It all began in 1933 when Miguel Boadas, a Catalan born in Cuba, wanted to use his experience as a bartender in the mythical “Floridita de La Habana” to bring the art of mixing drinks to Barcelona.

The classic interior of Boadas

In spite of the fact that it's currently an “in” bar in the trendy scene, and that it's located on the corner of Tallers and Las Ramblas (one of the most touristic corners in the city), Boadas Cocteleria is one of the few refuges of authenticity in the center of Barcelona. Intimate and cozy, with a long wooden bar and matching bar stools, its walls filled with paintings and decorative art, the service is handled by a batallion of veteran waiters impeccably dressed in classic smoking jackets.

At first glance it might seem that we've found ourselves in an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel. And here is where we notice one of the key features of this bar- it's eclectic and refined clientele. Here mingle the most loyal barflies, locals celebrating special occasions, and foreigners- all smartly dressed. This is due to the throwback bar code employed by the bar, and enforced diligently by its doorman. Don't even think about entering here with shorts on, it's explicitly prohibited. In Boadas the atmosphere is groomed to be cordial and enjoyable, even if it may fill to capacity rather quickly (thanks to its small size). In any case, Cocteleria Boadas merits a visit from any visitor who enjoys to imbibe in a classically classy setting. The cocktails are classic too, and there is one for all tastes: Vodka Collins, Bloody Mary, Gimlet, Rob Roy...

For all of this, Boadas has gained a distinguished reputation en Barcelona, nay, in all of Spain, as one of the best cocktail shops in the country (along with Dry Martini). Its pioneering founder brought the art of the modern cocktail to the city, and for that we are all grateful, and a little bit happier. Enjoy a cool mixed drink and then retire to one of our hot Barcelona apartments and enjoy everything that the city's night life has to offer.