Barcelona - Food
The bars of Raval: more than just beers and tapas (but above all beers and tapas). We know you like the authentic
The bars of Raval: more than just beers and tapas (but above all beers and tapas)
Raval. That neighborhood that some love and others look at with suspicion. Narrow, vibrant, and sometimes chaotic streets, where you might bump into confused tourists, hipsters with designer mustaches, and a few characters that seem to have stepped out of a Bukowski novel.
But, you know what? We all love Raval for one reason: its bars. Because here, amidst graffiti and a corner with a tarry smell of urine, lie the true temples of good living. Those time-honored bars, where vermouth is served as it should be, the beer is well drawn, and the atmosphere is so thick you could cut it with a knife. But let's get to the point, you want to know what and where, right?
Let's start with the classic: La Ravala. This is the kind of place where, when you order a beer, you feel like you're making a deal with the devil himself. The bartender serves it to you with that gesture of “I know what you want, my friend,” and before you know it, you’re enjoying a perfectly poured beer, with that creamy foam that you can’t find on just any corner. But don’t get distracted by the beer. The key here is the Spanish omelette. Golden on the outside, juicy on the inside, and with a touch of caramelized onion that would bring tears of joy to your grandmother’s eyes. Order a portion. No, better yet, order two. Here, the omelette isn't an appetizer, it’s the main dish. And every bite tastes like those simple yet perfect things in life that you can only enjoy with a bar and a frosty glass in front of you.
If your soul leans towards the more rogue side, then Pollo Bar and in a smaller format, its namesake La Polla is your mandatory stop. This joint, which has seen it all (and everyone), is a homage to the decadence of Raval. You enter and it feels as if time has stopped. The decor is a collage of pop art, neon lights, and stickers from punk bands that no one remembers anymore. But what matters isn’t the atmosphere, it’s the tripe stew they have on the menu. Yes, I know, it’s not a dish for the
And what if after so much “beer fest” you feel like something more “Olympic” (and no, we are not talking about exercises)? Then end the night at the Bar Olympic. It’s not called that by chance. Here, the king sport is the art of tapas, and the master moves are their patatas bravas. Golden, crispy, and topped with a sauce you wouldn’t even dare to ask about. A spicy kick, a smooth yet powerful flavor that makes you want to order one beer after another. But that’s not all. Order the pig ears and get ready for a bite that only the brave know how to enjoy. Thin, crispy, and with that smoky touch that turns a offal dish into a true feast. Because at the Olympic, if you don’t end up with greasy fingers and an empty glass, you haven’t played your hand right.
The Raval isn’t for everyone, and its bars aren’t either. But if you’re someone who appreciates a place with character, where the beer is poured with love, the tapas are made without frills, and the atmosphere is, at times, more authentic than a neighborhood fiesta, then… the Raval is your temple. And remember: what matters isn’t what you order, but where you sit, with whom you share it, and the attitude with which you do it.
Because, in the end, bar hopping is a contact sport: elbow to elbow at the bar, a grumpy bartender who calls you "kid" even if you have gray hair, and a good drink to toast with. So, welcome to the Raval, where each beer is a toast and each bar is a character from a novel. But make sure you don’t come with expectations. Here, you come to drink, to eat… and to go with the flow.
And if you’re lucky enough to stay at Acta Bcn40, you’re just a few steps away from this vibrant urban jungle. But let’s get to the point, because what you want to know is where to indulge, right? Follow this little guide with our recommendations.
For all destinations
For all destinations
Porto
Barcelona
Porto - Food
May 2024
The gastronomy in Porto is similar to talking about football: everyone has their signature dish and a strong opinion about where the best one is made.
Barcelona - Places
May 2024
If someone told you that the best neighborhood in Barcelona is in an area that hardly ever appears in tourist guides, would you believe them? Probably not.
Barcelona - Places
May 2024
We tell you where the 8 best places to watch the sunset in Barcelona are. Shhhh it's an open secret.
