Hip Drinking Spots
Gràcia Nightlife, Plaça del Sol
Mirasol Possibly
Gràcia’s most classic bar, the atmospheric Mirasol has been a bohemian
hang-out for decades. In summer, there’s outdoor seating on the plaça.
Mirasol
Universal Café
Open until 5:30am, Universal Café is a
late-night, two-level bar with a spacious, airy interior. The
image-conscious crowd comes to flirt and dance to house (upstairs) and
acid jazz (below). C/Marià Cubí 182 Closed Sun
Occasional adm
Mirablau A
slightly older, well-heeled set, who adhere to the smart dress code,
come to this club-bar for a combination of cocktails and amazing views
of the city.
Elephant Lavish,
stylish and totally unique, Elephant is one of the best clubs in the
city for a fun night out. In summer, you can lounge in the garden on
huge, white beds. Casa Quimet The
“Guitar House” is always crowded and noisy. If you can play, join the
enthusiasts and would-be flamenco players who pick guitars off the wall
and have an impromptu jam session. Wonderful. Sala BeCool A
favourite in the chic Sant Gervasi neighbourhood, Sala BeCool offers a
wide-ranging programme of DJ sessions, club nights and live gigs. Otto Zutz Barcelona’s
media crowd flocks to this New-York-style club to chatter in the
corners upstairs and shoot pool downstairs. The huge dance floors throb
with house music. C/Lincoln 15 Closed Sun–Mon Adm
Mond Bar The
comfortable sofas, low lights and innovative music policy (pop, lounge
and trip-hop) make this one of the coolest hang-outs in the city. Some
of Barcelona’s best DJs play here.
Heliogàbal This
cult, live music venue is best on Thursday or Sunday nights when you
can hear anything from an indie band to a poetry slam. Prices are very
reasonable too. Bikini Opening
from midnight onwards, this huge venue has three spaces, which offer
dance and Latin music and a cocktail lounge. Regular live music includes
some of the best up-and-coming acts in Europe. C/Deu i Mata 105 Closed Mon Adm DA
NOTE
Normal closing times for bars is 2:30am, 3am weekends. Clubs open until 4:30/6am.
Restaurants & Tapas Bars
El Asador d’Aranda Housed
in the magnificent Modernista Casa Roviralta, this restaurant is a
magnet for business-folk. Order the delicious lamb roasted in an
oak-burning oven and dine in the beautiful garden. Av Tibidabo 31 93 417 01 15 Closed Sun dinner
Bar-Restaurante Can Tomàs This
tapas bar, in the Sarrià neighbourhood, is an institution. It has the
well-deserved reputation of making some of the best tapas in town.
Particularly recommended are the patates braves. C/Major de Sarrià 49 93 203 10 77 Closed Wed No credit cards
Hofmann Run
by the talented chef Mey Hofmann, this restaurant serves some seriously
delicious Catalan cuisine. Save room for the desserts. Neichel Top-class in every way, Neichel lures a moneyed clientele with nouvelle cuisine and a luscious interior. Reserve in advance. C/Beltrán i Rózpide 1 93 203 84 08 Closed Sun & Mon
Taverna El Glop This tavern-like eatery serves traditional Catalan food. Its calçots (chargrilled, gigantic spring onions with spicy romesco sauce) are legendary (served only in spring). C/St Lluis 24 93 213 70 58 DA
Àbac At the foot of Tibidabo mountain, Àbac offers French-Mediterranean cuisine prepared by award-winning chef, Xavier Pellicer. Flash Flash
Truites (omelettes) rule here, from the
classic (Spanish) to the inventive (garlic and asparagus). The owners
claim to have used five million eggs in just over 30 years. C/Granada de Penedès 25 93 237 09 90 DA
Interior, Flash Flash
La Balsa In
the quiet Bonanova district, La Balsa is a beautiful spot, with two
garden terraces. Fine Basque, Catalan and Mediterranean dishes are on
the menu. Tram Tram Housed in a handsome old town house, this restaurant serves, innovative, contemporary Catalan cuisine. Botafumeiro The fish tanks at this seafood restaurant are teeming with crabs and lobster destined for plates. Try the tender
pulpo Gallego (Galician octopus). Reservations are essential. C/Gran de Gràcia 81 93 218 42 30 DA
NOTE
Unless otherwise stated, all restaurants accept credit cards.
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