La Hora del Vermut

Morro Fi - With four locations in town, five if you include Dalt de Tot, you can’t not stop off here for a quick vermut and a gilda. Their house vermouth leans toward the sweeter side but I count it as one of my favorites.

Bar Bodega Costa Brava - Gracia is home to most of the classic bodegas in Barcelona however, this one is on the “newer” side. Their menu is great and their vermouth herbal and viscous.

Bodega Cal Pep - A classic, well-known bodega in Gracia with a slightly larger interior than most which makes it a good place to meet up with friends.

Bodega Marín - This spot is a favorite of mine to pop into when I am out and about in Gracia and want a quick pick-me-up. Stop by and snag one of the two outdoor “counter” spots, order a vermut and people watch for a bit.

Vermuteria Del Tano - Another Gracia classic great for a pitstop on your vermouth trail through the city.

La Cañada - This Poble Sec outlier has a danceable playlist and some of my favorite vermouth of all! It is ruby red and lighter than most other vermouths I’ve had in Barcelona so far so if you want to try something different come here!

Bodega Salvat - Another great area to visit when on the hunt for vermouth is Sants. Salvat is a local favorite and neighborhood stalwart that has been serving up spirits since the late 1800s. They also have a decent selection of not just the traditional bodega cold tapas but an array of hot dishes like croquetas and tortilla as well.

La Merienda

Granja Viader - Open since 1870 in the historic Raval neighborhood, just off La Rambla, this granja has classics like churros, hot chocolate, crema catalana and flan to satisfy all your afternoon cravings.

Granja Dulcinea - This granja isn’t nearly as old as Viader but holds its own up against the more senior establishment. They have been serving up the classics to the masses in their quaint Gothic location since 1941 and show no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

Xurreria Trebol - This colorful churro stand sits on the edge of the Gracia and is well-known for their traditional and not-so-traditional offerings like dulce de leche stuffed churros and chocolate covered churros. They often keep later hours than most so if you have a late-night hankering you might swing by and see if they can help out.

Paralel-lo - If gelato is what you crave after lunch then visit Paralel-lo just outside of the Gracia or off Passeig Sant Joan in Eixample .They have classic flavors as well as seasonal oddities like anchovy and tomatoes or goat cheese with roasted red pepper jam. If you are here in the summer try their Italian almond granita as an alternative to gelato.

De La Crem - If you are in Eixample and wanting a scoop of something tasty come here, you’ll know your there if you see the line down the block. This gelateria has a more traditional approach but with a rotating menu based on local produce.

Mamá Heladera - The gelato here is unlike any others in town… maybe in the world. A sister spot to El Tío Che in Poblenou, they base all of their flavors on memories from childhood and even have a suggestion box for neighbors to share their memories in hopes of having a gelato inspired by them. The menu changes often but some of the recurring favorites are “mare de llet i mel” which is a subtle milk-based gelato with honey and a pinch of sea salt and “recuerdo del coco de Liang,” a tribute to the owner’s first memory of eating at the Poblenou Chinese restaurant Liang.

El Tío Che - A summertime speciality here is definitely orxata (or horchata) and when you are headed home from the beach there is no better place to get one then at El Tío Che in Poblenou. Go for a classic or ask for half and half with lemon granizado for a more thirst-quenching take on the original.

Orxateria La Valenciana - Located in Eixample, this orxateria is a solid bet after a long, hot day of wandering around the city. If you want a little more take a seat and place an order for fartons, spongey, slender, glazed confections perfect for dipping into your ice-cold glass of horchata.

Sirvent - CLASSIC. Sant Antoni is where you will find this sweet counter where the staff wears their neat white and green uniforms and sling ice cream and orxata all day.