Bars in two neighbourhoods tourists mostly skip: former-industrial Poblenou with El Clot next door, and Gràcia. An Irish pub and a beer hall for the football, a vegan tapas bar, pool tables and a bar that gives you a free tapa with every drink. The places come from my list of saved spots, and the descriptions are put together from Google Maps reviews; I'll add my own notes as I visit.
Prices are Google's average spend per person, valid as of 30 September 2026. Rate: 1 € ≈ $1.13.
In short
- A free tapa with your drink: Raspall in Gràcia, 17:00 to 21:00.
- Football: Pobail Nua and L'Ovella Negra Marina in Poblenou.
- Vegan bar: Blu Bar on the Rambla del Poblenou.
- Pool: Bar Billar HDP in Gràcia, about 12 € an hour.
Poblenou and El Clot
Blu Bar
Poblenou · vegan tapas bar · 20–30 € (≈$23–34) · Mon–Thu 13:00–0:00, Fri to 1:00, Sat 12:00–1:00, Sun 12:00–0:00
Google Maps · website · Rambla del Poblenou, 11
According to Google Maps reviews (4.5 from 5,300+): a fully plant-based, nautical-themed bar with tapas, tacos, pizza, sandwiches and cocktails; the menu even lists the protein content. Reviewers praise the food and the very kind staff, it's dog-friendly and there are tables outside. It's popular: around 18:30 you'll find a table easily, later you'll wait; one guest was disappointed by the delivery.
L'Ovella Negra Marina
Poblenou · beer hall · 10–20 € (≈$11–23) · Mon–Thu 9:00–17:00 and 19:00–2:30, Fri 9:00–16:00 and 17:00–3:00, Sat 17:00–3:00, Sun 19:00–2:30
Google Maps · website · Carrer de Zamora, 78
According to Google Maps reviews (4.2 from 9,800+): a huge tavern in a former warehouse with high ceilings, communal tables and a crowd in their 20s and 30s. It's all about the football: loud, fun, with big beer towers right on the table, and gluten-free beer too. The food is average (the crispy bravas are good, the burgers less so), one guest complained about undercooked chicken, and once it's full, nobody else gets in.
HIVE Barcelona
Poblenou · tapas bar · 10–20 € (≈$11–23) · Mon–Thu 17:00–2:00, Fri to 3:00, Sat 18:00–3:00, closed Sun
Google Maps · Carrer de Joan d'Àustria, 87
According to Google Maps reviews (4.4 from 681): a modern, cosy bar with a terrace, as good with friends as on your own. Reviewers praise the generous tapas at fair prices, the burger (one guest's best in four years in Barcelona) and the cocktails made by the owner, Dan. Good music and a young crowd.
Pobail Nua
Poblenou · Irish pub · 10–20 € (≈$11–23) · Mon–Thu 17:00–2:00, Fri–Sun 13:00–2:00
Google Maps · website · Carrer de Ramon Turró, 204
According to Google Maps reviews (4.9 from 829): a small Irish pub that many call the best in Barcelona. Good beer, TVs for the football, free crisps with your drinks and little shots with the bill. Reviewers praise the staff almost by name for their attentiveness and the homely feel.
Bar Titons de las Palmeras
El Clot · community centre bar · 10–20 € (≈$11–23) · Mon–Fri 9:30–23:00, Sat 10:00–20:00, closed Sun
Google Maps · website · Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 837
According to Google Maps reviews (4.4 from 226): the bar of the La Farinera cultural centre, with a pleasant terrace. Reviewers praise the bocadillos on crunchy fresh bread, with Catalan and vegan fillings, and the cheap tapas. The downside: several guests complain about rude staff.
Gràcia
Raspall
Gràcia · tapas bar · 10–20 € (≈$11–23) · Mon–Fri 17:30–1:00, Sat–Sun 12:30–1:00
Google Maps · Facebook · Carrer Samsó, 8
According to Google Maps reviews (4.5 from 1,600+): a true Catalan bar and one of the few in the city with a "free" tapa: roughly from 17:00 to 21:00, a 2 € drink comes with a small dish of your choice, from seafood and potatoes to meat or vegetables. Reviewers also like the vermouth and the tuna tataki. It's tiny: at peak times there's nowhere to sit, there are only three tables outside, and it gets stuffy inside.
Bar Billar HDP
Gràcia · billiards bar · Sun–Mon 18:00–0:00, Tue–Wed to 1:00, Thu–Sat to 2:00
Google Maps · website · Carrer de Sant Joaquim, 35
According to Google Maps reviews (4.5 from 1,300): a roomy bar with craft beer, cocktails and a room of pool tables in mint condition, about 12 € an hour. While you wait for a table there are board games and arcade machines, and the food is pizza by the slice. Good for a group or a date, though one large group complained about rude bartenders.
Bar Massagran
Gràcia · neighbourhood bar · under 10 € (≈under $11) · Mon–Thu 9:00–23:00, Fri to 0:30, Sat 10:30–0:30, Sun 10:30–17:00
Google Maps · website · Travessera de Gràcia, 210
According to Google Maps reviews (4.6 from 142): a tiny bar run by two friends, where locals and visitors alike feel at home. Cold beer, gildas, crisps and alcohol-free drinks, quick service and a host happy to explain Spanish food and drink culture. Seating is limited: a small counter and a few tables on the terrace.
One last thing
Raspall's free tapa runs roughly from 17:00 to 21:00, but on weekdays the bar only opens at 17:30; come at opening while there's still room to stand, as it's tiny. For football at L'Ovella Negra Marina, go early too: once it's full, nobody else gets in.
More on Barcelona: old-town bars, Poble-sec bars.