Bars in Barcelona: Where you should be drinking

Bar Fly: Where you should be drinking in Barcelona

rachelzheng

14 Aug 2017

1/5
Dry Martini by Javier de las Muelas
No trip to Barcelona can really be considered complete without a visit to Dry Martini, widely regarded to be one of the best bars not only within the city, but on an international scale. The man behind the bar, Javier de las Muelas, is an industry legend and something like the godfather of cocktails. When Dry Martini opened over 30 years ago, it only served the eponymous cocktail, but under de las Muelas, it has since expanded its offerings to include classic cocktail recreations and daringly innovative cocktails. Dry Martini maintains the classic style of an English cocktail bar with an interior made up of leather, wood, and brass elements, while its expert bartenders, some of them white-haired, are dressed smartly in white coats. There's also an electronic counter keeping track of the martinis that have been served since the bar's opening. If it's not obvious enough, make sure you try the Dry Martini, but don't miss out on the opportunity to try one of their original creations. The Carnyvore (pisco, Szechuan pepper, maracuyá juice, strawberry) is served in a pitcher plant, and the Moon Walk (Dewar’s White Label Whisky, pineapple juice, red hot chili droplets, fresh lemon juice, fig syrup, cane syrup) will make you feel like you're in outer space. And that's not all. In the backroom of Dry Martini lies hidden restaurant Speakeasy, the first of its kind in the city.

Dry Martini, Carrer d'Aribau, 162-166, 08036 Barcelona, Spain

Photo: Dry Martini
2/5
Solange Cocktails & Luxury Spirits
If James Bond were to drink in Barcelona, it would undoubtedly be at Solange. The bar is named after Casino Royale's Bond girl, but that's not the only reason why. The decor at Solange is opulent, almost staggering – much of it is dripping in gold. However, it all feels elegant, and is not in the least tacky. Solange is run by the Pernías, a family of mixologists who are well-known for Tandem, another cocktail bar they operate. Classics executed flawlessly are the order of the day here, but the bar also excels in original concoctions and bespoke creations. For a sophisticated drinking experience in an intimate setting, Solange is where you want to be.

Solange, Carrer d'Aribau, 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain

Photo: Solange
3/5
Boca Chica
Boca Chica is the impossibly stylish cocktail lounge of the famed Boca Grande restaurant. With an interior adorned extravagantly in leather, velvet, weathered wood, and faux animal skins, its not hard to see why this bar is said to be frequented by celebrities. Their cocktail menu contains a mix of classics and signature drinks, all of which are enjoyable. And we're not kidding when we say that their toilet could be one of the most memorable the world over. It's a sight to behold and something that you'll just have to experience in person – and then tell everyone about.

Boca Chica, Passatge de la Concepció, 12, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

Photo: Boca Chica
4/5
Gimlet
Gimlet is another bar by Javier de las Muelas. Located away from the tourists hordes in the Santaló district, the decor here is fairly simple, going to show that bells and whistles aren't needed – the drinks speak for themselves. Gimlet is the place if you want to get a good classic in an authentic atmosphere. You'll be in the good hands of its experienced bartenders who are able to recommend, but you know what you're best ordering here. As its name appropriately suggests, the gimlets here are king.

Gimlet, Carrer de Santaló, 46, 08021 Barcelona, Spain

Photo: Gimlet
5/5
Ohla Boutique Bar
The trendy Ohla Barcelona is a boutique designer hotel located in the centre of Barcelona, and the Ohla Boutique Bar is a worthy destination in itself. The bar is helmed by award-winning bartenders Giuseppe Santamaria and Massimo La Rocca, and the cocktail menu shows off their expertise with original creations that are as delicious as they are exquisitely garnished. The gorgeous hotel building, whose historical facade has been preserved, was previously the city's very first department store and also once the palace of the first count of Barcelona. Today, the exterior of the hotel is decorated with an avant-garde installation of eyeballs by Catalan artist Frederic Amat. There's much to admire about the Ohla, so get yourself a drink or two, sit back, and take in the experience.

Ohla Boutique Bar, Ohla Barcelona, Via Laietana, 49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

Photo: Ohla Barcelona

These five bars put the bar in Barcelona.

Being in Barcelona feels almost like a dream. The coastal city is unlike any other, iconicized by the fabulous, whimsical architectural masterpieces such as the Sagrada Familia and Casa Milà by famed modernist architect Antoni Gaudí. There’s also the labyrinth of enchanting cobblestone streets in the Gothic quarter, with many buildings dating from medieval times. Home to some of the world’s most revered artistic giants, Barcelona also has museums dedicated to Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró. And don’t even get us started on the food. At almost every corner, you’ll find tapas bars that sell lip-smacking plates of jamón (cured ham), bombas (stuffed potato balls), and various types of seafood. Muy delicioso!

Barcelona also offers plenty of options for a night out. After all, the city has a reputation for being one of Europe’s hottest party cities. If you take your drinks seriously, you’re in the right place. Barcelona has a long-established bar scene and offers great variety. Bars in Barcelona run the gamut, from traditional interiors and classic drinks you can’t go wrong with to stunningly modern décor and truly unique concoctions that will amaze. However, with so many bars in Barcelona, it can be tough to decide which ones are worth visiting. That’s where this list comes in – we’ve scouted out the bars to go to for the finest cocktails, each offering their own distinct experience. One thing is for sure, and it’s that Barcelona’s bar scene has as much character as its architecture, art, and food.

Ready to call for the barman? Click through the gallery to discover five choice bars that put the bar in Barcelona.

Rachel Zheng

Photo: Dry Martini

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Bar Fly: Where you should be drinking in Barcelona

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