The most visited neighbourhood in Barcelona, the Gothic Quarter is brimming with stunning architecture, historic sights – and many a sports bar. Whether you want somewhere to catch up on the scores with a pint, or a crowd of fellow supporters to watch the game with, here are some of the best sports bars in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter.
Sports Bar Italian Food
Bar, Italian, $$$
Very much a case of ‘it does what it says on the lid’, the Sports Bar Italian Food is a sports bar serving Italian food. Although, technically it’s more like an Italian restaurant kitted out with numerous flat screen televisions, so dinners will be able to watch the game from wherever they’re sitting. The food offering is ample and includes pizzas, pastas, salads and grilled meats – there’s even a selection of deep-fried pizzas to choose from.
This friendly Irish pub is located just off La Rambla and is well-known to local sports fans as one of the best places to watch live sports in Barcelona. There are dozens of TV screens dotted around the pub and the staff is usually happy to take requests when possible, although the British Premier League is sacrosanct. Brits will be happy to find homemade pub classics, such as jacket potatoes and pies, to go with their pint of ale.
The first of its kind in Europe, the NBA Café Barcelona is located on Barcelona’s La Rambla Boulevard on the edge of the Gothic Quarter. The café is just as modern and grandiose as you would expect it to be, with large-screen televisions, basketball memorabilia and even a ‘fan zone’ in the back with interactive games. Food-wise you can expect all the American classics, such as burgers and chips, barbecue ribs, and some Mexican favourites such as tacos and fajitas.
Another of the city’s most popular Irish bars, Dunne’s is a large pub located on the Via Laietana, between the Gothic Quarter and El Born. Big, cosy booths are great for groups and there are screens across the bar area, with the possibility of screening two or three different games at the same time. Again, expect classic pub grub, such as steak and kidney pies, fish and chips, and burgers.
Located just off the Plaça Catalunya, Belushi’s is a lively bar popular with international visitors and students. The bar is open late at night and is not unknown to host a few parties at the weekend, while it also organises beer pong and foosball games. Sports is also a big part of Belushi’s identity, and there is a number of large, HD screens across the bar, where you can watch football, golf, NFL, NBA, cricket and more. Bar food includes burgers, wraps, salads and a selection of Spanish tapas.
Unsurprisingly for an Argentine restaurant, there are two things taken very seriously by the team at La República: football and red meat. Tucked away in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, this is a great place to watch Barcelona play, as you can be sure there will be a crowd of die-hard fans watching alongside you. On the menu you’ll find pizzas, salads and burgers, but also grilled steaks, empanadas and other Argentine favourites.
‘You’ll never drink alone’ is this bar’s favourite saying and indeed it’s unlikely you will at Cheers, located just metres from La Rambla. The football is what you can most often expect to find on the screens at Cheers, especially Spanish and British games. Given its location, this place is very popular with travellers, but those who come here do seem to come again, so there’s clearly something to be said for Cheers’ friendly atmosphere and bar food.
