Sunday, October 24, 2010

Dunnes Irish Bar


Dunnes is a relatively new, spacious Irish sports bar / pub in the center of town on Via Laientana - literally only a stones throw away from the Jaume I metro. The pub is well laid out with two bars and plenty of seating - all done in a brick and wood decor with the building's steel beams giving it a slightly different look. It's nice to see the owners haven't gone overboard on the Irish pub theme, with just a single comedy signpost with directions to Derry, Dublin & Donegal. Non-smokers especially will enjoy the high ceilings and decent air-con that keeps the place fresh and cool. The young mixed crowd gives the bar a lively, but not intimidating atmosphere - mostly tourists, but with some local suits in the week. There are plenty of wide screen TVs strategically placed for sport fans, plus a projection screen (one slight niggle though: the projector doesn't seem to show wide screen correctly - chopping off the action at the edges) Prices for drinks are what you'd expect in town - not cheap, but not outrageous either. As for food, check out their website for a full menu - the burgers and stew are recommended.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Bar Pepino


The Pepino is the definition of a hip, trendy bar which makes the most of its space with cool design and lighting. The style is a laid back, indie retro lounge with an upstairs restaurant area that offers mediterranean fusion. Unbelievably, there is also a small dance floor slightly below the main bar area. Depending on the night, the music ranges from dance, electronica, DJ to indie rock alternative beats. The decor is interestingly themed with crash test dummies and old monitors in the bar area (a nod to Max Headroom, perhaps?) and pleasant wood furnishings elsewhere. Check out their Facebook page for more photo's and announcements. The cocktails here are excellent and reasonably priced, making this place a popular lounge - be prepared to squeeze in if you arrive after 11pm. Either as a tourist or a local, if you want something different from the generic tourist spots in town, head down to Pepino and enjoy the eclectic!