Ideal Cocktail Bar
Open since 1931, this English style bar with fine wood-paneled walls, red-upholstered armchairs, and hunting-inspired art feels timeless and elegant. The founder’s grandson, Jose Maria Gotarda, currently owns the bar and his continued passion for the business is evident. The barmen at Ideal can literally make anything, and well. Guests are asked for their preferences—dry, sour, sweet, or savory—and then the bartender whips up the perfect thing, from a Piña Colada made with Puerto Rican coconut milk to a signature Mojito with an orange twist. Ideal has been specializing in gin tonics for decades and they offer forty varieties to choose from.
More Bars in Barcelona
Mitja Vida
The vermuteria, or vermouth bar, has experienced a major resurgence in Barcelona. Head here for a slightly more refined take on the experience.
Apotheke
Apotheke means pharmacy in German and bartenders at this subterranean spot on the Plaça Reial are true alchemists.
Abirradero
This refined gastropub with 40 taps serves mostly Barcelona-brewed beers, as well as selections from other parts of Spain and Italy.
Roca Bar
The same troika of brothers behind the Michelin three-star El Cellar de Can Roca in Girona, Spain, concocted this swank establishment.
Monvinic
Barcelona’s best wine bar is located near Plaza Catalunya and offers an impressive 50 by-the-glass options each day.
La Dolce Vitae at the Hotel Majestic
La Dolce Vitae offers an impressive panoramic view of the city from the roof of the Majestic Hotel.
Boca Chica
All the beautiful people of Barcelona congregate at this Lázaro Rosa-Violán–designed bar, with its glass walls, lots of weathered wood, and low couches.
Dry Martini
A Barcelona institution, 30-year-old Dry Martini is the city’s original creative cocktail laboratory.
Tandem
This understated bar in L’Eixample has no menu and the interior is nothing flashy; this allows the attention to stay squarely on their spirits.
