Maria Mulata [Part Deux]

C/ de la Merce 27 : Barceloneta : Drassanes
www.mariamulata.com : Tel. 932955584
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[This review is an alternative/addendum to Paul's review of Maria Mulata.]
One of my fave bars of the moment, Maria Mulata is a relatively small but friendly bar sporting sexy red walls, a low lit ambience and fab cocktails. Despite being a Latin American bar you'll find plenty of tourists and ex-pats and usually a jovial crowd to interact with. The speciality here, like many up-and-coming bars in this area is our old friend (and sometimes enemy!) the freshly made cocktail. I won't go into any details but they have the usual range of cocktails that you'll find in most self-respecting bars in Barcelona. As they go they are well made and well up to par! Moving on to more unique aspects, I'd recommend checking out their website as they appear to offer a variety of events from WII olympics to film nights and also a gourmet menu! The limitations of language really prevent me from painting a complete picture of this abode so I'd like to conclude by saying that if you're wandering/staggering/drifting around this neighbourhood looking for a lively bar with pretty much everything a bar should contain, check this place out, you won't be disappointed! By the way did I mention you get a free shot (chupito)too!?
ZeroZero

Yakuta

C/Merce 36, : Jaume I : Barceloneta
Tel. 935123365
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Well as you can see from the scan, this bar is firmly committed to lighting, shadows, cushions, low tables and bumpy old renovated walls! As seems to be the trend in this gentrifying part of the old gothic neighbourhood, this is a place to go to sample one of many unique establishments in Barcelona. In this particular bar you'll find an original retrotastic jukebox, high def TVs and (depending on whether you're in the opening room or venture to the 'lovers cave' at the back), two types of music! This is definitely a bar seeking to provide a little of everything plus a little bit more. Added to this they're currently charging a bargain-ness 3.50 for any cocktail (try the Mojitos) plus a free chupito (shot of spirits to us Brits!) so I can think of no other reason to the sample the delights of this bar other than the fact they're facing stiff competition from virtually every other bar in the area! In case you're confused by my rambling diatribe, I'm thoroughly recommending a trip here...
ZeroZero

Italian Job

C/ d'Enric Granados, 38 : Diagonal
Tel. 934514875
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A bar with slightly upmarket pretentions that keeps itself gently nested in really what I can only describe as 'the middle of everywhere'! If you're after somewhere to park yourself down, chat, eat a little, drink a bit and escape into a classier than usual ambiance, this could well be your kind of place. Think high stools, clean tables, excellent upbeat (but not in your face) music and you'll be on the right lines. Couple to all of this an outrageously cool name (I'm literally having an internal fight with myself trying to resist the obvious puns!), and a wonderfully lowlit, semi-romantic terrace and you just might be onto a winner!
Zerozero