Where to eat and drink at a Barcelona bar like a local
The classic bars, known as bodegas, are where locals in the Catalan capital take their rituals seriously. If you know where to look, you can join them.
Barcelona, the Catalan capital, is renowned for its classic bars, or bodegas, where locals gather and take their rituals seriously. With roughly one bar for every 175 people, there are likely more bars in Spain per capita than any other European country. These bodegas are historical, cultural, and often personal establishments, serving as a barometer for the local community.
In recent years, many bodegas have been dying off due to rising rents, a result of loosened rental laws in 2014. However, some business owners have managed to revive these establishments, such as Lito Baldovinos and Enric Rebodosa, who purchased La Confiteria in 2014 and saved 15 bars in total.
Bar Gelida in the Eixample neighborhood is a prime example of a bodega that has retained its charm. With tiled walls, tall ceilings, and a 45-degree corner that maximizes sidewalk space, the bar attracts locals who gather to enjoy tripe stew and converse. Similarly, Bar Bodega Gol in San Antoni showcases the passion of local soccer fans, with walls adorned with jerseys, trophies, and pennants.
El Pollo, located in El Raval, is another bodega that embraces its traditional roots. The owner, Aimar Cordoba Bilbao, emphasizes the importance of meeting people face-to-face and serving authentic, old-fashioned dishes. Bar Bodega Marin in Gracia and Bianco Noir in El Raval showcase the history and decor of Barcelona, with wine and liquor shelves lining the walls and pintxos and larger meals available.
Quimet Y Quimet in El Poble-sec is a testament to the longevity of bodegas, having opened in 1914 and only changing its ownership four times in over a century.
Written by urgent.news from Channel News Asia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
