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With a bohemian look and feel more akin to a small village than an urban landscape, Gràcia welcomes revelers of all stripes looking for easygoing pleasures. On any given night, hordes of visitors pour into the district’s ancient squares to sample freshly made tapas paired with beer or wine. But for the slightly more adventurous, exploring the graffiti-filled, maze-like back alleyways and side streets usually provides ample rewards: gourmet eateries, upscale wine bars, and contempo coctelerias that coexist in perfect harmony with the neighborhood dives.
An illuminated red globe marks this speakeasy-style cocktail bar, tucked away on a narrow side street. With its cool jazz soundtrack and tiny tables topped with flickering candles, the space oozes sophistication but the vibe is relaxed thanks to the friendly staff.
Diminutive in size but huge in personality and warmth, Elephanta is that rare neighborhood spot that offers a little something for everyone. Patrons enjoy an extensive menu of quality gins and seasonal fruity cocktails in a dimly lighted retro space peppered with comfy mismatched furnishings. Music varies though the ambience is always chill.
Reminiscent of a '50s-style gin joint—black and white with red quilted booths and framed prints—this small-but-swanky bar regularly draws in the crowds due in large part to entertaining master mixologists (nattily dressed in suspenders and ties) and their out-of-this-world experimental takes on cocktail classics.
Adding a little uptown pizzazz to boho-chic enclave Gràcia, this diminutive, minimalist, white-walled wine bar and eatery is the local “it” vintage. Wines sourced and served with engaging backstories can be sampled at the seven-seater bar or at a table, accompanied by a large assortment of cured meats, cheeses, and salads or with a few choice liquors. Advance booking is highly recommended.
An hour north of Barcelona, near Figueres in Catalunya's Empordá region, this opulent den is set in the lovely gardens of a Gothic fort. Great dining options form part of the complex, both inside the castle and alfresco on the manicured grounds.
Despite its name, this casino is actually situated in the downmarket tourist town of Lloret (67 km, or 42 miles, north of Barcelona), a far cry from the posh resorts of the Costa Brava. Yet it does satisfy all your gaming needs, and hosts the usual restaurants, bars, and entertainment, all a quick drive from the beach.
This contemporary cervecería resembles many of the cool offerings routinely sprouting up in Gràcia, one of the city’s most popular neighborhoods. Patrons can top off drinks with self-service pours from local brewer Estrella Damm. Local craft favorites such as Brew Dog Punk IPA and classic cocktails are also on offer. Enjoy a drink with nachos, burgers, and tapas while listening to local tunes around the tiny, natural-wood bar.
This unpretentious natural wine bar has a wonderful team of sommeliers who are keen to share their knowledge. There's no formal wine list; just describe what you like and they’ll bring you a glass—or you can browse the bottles from small Mediterranean producers that line the redbrick walls. The best seats are out on the back patio: a plant-filled oasis in the heart of this bustling barrio.
With a rotating selection of 15 craft beers on tap—including local Catalan brews, international varieties, and its own brand of IPA—as well as a wide selection by the bottle, this lively spot is a beer-lover’s dream.
