The origins of the now ubiquitous churros con chocolate may still be up for debate, but there’s no arguing with the fact that this is one of the most delicious food and drink pairings (if you can even call the thick, hot chocolate a ‘drink’) in Spain. Whether you’re looking for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, these 10 churrerías in Barcelona won’t disappoint.
Granja La Pallaresa is one of the most famous spots in Barcelona for chocolate, and rightfully so. It opened in 1947 and has been serving traditional churros and thick, dark hot chocolate with freshly whipped cream (this is called a ‘suizo‘, swiss) ever since. Located in the Gothic neighborhood on a street known for its chocolate cafés (Calle Petritxol), Granja La Pallaresa is a classic, don’t-miss stop for chocolate enthusiasts. Word on the street is that their crema catalana (the Catalan version of crème brûlée) is just as incredible as their selection of fresh pastries.
This Gràcia establishment boasts some of the best churros and chocolate in the neighborhood, and with shelves filled with books, cards, and board games, it attracts kids of all ages. This tiny café is always packed, and has a long menu of pastries, drinks, and sandwiches, not to mention gluten-free bread for those travelers who can’t enjoy the delicious fried dough of a churro. If you’re in the mood to gulp your chocolate a la taza (in a mug) while playing a rousing game of ‘UNO’ with friends or family, this is the place for you.
Comaxurros is the brainchild of Marc Muñoz and Lluís Estrada Canal, and was opened in 2013 right next door to the latter’s famous family pastisseria. Located in Sarrià, this churrería serves their modern take on the centuries-old treat: it can be enjoyed savory or sweet with a number of toppings, alongside perfectly sweetened hot chocolate. The two masterminds behind this café were looking to create the perfect churro, and some believe they have achieved just that. They now have a food truck, so if you’re lucky, you’ll spot their traveling churros.
Tucked away in the less touristy neighborhood of Sant Andreu, but still close enough to the metro to be located easily, is one of the best-kept secrets in Barcelona: Xurreria Xocolateria Sant Andreu. Beloved by locals and all who visit, the churros and chocolate found here have been known to turn non-believers into churros’ biggest fans.
This granja (meaning ‘farm’, and is also the name for older cafés that were authorized to sell milk products) opened in 1870 and is tucked away just behind Las Ramblas on Carrer Xuclà. Since it opened nearly 150 years ago, the menu has continued to expand, as generation after generation have flocked to the café to satisfy their sweet-tooth cravings. The thick chocolate and churros hit the spot after a long day of sight-seeing in the surrounding area of Ciutat Vella.
This xurreria (the Catalan word for churrería) located just north of Diagonal in the neighborhood of Gràcia, is the perfect place for anyone longing for fried food, Spanish style. Not only are their ‘normal’ churros delicious, but they also offer churros covered in chocolate, stuffed churros, stuffed churros also covered in chocolate, croquetas, french fries, and just about everything else you can imagine.
In keeping with the odd hours usually kept by churrerías, this one located on Via Laietana between Plaza Urquinaona and Plaza Jaume can be hard to catch open (either early morning or later in the afternoon). If, however, you plan it just right, you will be rewarded with some of the best and crispiest churros in Barcelona.
Manuel San Román is a native from Andalucía who inherited his dedication to the art of making churros from his grandmother, and got into the family business when his sister and brother-in-law opened their churrería on Calle del Banys Nous in 1968. The crispy, fresh churros sold from this tiny shop are some of the best in the city, and can be enjoyed on the go or with a hot chocolate from historic La Granja 1872, just a few doors down.
Oriol Balaguer, former pastry chef of Ferran Adrià, created his own artisan line of chocolates in 2003, and has opened several shops and cafés in Barcelona since then. His xocolateria in the neighborhood of El Born is now serving up some of the best hot chocolates in the city in a variety of flavors and styles. In chillier months you can hunker down in this attractive café and enjoy churros with white, dark, or milk chocolate, that will warm your entire body.
This churrería is actually a food truck right outside the Marina metro stop and goes by many names (all based on its convenient location). Whether you’ve just finished running in one of the parks nearby, or are only getting back from the club in time for breakfast, everyone will tell you that these churros are just what you need to refuel.
