The 20 best bars in Barcelona right now

What is it? A speakeasy that's not just any cocktail bar, hidden behind the guise of a Pastrami Bar (where you can actually get a mean pastrami sandwich). 

Why go? Behind an easy-to-spot wooden fridge door, you're transported into El Paradiso – a speakeasy that's not just any cocktail bar. Here you'll find highly sophisticated drinks that don't cost you an arm and a leg. Oh, and the World's Best Bars list voted this the best bar in the world. And they're correct!

What is it? Sips brings together Marc Álvarez (former head bartender at Albert Adrià's place) and Simone Caporale, a four-time World's Best Bartender winner from The Artesian in London. Basically, two of the world's best bartenders have opened a cocktail bar without a traditional bar, rewriting the rules as they go along.

Why go? Everything here is fun, fresh and unforgettably unique. Their crypto cocktail is made from clarified kiwi and gin, with tarragon, thyme and bay leaves in its base, so you smell it whilst you drink. Their pear cocktail is served in a beeswax pear. 

What is it? This restaurant-bar is the result of a collaboration between Tato Giovannoni (from Florería Atlántica in Buenos Aires) and Diego Cabrera (Salmon Guru in Madrid), two of the most prominent Argentine bartenders in the world. The outcome is a collection of seemingly simple yet incredibly flavorful creations, dedicated to the countries that sent immigrants to Argentina.

Why go? Well, take Greece, for example, where they've redefined the Dry Martini by infusing metaxa and tsipouro with grapevine leaves and capers. It's like sipping the Mediterranean in one gulp and it'll give you a kick. Here, they're much more focused on working with the flavors of the spirits – which they infuse with expertise – and their combinations, rather than creating gadgets-filled garnishes. Upstairs, the simplicity of Brasero, with its concrete, brick, and wood, aligns with Argentine grill and barbecue cuisine, but with a European twist and a personality of its own.

What is it? A cocktail bar inspired by the ‘listening bar’ concept, which originated in Japan in the 1950s. These are places where everything revolves around music. Sound quality is a priority, and they provide a calm and cozy environment for enjoying a good record without distractions. The concept has been spreading beyond Japan, and Barcelona couldn't be left behind. Here we have Curtis, a 'listening bar' equipped with an impressive sound system and a music program running from Thursday to Sunday with DJs, record collectors, and selectors who exclusively spin vinyl. Soul, jazz, funk, disco, and hip-hop are usually the most common styles.

Why go? Well, the drinks are banging too. This is a cocktail bar where you can enjoy drinks that are inspired by the world of music (like the Italo Pisco, Gin Scott Heron, Liquid Love, and Latin Strut), a record store, and a reading room with books and music mags. Fancy something else? They also offer pilsner and craft beers, wines (they have three natural options to choose from), some snacks if you're here for a pre-dinner drink, sandwiches pressed on torta bread, and pastries. Follow them on social media to stay updated on their events.

What is it? Right in the heart of El Raval, you'll find Juanjo, the most charismatic and passionate bartender in Ciutat Vella. He'll craft and explain cocktails, set up in a bar that looks like a ship's cabin, adorned with wood and tropical posters. 

Why go? Juanjo is a master; he'll make you whatever you desire. But he has a knack for giving a fresh lease of life to those cocktails that have suffered at the hands of tourism, elevating them with care and top-notch ingredients (if you want to see what we mean, try his Daiquiri). 

What is it? Negroni is a bar with a classic spirit and a contemporary look (no guesses what they specialise in). 

Why go? These guys are what bartenders should be. Don't look for a printed-up cocktails menu, just talk to one of the skilled mixologists for a minute and you'll be treated to an unforgettable cocktail suited to your taste. In order not to betray their name, you're guaranteed perhaps the best Negroni you'll ever try.

What is it? An old bar revitalised with a young spirit, the Olímpic Bar offers an intoxicating environment fit for every type of reveller. Filled with a dizzying amount with retro tiles, chrome accents and kitschy touches, the Olímpic is reminiscent of a dusty old Raval hole-in-the-wall – and we suppose that's not too far from the truth. But the bar's owners have managed to make it hip and vibesey at the same time.  

Why go? If you want to feel one with the spirit of the Raval, then go here. There's no door, so we advise settling into one of the cushy armchairs by the entrance and enjoying an unobstructed view of C/ Joaquín Costa for some great people-watching of the neighbourhood's shenanigans. Plus, patatas bravas. 

What is it? A sweet little cocktail bar in a warm little corner of the city, where you'll find yourself surrounded by furniture made from ancient wood, and possibly more than a few clients boasting ties and lush moustaches.

Why go? The great Josep Maria Gotarda is a real master in art and science of the cocktail. He dismembers the bottles, dissects the shaker, does whatever it takes to create the perfect concoction. Gotarda and his disciples whip up high-flying G&Ts and work miracles with traditional recipes. We're sure his Moscow Mule can reanimate the dead, and his Cosmopolitan might just will have your rewatching the entire collection of ‘Sex and the City’. 

What is it? El Pollo Bar has been serving up delicious tapas since 2021 and has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of Barcelona's most reliable tapas bars. And now, it has a little sister: Bar La Polla is right next door, with a focus on being a true bar, offering excellent drinks and cold tapas. It's located in the heart of El Raval, where Bar Jarana used to be (one of those pieces of the old Chinatown that has disappeared). 

Why go? The emphasis here is on cold dishes because they only have a C1 license, which means no hot kitchen. So, they rely on their best selection of preserved foods; pickles, salads, and omelets. The cured bonito with piperrada (a type of tuna fish with a tomato and pepper sauce) is a delightful refreshment, and you could easily devour a kilo of the cured pork loin. They pour the beer with supernatural skill, and their short but personalized cocktail menu is well-crafted: think espresso martinis with coffee liqueur, pisco sours, and vermouths with Cynar.

What is it? Two Schmucks was built by Moe Aljaf and A.J. White with their own four hands, recycled materials, sweat and tears. And they've kept growing ever since. It's a biblical DIY job that has turned out to be a an everyday bar and a superior cocktail bar at the same time. It's also a café – with a quality guarantee from Satan's Coffee Corner – and a restaurant serving a variety of food throughout the day, including their popular brunch at night.

Why go? The cocktail menu changes every month and is a catalogue of creativity and technique from the coolest of cool bars. Oh, and Moe is an extraordinary bartender. The Schmucks Vesper, with gin, vodka, Laphroaig scotch and bits of pecorino is insane, and their French mule is delicious and invigorating. Visit the Schmucks now, and again when they evolve into their next phase, whatever that may be. All are welcome, though the sign at the door tells you a bit more about Moe and A.J.'s favourite things: 'We like dogs, spaghetti and people with long hair.'

What is it? Dead End Paradise opened in the spring of 2023 in El Raval, and it's beautiful: a small, horizontally laid-out industrial space filled with tiger stripes and metal, with a casual vibe. It's inspired by a bar set up in Beirut with the same name, which was crowdfunded in 2020 following the Beirut explosion.

Why go? From an open bar, they serve liquid tributes to the city that now hosts them. Like a liquid pan con tomate cocktail, made with vodka and malt whisky infused with clarified bread, slightly sweet from the touch of tomato and silky from the olive oil. The menu features photographs representing the ingredients of each drink, created using elements from the cocktail itself.

What is it? Located in a former textile warehouse in Eixample Dreta, this is a mega microbrewery that has all the potential to become a temple and a pilgrimage spot for Barca's craft beer enthusiasts. Its a 1,100-square-metre craft beer bar, a restaurant, a café, and a brewery with a production capacity of 120,000 litres per year.

Why go? Here you'll find Nomad coffee and pastries, brunch options, draft cocktails from Collage, and a well-stocked list of local wines. The bar boasts 18 taps serving beers brewed right in the back of the venue, and it can comfortably seat around seventy people. And it caters to all levels of beer enthusiasts: you can enjoy a Coco Puff  – a malted brown ale brewed with whole roasted coffee beans by Nomad featuring notes of cherry, hazelnut, and chocolate  – or opt for a Writer's Block, a refreshing lager that will please even the most mainstream beer drinker. Their restaurant is also fabulous. 

What is it? This classic tavern was reopened by bloggers who are passionate about wine and tapas, and they've applied their philosophy to breakfasts in the bar featuring sandwiches that are so big they can count as a full brunch, like the one with botifarra sausage with diced aubergine, or the one with capipota (tripe stew) and chimichurri. 

Why go? Is now the time to talk about the drinks? They serve coffee here at excellent value, but the real specialty is vermouth and bulk wine, served in small, flat glasses at a very affordable price. The white wine is the golden one from Gandesa and the red is a magnificent Priorat.

What is it? Monk is located behind a Pakistani grocery store in an estate from the late 18th century. It's a bombproof realistic facade that conceals a one-of-a-kind bar. The space is impressive: it's like stepping into a study of various shades of pink in an elegant and stately bar. There's even tunes in the restroom, and a lighting system alters the way you see colors.

Why go? It's a highly aesthetic spot: the cocktails are designed based on how they interact with the lighting, and there are light art installations on the walls that you can purchase. Its high-end craft cocktails pay tribute to Spanish artists, and a great example of their extraordinary drinks is the wonderful Philip Glass is Dry, a homage to the dry martini with a redistillation of seaweed infusion, sake, citrus, and mushroom tincture. Cross the wall that looks like Krypton, and you'll enter a little church serving some of the best draft cocktails you'll ever taste.

What is it? L'Ascensor (The Lift or The Elevator, depending on your side of the pond) features an old-style lift for a door, which one can only suppose that's where it got its name. The cocktails are old-school, from times gone by, maybe even a bit prehistoric, but hey, if it ain't broke, don't fix it, right?

Why go? They're all about old-school cocktails, nothing flashy, classic drinks crafted with skill. Their piña colada is excellent, for example, but you can trust pretty much anything they serve here. Though it's located near Sant Jaume Square, it's not unusual to hear Catalan spoken among its customers. The Ascensor still retains some of the clientele that has kept it going for over half a century.

What is it? A bar with great drinks, a top-notch cheese shop, and plenty of hot and cold snacks to go alongside. Don't be fooled but its slightly shabby look – one of its charms – this bodega has got more spirit and better food than all the posh, designer bars in Barcelona put together. 

Why go? Well, firstly if you love cheese. Secondly if you like meatballs, cured bull meat, a variety of croquettes, and pretty much anything made from pork (all scribbled up on its blackboard). This is an old tavern with loads of character, where its owners decided to keep its working-class charm – and they got it right. Wine barrels are converted into tables, and there is a good variety of low-priced wines. Bottles of Estrella Damm beer sell like hotcakes and fill the bar, while the tables on the terrace are full of empties. Come for the food, stay for the vibes.

What is it? This is a real rock and roll bar, founded by people like Charly Raw, who have done nearly everything there is to do in the industry (promoters, journalists, salespeople ...). It's a favourite among those about to party at Sala Apolo after a few drinks. As for the music, they play all the good stuff: from Sly & the Family Stone to the Dead Boys.

Why go? Well, it's a rock bar without the subpar drinks. Go for a G&T, or sample one of the decent wines by the glass. But really, you're just here to sink a few beers with actual rockets who've just stepped off stage at the Apolo. 

What is it? Bobby Gin is a modern, comfortable bar where even the air you breathe is of high quality, as is the décor, with a bar made from old doors, and the loo door from a wardrobe. As you might suspect, they're G&T specialists and so have a great selection of premium brands.

Why go? If you're a newcomer to this ethylic delight, Francesco Giardino can be your guide. He knows just how to match your taste to just the right combination of G&T. If you're feeling peckish, there's also a deli food section.

What is it? The Polaroid Bar is a shrine to the 1980s, paying tribute to those snapshots with the little white frame. Vinyl, VHS tapes and those famous cameras cover the dimly lit walls. The bar area boasts all the colour, with fluorescent lamps that absorb all the nostalgia and use it to make pendants. The crowd rushes in early, to get the night started, and to take advantage of the 1980s-priced beer, at just a euro for a glass. And of course the cocktails bear names like Miyagi, Delorean and Sarah Connor.

Why go? ET stares at you through watery eyes; Spain's answer to the spandex-clad Jane Fonda of aerobics, Eva Nasarre, is a bit spunkier; Cyndi Lauper is caught in a moment of paint-swatch joy. From the sound system blasts a big-hair ballad. This is the kind of place that makes you remember why you took up karate, hoping for a sensei like Mr Miyagi. It makes you sure you can solve that Rubik's Cube if you only had another shot. It makes you want to see ‘Back to the Future’ again, for the first time.