four generations of the family. The story behind El Tío Che’s name states that Uncle Che wandered around the streets of Barcelona, offering homemade horchata, and due to his stubbornness and persistence his name quickly became well known in Barcelona. Horchata is a traditional Spanish drink made from tiger nut milk, almond and sesame seeds and rice. Try this specialty at El Tío Che’s, with a ball of ice cream for a refreshing and unique flavor. The menu of El Tío Che offers endless choice of ice creams, natural horchata, meringue milk, freshly squeezed juices and waffles.
Balius Bar is a well loved local bar, which allows for a more authentic Catalonian drinking experience. With the golden beach just a few blocks away, Balius Bar has combined a quirky vintage style rustic interior with dim lighting and interesting décor. While at Balius, try their specialty vermouth, or any of the mouthwatering cocktails. It is an ideal place to mingle with the locals.
The minimal interior of La Forquilla Restaurant is designed to not distract customers from tasting the great market cuisine suggested in the menu. The level of cooking is high, and the chef Vidal Gravalosa only uses produce of local origin and of the highest quality. On top of that, La Forquilla offers an extensive wine list with more than 50 types of wine from different Spanish regions.
La Cervecita is a small but famous barand shop, fully dedicated to the art and culture of beer and beer brewing. La Cervecita has such an extensive drinks menu that, regardless of which country of origin you are looking for, you will find their craft beer here. La Cervecita promotes local Catalan beers. It is also possible to buy some refreshing bottled beers.
El 58 is one of the fanciest tapas bars in the area, because it serves good quality dishes with reasonable prices. Located inside an elegant building with marvellous interior design and a courtyard, the philosophy of El 58 is to present an imaginative menu served in warm atmosphere. The owners of El 58, the Frenchman Jerome Misan and the Catalan Amos Martínez, have lived in El Poblenou for 16 years, and knew the exact type of establishment they wanted to create, before El 58 opened, the area lacked a cultural hub where casual atmosphere would intertwine with carefully prepared simple dishes. While here, taste the cod carpaccio and Andalusian-style eggplant accompanied by a pint of beer.
Hidden off the beaten track in Poblenou, Arogueiria is a trendy place. They are known for their excellent gin, 80 varieties are available, as well as their take on traditional Galician cuisine. The menu consists of traditional tapas, but is not limited to it. Order paella with squid or savory pieces of octopus and you will understand why its almost impossible to squeeze inside this place during meal times. After 11 pm every Friday and Saturday dim pink lights illuminate the bar and music starts playing, attracting a stylish, young crowd.
El Traspaso Bar takes influence from French culture and cuisine, as two out of the three owners of the bar come from France. The interior at Trespaso is quirky and fun,and invites you to explore. El Trespaso is always busy with locals is an ideal option for a evening drink before heading out into central Barcelona, where all the nightlife happens.
Fans of the TV series Lost are in for a treat at Bharma. The owner of Bharma Bar has paid homage to his favorite show and the interior of this venue was greatly inspired by the series. There is an airplane tail built into one of the walls, and a secret bunker made from stone leading to the bathroom. The interior is richly decorated, with metal tables and two bar stands with neon octagonal symbols. The atmosphere is exotic, and visitors can feel like they are being transported into some secret underground bunker.
Located in a quiet pedestrian street in the heart of the old town of Poblenou, Mesdvi Bar is the right place to taste some excellent wine on a busy afternoon. The owners Xavi and David are two welcoming and friendly sommeliers, who opened Mesdvi with the objective of introducing and educating local people about world wine. Chef Sergio ensures that the tapas menu reflects and compliments the flavorsome wine list. Wine is served by the glass or in bottles, and preference is given to Catalan wines.
