Wednesday, June 18, 2008

La Rosa


Av.Mistral, 99 : M Espanya L3
Tel. 934235079
*** : $$
Well it's nice to see a slightly eclectic bar amongst the normally down-to-earth locales in this neighbourhood! With the name translating as 'the rose' you would expect to see a plethora of deep red colours when entering - and that is exactly what you will do my friends! What makes this bar stand out from the others on this street is that it actually seems like someone has thought about how to decorate it and funk it up a bit. Inside, although it is small, there are two floors to inhabit and comfy chairs. Outside there is a pleasant terrace which although is fairly close to the hustle and bustle of cars on Paral.lel, is fortunate enough to be quietly tucked a sufficient distance away for that to be unnoticeable. All in all then, if you factor in the cheap beers, food, cocktails, interesting decor and pleasant terrace you'll have few excuses not to visit this unusual flower of a bar hidden amongst the weedier bars in this neighbourhood!
ZeroZero

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Siddartha



c/Avinyo, 26 : M Liceu L3
Tel. 933010422
*** : $$$
A bar that is for those who like low lighting, chandeliers, good Asian food and excellent cocktails! Siddartha is really a fusion of bar and restaurant but the distinction doesn't make it a place you can't pop into without having to fulfill any gastronomic expectations. One thing I particularly liked was the lower parts of this abode which has candle lit wooden tables and makes you feel like you're somewhere a little bit unique and special. Whilst there we sampled the house-made cocktails and I have to admit that they were rather good. Music wise, this place has nothing special beyond an erratic mix of 'world music' but this is completely in-tune with the ambiance of this place. Prices were not particularly cheap here but you're paying for the atmosphere and uniqueness of your surroundings and like all good things in life, you get what you pay for. This is not a bar to go in for a heavy drinking session with the 'lads' but a good place to go for a chat, some strong drinks and an interesting somewhat 'east meets west' experience!
ZeroZero

El Petit Apolo


Vila Vila, 60-62 : M Paral.lel L3
Tel. 933298641
**** : $$$
This is an interesting 'novelty' bar for those who really want to maximise their 'beer-to-drinking time' potential! This is due to the fact that all the tables are self-service! Each table has it's own beer tap and a series of tactically placed screens give you the opportunity to check on your average beer consumption or compete with other tables. Another interesting feature about this bar is that it has long pub style benches and a very pubby atmosphere. Unlike a lot of places in Barcelona, it feels more like a place to go drink, chat and of course unwind with vast amounts of intoxicating liquid (in a good way!). Although this bar's focus is more on drinking beers, there is of course an ordinary large bar with the usual selection of tipples! Highly recommended for hardcore boozers and large groups!
ZeroZero

Taladro's


Gran Via de Les Corts, 453 : M Rocafort L1 : Placa Espanya L3
*** : $$$
As an ex-pat I'm normally quite adverse to English and Irish bars (but that's another story), suffice to say I was pleasantly surprised by this pub once I was forcibly dragged in by my semi-alcoholic friend to celebrate my birthday. Like most pubs and bars in this neighbourhood, prices are much cheaper than downtown locales and the quality just as good. Sporting a wide range of drinks from the usual array of beers, to cocktails and a significant food menu, you're unlikely to feel any need to unseat yourself once you are here. Add a sprinkling of sports matches on the numerous TVs and even darts - (if like me watching sports is too passive for your neurons!) - and you're bound to have a kicking night in this friendly English speaking abode!
ZeroZero

Belchica


C/Villarroel, 60 : M Urgell L1
*** : $$$$
A nice Belgian bar with a very large choice of beers. Apparently, Barcelona's first and only Belgian bar. This is a friendly place where you may encounter many French speakers from Belgium, as this is their local hangout. Quiet during weekdays, even with their Happy Hour from 6pm to 8pm, but nice ambiance at the weekend. There are regular DJ sessions, a large screen TV for big football games and a photo / art exposition that changes regularly. The places is usually buzzing with a good mix of Europeans, sampling over 40 top quality Belgian beers with Stella, Leffe and Hoegaarden on tap. For ex-pats, the barmen speak English and French, and and you can drink it in a relaxed, slightly sports bar like atmosphere with original colours and decoration.
Wit