When two of the top three of the World’s 50 Best Bars are in your town, you know that the bar is raised high, very high or should I say muy alto! Giacomo Giannotti of Paradiso and Simone Caporale of Sips might be helming the top bars In Barcelona, but there are so many more that you have to try.
Here is just a short list of the best bars in Barcelona to whet your appetite!
Paradiso
If you are headed to Barcelona and love cocktails, do whatever you can to join the fun at Paradiso. Do not let the lines outside put you off. They don’t make reservations so join the line early and then sign up for their virtual queue. Be prepared that you might have to grab a bite to eat and then return – this is not a hardship as their Born address makes finding a delicious spot to enjoy a tapa or two isn’t hard. The famous Cal Pep is almost next door!
There is a reason its named Paradiso that but I wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise. You might miss it walking down the street if it weren’t for the line outside. Outside you would think it was a takeout pastrami shop, but hidden behind a refrigerator door is the World’s Best Bar 2022. Once inside, you’ll find a festive, floral, cocktail bar with great music and even better cocktails. The bartenders are not only at the top of their game, but they will guarantee you have a great time.
- Paradiso, Carrer de Rera Palau, 4, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Sips Barcelona
You knew that any bar that was helmed by Simone Caporale and Marc Álvarez was going to win awards and it did! #1 on the 50 Best Bars in the World list is not too shabby! Simone had previously led The Artesian in London’s Langham Hotel to top spot on this same list. Marc headed up the cocktail offerings for all of the elBarri Group.
Walk in a you see right away that this is no normal bar. It’s actually a “drinkery house” where you can find not only cocktails, but also beer, wine and non-alcoholic options, plus let’s not forget the food!
One more thing, there is no bar? Simone and Mark created a bar without a bar! There is no bar counter, just open space. That doesn’t mean they are not busy creating cocktails – they are, but instead of behind a bar. It’s right out in the open. You can be pretty much sitting anywhere and see what’s going on.
- Sips, C/ de Muntaner, 108, L’Eixample, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
Boadas Cocktail Bar
Boadas Cocktail Bar is one of the oldest and most iconic cocktail bars in Barcelona, Spain. The bar was founded in 1933 by Miguel Boadas, a Cuban bartender who had previously worked at some of the most prestigious bars in Havana.
Boadas Cocktail Bar quickly became a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, thanks to its innovative cocktail menu and Miguel’s charismatic personality. Over the years, the bar has hosted numerous celebrities, including Ernest Hemingway and Joan Miró.
During the Spanish Civil War, Miguel Boadas had to close the bar for a period of time, but he reopened it after the war and continued to run it until his death in 1967. The bar was then taken over by his nephew, Jordi Boadas, who continued the family tradition of creating delicious cocktails and providing excellent customer service.
Now owned by the same owners of Sips, you know the cocktails are not stuck in the past!
- Boadas Cocktail Bar, C/ dels Tallers, 1, Ciutat Vella, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
Dr. Stravinsky
It might seem like a doctor’s pharmact given the name and all the bottles filled with unknown liquids placed right behind the bar, but Dr. Stravinsky is the most contemporary of cocktail bars. Using ingredients like local cheeses and butter, the cocktails are not only inventive, but also delicious!
- Dr. Stravinsky, C/ dels Mirallers, 5, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Mariposa Negra
Mariposa Negra’s vintage decor, with mismatched furniture and quirky decorations, is at the top of their game. With its great music and laid-back atmosphere, settle in at the bar and drink amazing cocktails in their signature pottery glasses and mugs!
- Mariposa Negra, Plaça de les Olles, 4, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Foco
The newest of the bars on the list, Foco has taken the Gracia neighborhood by storm. Owned by Brits Tom Godfrey and Theo Quinn, Foco is inspired by Foreign Correspondents’ Clubs around the world – so be prepared to chat to the person next to you! really you don’t have to, but it’s hard to keep quiet over cocktails this good!
- Foco, C/ de l’Encarnació, 52, Gràcia, 08024 Barcelona, Spain
14 de la Rosa
Quiet and relaxed with an old-world charm, there could be no list of the best bars in Barcelona without this one! Both the classics and the twist on classics are equally impressive. You can sit here all day to escape the busy streets just a step away!
- 14 de la Rosa, C/ de Martínez de la Rosa, 14, Gràcia, 08012 Barcelona, Spain
Monk
Tucked away off a quiet side street, Monk Bar feels like a neighborhood secret. The cozy, lived-in space features red brick walls, comfy leather armchairs, and antique lamps giving a warm glow. With mellow music playing, it’s the perfect place to unwind over great drinks and conversation.
- Monk, Carrer dels Abaixadors, 10, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
In conclusion, these bars are some of the best in Barcelona. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic cocktail, a craft beer, or a funky atmosphere, you’ll find something