Let's Go Europe 2011: The Student Travel Guide
Page 193
BAR
93 476 38 31 www.bardowjones.es
During the day this English-centric bar has enough television screens to keep every fútbol fan happy, no matter his allegiance. At night, the bar lights up with raucous foreigners trying desperately to order their favorite drink before the price spikes—like the stock market, drinks’ prices vary based on their popularity during the day. Wait for the prices to crash if you’re counting on a winner, or keep buying low and be glad the staff speaks English fluently for when you’re slurring your Spanish.
Girona. Walk toward C. Aragó on C. Girona and take a left onto C. Valencia after passing Arago. Walk 1 block and take a left onto C. del Bruc. Dow Jones is close to the corner. Food €2.75-7.50. Beer €2-5.50. Cocktails €4-7. Open M-F 7am-2:30am, Sa-Su noon-3am.
AIRE
C. Valencia, 236
CLUB
93 454 63 94 www.arenadisco.com
If you’re looking for a queer-centric party spot that isn’t overwhelmingly male (i.e. the rest of l’Eixample), check out Aire for all of the non-guy company the neighborhood seemed to be lacking. This huge club is packed nearly as soon as its doors open and continues to party with a mix of pop hits, R and B, and electronica well into the night. Don’t worry about feeling left out—no matter your gender or orientation, unless you show up at one of their Women-only strip shows (6-10pm one Su each month)—the owner says the club is, “for girls...and friends.”
Universitat. Face the university building and walk down the street that runs along its right side, C. Balmes. Turn left onto C. Valencia, 1 street after crossing Arago. Women-only strip show 6-10pm 1st Su of every month. Cover €5-10; includes 1 drink. Open Th-Su 11:30pm-3am.
ANTILLA
C. Aragó, 141
LATIN CLUB
93 451 45 64 www.antillasalsa.com
Watch yourself upon entering—this saucy Latin bar and dance club is so full of energy that dancers often find themselves dancing right out the door. Little Cuban maracas, bongos, and cowbells are littered along the sandy bar, and painted palm trees dot the walls. For those intimidated by joining the frantic shimmying without some practice, salsa lessons are offered before the club opens to the public Tu-Sa 5-11pm so you can shake it like a pro—or at least not like you just crawled out of the womb.
Urgell. Walk along Gran Vía to the closest intersection (C. Comte d’Urgell) and take a right onto the street. Walk 3 blocks and take a left onto C. Arago. No cover W-Th and Su, but 1-drink min. Cover F-Sa €10. Beer €6. Cocktails €8. Open W-Th 11pm-4am, F 11pm-6am, Sa 11pm-5am, Su 7pm-1am.
ESPIT CHUPITOS (ARIBAU)
C. Aribau, 77
BAR
www.espitchupitos.com
If you want shots, they’ve got ‘em—580 different delectable little devils will let you party as if you’d gone to Cancun on vacation instead of the Mediterranean. Be prepared for a little more than just drinking, though. Spectacle shots such as the Harry Potter literally light up the night, while others have the bartenders getting down and dirty. If you can’t get enough, Espit Chupitos has gotten so popular that it now has two other locations in the city, a sister store in l’Eixample called Gato Negro, and an outpost inside La Fira.
Universitat. Walk on C. Aribau to the left of the university building. Espit Chupitos is 4 blocks down. Shots €2. Cocktails €8.50. Open M-Th 8pm-2:30am, F-Sa 8pm-3am, Su 8pm-2:30am.
LUZ DE GAS
C. Muntaner, 244-256
CLUB, CONCERT HALL
93 209 77 11 www.luzdegas.com
The most well-known club in the city, and for good reason. Red velvet walls, gilded mirrors, and sparkling chandeliers will have you wondering how you possibly got past the bouncer. Big name jazz, blues, and soul performers occassionally take the stage during the evening hours, while after 1am it becomes overrun by swanky partygoers. Ritzy young things dance to deafening pop, from Outkast to Nancy Sinatra, pounding through the lower area, while the upstairs lounge provides a much-needed break for both your feet and ears.
Diagonal. Take a right onto Rambla de Catalonia, walk 1 block and take a slight left onto Av. Diagonal. Walk 5min. and take a right onto C. de Muntaner. For show listings and times check the Guía del Ocio or their website. Club cover €18. Beer €7. Cocktails €10. Dance club open daily 11:30pm-5:30am.
DBOY/LA MADAME/DEMIX
Ronda Sant Pere, 19-21
CLUB
93 453 05 82 www.matineegroup.com
Three clubs in one, this single spot hosts a downright confusing variety of nightlife options depending on the night. DBoy is no-girls allowed, with a young and lively gay crowd dancing in a laser-lit wonderland. La Madame fems it up, offering a hetero-centric alternative geared mosty towards women, and Demix supplies just like what it sounds—a mixed crowd. Check the website beforehand to see which way the club swings.
Urquinaona. With your back to Plaça Urquinaona, Ronda Sant Pere runs to the right from the P.. Follow it a few short steps and look for the LED sign. Cover varies €10-15. DBoy open in summer F-Sa midnight-6am. La Madame open in summers Su midnight-5am. Demix open Jan-July F-Su midnight-6am; Sept-Dec F-Su midnight-6am.
Barceloneta
ABSENTA
C. Sant Carles, 36
BAR
Not for the easily spooked, Absenta is like an episode of the Twilight Zone if you were trapped inside the television looking out. Staticky TV sets with flickering faces dot the walls, and a life-sized angel hovers above while you sinfully sip your absinthe (€4-7). A young crowd brings this modernisme-inspired beauty up-to-date in an appropriately artsty manner.
Barceloneta. Walk down Pg. Joan de Borbó toward the beach and take a left onto C. Sant Carles. Beer €2.30. Mixed drinks €7. Absinthe €4-7. Open Tu-F 11pm-2am, Sa 11am-3am, Su 6pm-2am.
CATWALK
C. Ramón Trias Fargas, 2-4
NIGHTCLUB
69 264 14 29 www.clubcatwalk.net
Though you’ll only get access to the ritzy elevated walk above if you’re a VIP, there’s enough glam below to ward off your jealousy, so be sure to leave your T-shirts and sneakers back in your hostel. Beautiful people deck the lounges and dancefloor, while the brave (or possibly drunk) take advantage of the lit dancing boxes to strut their stuff to a mix of pop, electro, and R and B.
Port Olímpic. No T-shirts, torn jeans, or sneakers permitted. Events listing on website. Cover €18. Beer €7. Mixed drinks €12. Open Th midnight-5am, F-Sa midnight-6am, Su midnight-5am.
OPIUM MAR
Pg. Marítim de la Barceloneta, 34
NIGHTCLUB, RESTAURANT
90 226 74 86 www.opiummar.com
Slick restaurant by day and an even slicker nightclub by night, this lavish indoor and outdoor party spot still knows how to kick it up a notch despite its facade of decorum. Seafood is served until 1am, after which a mix of electronica and American pop pounds from the stereo and lures dancers off of the fashionable white chairs and onto the dance floor.
Port Olímpic. Events listing on website. DJs every W. Cover €20; includes one drink. Restaurant open daily 1pm-1am. Club open M-Th midnight-5am, F-Sa 1-6am, Su midnight-5am.
GRAN CASINO
C. Marina, 19
CASINO
93 225 78 78 www.casino-barcelona.com
The most beautiful casino in Barcelona, nestled within the requisite amount of glitz and glam surrounding Port Olímpic. Slot machines above in the Sala Americana start the night off slowly, while things get more serious (and addictive) below with tables of blackjack, American and French roulette, a theater hosting Vegas-esque shows, and a killer buffet. Admission to the main floor will cost you (€4.50) unless you bring a flyer, but that’s nothing compared to the money you’ll be lured into gambling away the entire night anyway.
Port Olimpic. Under the Fish. Must be 18 to play. No sneakers or beach clothes allowed; collared shirt recommended for men. Passport required. Live jazz in Sala Principal F-Sa. Entrance to Sala Principal €4.50 Sala Americana (slot machine
s and bar) open M-Th 10am-5pm, F-Sa 10am-5:30pm, Su 10am-5pm. Sala Principal (theater, game tables) open daily 3pm-5am.
Montjuïc and Poble Sec
ROUGE CAFE
C. Poeta Cabanyes, 21
BAR
93 442 49 85
When you walk into a sultry rouge-lit lounge decked in leather chairs and a cavalcade of vintage decor (including a shoddy copy of the Arnolfini wedding portrait), you know you’re doing something right. Luckily, a crowd of hip, friendly locals are there to join you. The prettiest, most stereotypically girly drinks in the city are some of the most delicious, so try the melon Absolut Porno (€6) or the vodka-based Barcelona Rouge (€6.50).
Parallel. With Montjuïc to your left, walk along Av. Parallel. Take a left onto C. Poeta Cabanyes. Rouge Cafe will be on your left before Mambo Tango Youth Hostel. Open daily in summer 7pm-3am; in winter 8pm-3am.
TINTA ROJA
C. Creu dels Molers, 17
BAR
93 443 32 43 wwww.tintaroja.net
Named after the 1941 tango “Tinta Roja” by Cátulo Castillo and Sebsatián Piana, this cafe-bar mixes literal Latin flavor with the flair of the theater. Argentine drinks are their specialty, ranging from a little boost of maté (€4.80) to a full range of the country’s liquors and beers. Scattered seating under questionably erotic Impressionistic paintings populate the front, while a back stage plays host to popular tango classes on Wednesday nights at 9pm. Don’t mind the mannequins looking down over your footwork—chances are they’re just admiring your work.
Poble Sec. With Montjuïc to your right, walk along Av. Parallel. Take the second right onto C. de la Creu dels Molers; Tinta Roja will be on the left. Tango classes W 9-11:30pm. Beer €2.30-4. Wine €2.50-3.70. Maté €4.80. Argentinian liquors €5.50-6. Mixed drinks €7. Open Th 8:30pm-2am, F-Sa 8:30pm-3am.
242
C. Entença, 37
CLUB
932 28 90 73 www.myspace.com/club242
Fearing a hangover after that massive night of partying? One of the longest running after-hours clubs in the city of Barcelona, 242 lets you skip right over those painful waking hours and relive the night you already enjoyed. A crowd trickles in after 6am as the other clubs close to enjoy drinks, electronica, air conditioning, and movies. If you find yourself winding down, they even have food for breakfast.
Espanya. Walk away from Montjuïc on Gran Vía and take a right onto C. de’ Entença. 242 is right before the intersection with Sepúlveda. Special events listed on Myspace. Cover €15; includes 1 drink. Beer €5. Mixed drinks €10. Open F-Su 6am-whenever the party stops.
SALA APOLO
Nou de la Rambla, 113
CLUB
93 441 40 01 www.sala-apolo.com
Looking for a party, but lamenting that it’s Monday? Sulk no longer—for the last number of years Sala Apolo has been drawing locals to start the week off right with Nasty Mondays, featuring a mix of rock, pop, indie, garage, and ’80s (€11). In fact, the night is so popular that it spawned an equally persuasively named Crappy Tuesdays (indie and electropop; €10-12), which take over after the American one-woman Broadway-esque show “Anti-Karaoke.” Stop by later in the week to catch a varied crowd, and check the website for the latest bigger name indie concerts rolling through the venue.
Paral-lel. Walk along Parallel with Montjuïc to your right. Take a hard right onto Nou de la Rambla. Not to be confused with Teatre Apolo, which is on Av. Parallel. Anti-karaoke €8. Nasty M €11. Crappy Tu €10-12. W Rumba €6-10. Other tickets €15-23.
LA TERRAZZA
Avda. Marquès de Comillas
CLUB
68 796 98 25 www.laterrrazza.com
One of the most popular clubs in Barcelona, La Terrazza lights up the Poble Espanyol after the artists call it a day. The open-air dance floor gets packed early, with flocks of youth clamoring to get inside to dance to the techno beat. This bizarre mix of giant naked lady murals, Buddha sculptures, and Greek revival arcades nestled in the courtyard of the fake Spanish village is bound to confuse you, but chances are that after the music starts you won’t really care.
Espanya. Head through the Venetian towers and climb the escalators. Follow the signs to the Spanish Village. Free bus from Plaza Catalonia (Hard Rock Cafe) to club every 20min. 12:20am-3:20am; free buses from Terazza to Plaza Catalonia non-stop 5:30am-6:45am. Cover €18, with flyer €15. Beer €6. Mixed drinks €8-10. Open Th 11pm-5am, F-Sa midnight-6am.
Gràcia
EL RAÏM
C. Progrés, 48
BAR
www.raimbcn.com
Though a little farther from Gràcia’s roaring plazas, this time capsule with an identity crisis is well worth the short trek. A mix between a Catalan bodega and ’50s Cuban bar, this traditional winery has been in business since 1886, when it served as the diner for the old factory across the street. Since then, the owner has transformed the place into a shrine to Cuban music and memorabilia, rum, and incredible mojitos. It consistently attracts a flock of down-to-earth locals looking for one (or all) of the three.
Fontana. Walk down C. Gran de Gràcia and make a left on C. Ros de Olano. Walk for about 4 blocks and take a right onto C. Torrent de l’Olla. Take the 4th left onto Siracusa, and El Raïm is on the corner of its intersection with C. del Progrés. Beer €2-3. Mixed drinks €5.50. Open daily 8pm-2:30am.
VINIL
C. Matilde, 2
BAR
66 917 79 45 www.vinilus.blogspot.com
Those expecting a fetish club—whether for LPs or something of a kinkier persuasion—may be disappointed. Though this is certainly no shrine to a musical era past (or present), the warm lighting and comfy pillows make the perfect place to kick back and watch their daily screened movie. Feel free to geek out over their giant phonograph or the Velvet Underground song playing over the speakers—chances are the hip clientele will perfectly understand.
Diagonal. Beer €3-3.50. Mixed drinks €5. Open in summer M-Th 8pm-2am, F-Sa 8pm-3am; in winter M-Th 8pm-2am, F-Sa 8pm-3am, Su 8pm-2am.
LA CERVERSERA ARTESANA
C. Sant Agustí, 14
BAR, BREWERY
93 237 95 94 www.lacervesera.net
When you visit the only pub in Barcelona that makes its own beer, you better order their beer no matter what vows you’ve taken with PBR. With a huge variety of brews—dark, amber, honey, spiced, chocolate, peppermint, fruit-flavored, and more—there’s literally something for everyone, along with seasoned bar snacks to encourage your thirst. If beer isn’t your thing, at least come to hear the music—you probably won’t hear Pink Floyd and Phil Collins played back-to-back anywhere else in the city.
Diagonal. Take a left onto Psg. de Gràcia and a right (exact right, 90 degree angle) onto C. Corsega at the intersection of Psg. de Gràcia and Via Diagonal. C. Sant Agustí is the 3rd street on the left. House brews €4.80-5. Open M-Th 6pm-2am, F-Sa 6pm-3am, Su 6pm-2am.
VELCRO BAR
C. Vallfogona, 10
BAR
61 075 47 42
Though Velcro Bar is a bit farther from Gràcia’s popular plazas, its screenings of nightly movies attract a young and hip clientele that ends up paying little attention to the moving pictures. True to its name, this is a bar where bright green and pink velcro waits to hold the bottom of your drink.
Fontana. Follow C. Asturies to C. Torrent de l’Olla and make a right. Follow for three blocks, make a left onto C. Vallfogona. Mixed drinks €5-8. Open daily 7pm-2:30am.
OTTO ZUTZ
C. Lincoln, 15
CLUB
93 238 07 22 www.ottozutz.com
Like a tiered layer cake with an impeccably designed party inside (or maybe a portion of Dante’s Inferno, depending on the night), three floors of dancing and drinks await. At least four different DJs pound out a huge variety of music to a chic and shiny crowd, with a reprieve from the throbbing masses only available up top. Watch out—during the summer this heaven gets hellishly hot.
Fontana. Walk al
ong Rambla de Prat and take a right as it dead-ends into Via Augusta. Take the first right onto C. Laforja and the first right again to reach C. Lincoln. Cover €10-15; includes 1 drink. Beer €6. Miixed drinks €6-12. Open W-Su midnight-6am.
KGB
C. Alegre de Dalt, 55
CLUB
93 210 59 06 www.salakgb.net
In Soviet Russia, KGB dances you. No, but really—the only indications of the eastern block are the oppressive KGB posters hanging from the walls like propaganda and the sheer utility of the decorations—expect lots of black, lots of metal, and little glitz or bourgeois sparkle. Scrappy youth join the bartenders and live DJ and VJ in a sweaty countdown to get down. Entrance is free with a flyer; otherwise you’ll be paying €12-15 to join this Communist party.