Discover places

Sub Rosa

Among the flurry of one of La Rambla’s many Gòtic tributaries, Sub Rosa would be everyone’s regular watering hole, if only there was enough space. Like all the best treasures, it’s unassuming enough to miss. But once you’ve stooped inside, you’re only a matter of seconds away from having a strong cocktail in one hand and change from a fiver in the other (it’s slightly more post-happy hour, but still a steal). Whether or not you manage to be the proud claimer of a seat, take a moment to admire the abundant décor: an array of framed photos, novelty trinkets and vintage tat. There’s even loo entertainment in the form of kinky wallpaper – and ladies’ users look out for the peephole! Cocktail enthusiast, lager lad or teetotaler, you will find something you love amid the sultry vibe. Treat yourself to the passion fruit daiquiri and thank me later

C/d'en Rauric, 23

L’Oncle Jack

Southwest of Barcelona is the municipality of L’Hospitalet de Llobregat. This diverse neighbor has long stimulated artists, politicians and entrepreneurs alike. So when Jaume Ramón Espigol decided to showcase his impressive collection of Jack Daniel’s whiskey, is there any wonder he chose l’Hospitalet? Founded in 1996, L’Oncle Jack is dedicated to the joyous, luxurious life of sipping Jack, socializing and listening to good music – such as by Frank Sinatra, who was probably Jack Daniel’s greatest fans (he was buried with a bottle of Jack by request). Live music is a common occurrence, with acoustic sets playing almost every Thursday night. The owner’s whiskey collection is one of the bar’s most intriguing features, with an entire museum dedicated to it. If all that wasn’t enough, L’Oncle Jack’s unique shooter device serves up Jack Daniel’s at a very cool, -6°C (-21°F); it’s a contraption not found anywhere else in the world.

C/ Roselles, 32

Dr. Stravinsky

Stepping into Barcelona cocktail bar Dr. Stravinsky is like entering the refuge of a mad old alchemist – backlit bottles on shelves, effervescent test tubes and strange concoctions fermenting in jars. In terms of pure visuals alone, it’s a hypnotic experience. Then you try a cocktail. Dr Stravinsky’s cocktails are out of this world. Their menu, the “cosmos of flavor,” is ingeniously designed to simplify your choice. I picked the Mexcate, a blend of cured cheese syrup with lime, mezcal, avocado, Jamaican pepper shrub and tequila. It was sublime. The preparation is a sensation in itself. With the rhythm, precision and flamboyance of a flamenco dancer, the bartenders shake, rattle and roll before delicately adding the finishing touches.They’re masters of their art, knowledgeable and passionate about the entire process, adding an extra element to the experience. So prepare your senses, the doctor will see you now

C/ Mirallers, 5

Big Bang Bar

What came before the Big Bang? God only knows. What’s for sure is that it’s long been a mecca for local musicians and traveling tunesmiths looking to share music on an intimate stage. Hidden away down a backstreet in Raval, the Big Bang Bar is an atmospheric gem of a venue. With four open mic/jam nights dedicated to select genres – from jazz and swing to rock, folk and soul – as well as concerts from some of the city’s talented performers, there’s no wonder the place is regularly packed out. A cozy stage and a crystal clear sound system create the ambience, while the long narrow bar and giant screen projection of the stage add depth to the room and audience. And what an audience. Quick to show warmth to nervous newbies and raise the roof for special talent, Big Bang Bar’s crowd make this a truly unique place.

C/ Botella 7

14 de la Rosa

Red sofas, dim lighting, marble table tops and a martini to die for – 14 de la Rosa transports us back in time to a 1920s France. This hidden cocktail bar in Gràcia offers coffee in the morning, vermouth in the afternoon and a killer cocktail by night. Opened at the end of 2018 by Dean and Amandine, the bar oozes quality and simplicity, and gives off a timeless speakeasy feel that complements the creative neighborhood it belongs to. Choose from a range of classic cocktails, the Bloody Mary being their specialty, as well as signature cocktails such as a Tanqueray-based gimlet with a touch of smoked juniper and cava, or the Smoke & Sand, mixed with tequila, mezcal, orange and fermented tomato.Or simply choose from a selection of beers and natural wines. If you’re feeling peckish, try one of the side dishes, such as the mozzarella with black truffle, or eggs with anchovy mayonnaise, the perfect accompaniments to a candle-lit evening.

C/ Martínez de la Rosa, 14

Paradiso

You can have an excellent sandwich at Pastrami Bar where the fixings are produced by the capable hands at Rooftop Smokehouse. What’s more, the antique refrigerator door is the entrance to Paradiso, a speakeasy cocktail bar with a beautiful undulating, wood-ribbed ceiling and bar that give the sensation of being swallowed by a large marine animal. The show doesn’t stop there.Paradiso serves up unusual and creative cocktails. Cocktails that smoke, cocktails that fly and the emblematic Mediterranean Treasure, which won head mixologist Giacomo Giannotti a World Class award in 2014. It’s made with vodka, sherry infused with oyster leaf, elderflower liqueur, agave syrup, coriander and egg white, and served in an oyster hidden in a treasure chest.Paradiso is part of Grup Confiteria, started by a couple of friends with a penchant for nostalgic locals. Surprise is an essential ingredient, in the locale, in the concept and most importantly: in what you’re sipping on.

C/ Rera Palau, 4

Cabaret

Looking for a truly unique night filled with glamour, entertainment and surprise? Perhaps you want to plan an unforgettable experience for your friends or loved ones? Then venture to the The Barcelona Edition five-star hotel, discover a hidden door descending into a clandestine world and enjoy a modern, luxury nightlife experience. The hotel’s downstairs Cabaret is Barcelona’s answer to a supper club, where all the senses are teased. The space mixes Studio 54 cofounder Ian Schrager’s creative approach with the subversive side of New York and Paris. Prepare to be enticed and captivated by the thrilling live music and performances, a sophisticated but unpretentious à la carte menu and bespoke cocktails. Expect to be enchanted throughout the night by the interactive stage direction and impressive talent from the cast of artists.

Av. Francesc Cambó, 14

The Barcelona Edition

Designed by the world’s hottest hotelier Ian Schrager (of Studio 54 fame) and Barcelona tastemaker Lázaro Rosa-Violán,it’s no surprise that The Barcelona Edition hotel has become an instant hit with travelers and locals alike. Besides the refined yet understated rooms, this trendsetting urban resort conceals a slew of sleek spaces that Barcelonins will be proud to call their own.On the ground floor, Bar Veraz is a handsome but informal, all-day restaurant serving creative Mediterranean dishes, local wines and craft beers. The leafy rooftop bar offers spectacular views and is one of the city’s most coveted spots for sunset sips. Hidden at basement level, the clandestine Cabaret restaurant offers a multi-sensory experience with its creative tasting menu, sultry cocktail bar and titillating dance performances. For a dose of after-dark conviviality, the Punch Room is an intimate, oak-paneled speakeasy specializing in punch, cocktails and liberal self-indulgence.

Av. Francesc Cambó, 14

Two Schmucks

Winter is coming, and there’s no better way to keep yourself warm than with a delicious cocktail in a cosy, friendly joint. Moe Aljaff and AJ White are the “schmucks” of the Two Schmucks bar – although we’d argue they are anything but!This “five-star dive bar” is the result of Moe and AJ’s dedication and love for cocktail shaking, earning them a place in the Top 4 Best New International Cocktail Bars at the Spirited Awards in 2018. These schmucks worked the first six months of the bar’s opening themselves, on 12-hour shifts a day for six days a week, and not taking a penny of the profits. And by Jove, did it pay off.Catering to the locals while providing exceptional service, this isn’t your average cocktail bar – it’s a vibrant, cheerful reflection of the cool, ramshackle and alternative vibe that seeps through the pores of Raval. They offer coffee, tea, soft drinks, apéritifs and cakes during the day, and cocktails, beer, food and a fair share of banter at night.

C/ Joaquín Costa, 52

Nica

Casa Bonay has gone a long in offering an elegant venue dedicated to the appreciation of selectors with their bar Libertine, which serves as a hotel lobby, restaurant and cocktail bar with DJs at the weekends. The launch of Nica in 2018 took the concept to impressive new heights, creating something unique in Barcelona.The space, located next door to Bonay, has been designed for intimate parties with the assistance of London audiophiles Amit and Aneesh Patel, whose bar Brilliant Corners is world famous among lovers of hi-fi sound. It is a room that sounds like none other in the city, with an incredible amount of thought gone into every detail to ensure the optimum listening experience.It is one of the jewels of Barcelona’s underground. Check their Facebook page for upcoming events, typically held on Fridays.

Gran Via, 698

Diobar

You could be forgiven for thinking it unlikely you’d find one of Barcelona’s best music venues in the basement of a Greek restaurant, but that’s exactly what lies underneath the Born branch of the Dionisos eatery. They’ve been busy putting on a variety of events since they reopened the space in 2016 with an emphasis on world music and live bands. They’ve welcomed London disco dons Love Come Down, proving that DJs and dance music are also welcome, and they’re open to experimentation with their programming. Another popular is the BCN Afrobeat Sessions party, with a mix of live music and DJs spinning Afrobeat tunes.The space is impressive, with its exposed brick work and high ceilings giving an airier feel than you would expect from an underground space, yet still cozy enough to feel friendly. There’s also a dedicated mojito bar for those of us so inclined. Food, drink and dancing, what more could you want?

Av. Marquès de l’Argentera, 27

Old Fashioned

Emulating ‘20s and ‘30s US Prohibition-era speakeasies, this tiny cocktail bar was inspired by the American tradition of Kentucky bourbon and rye whiskey.Old Fashioned was opened on 12-12-12 by founders Luca and Bruno, who formerly ran the bar at a luxury, 5-star Barcelona hotel. The pair soon filled the space with over 100 kinds of rye and bourbon, including the prized Pappy Van Winkle bourbon.Whether you’re thirsty for a Bloody Mary, a passionfruit mojito, a pisco sour or one of their Old Fashioned cocktails, presentation is key here. One Old Fashioned, Your Ball’s in My Hand, comes in a black ball glass, cradled in a golden hand. Grab your drink and find your way upstairs to the Kentucky room, showcasing the owners’ visit to the Four Roses distillery.Casually elegant, don’t you dare enter wearing baseball caps or flip flops. But do request the Rolling Stones… they’ll play it if you’re willing to stick your tongue out like Mick Jagger.

C/ Santa Teresa, 1