Streetlife: Carrer de Blai

Updated January 18, 2021.

If you're in the mood for pintxos, Carrer de Blai in Poble Sec has got what you're looking for. From the traditional to the creative, the local bars along this small neighborhood street have got you covered. Can't decide which one to go to? How about all of them? Start at one end of Blai and work your way to the other in a "tapas crawl." There are many bars to choose from—here are five of our favorites:

Toggle Map
Your browser does not support the HTML5 Geolocation API. Enter your address in the text field above and try again.
You denied permission to use your current location. Enter an address in the text field above or change your location sharing settings for this page.
Unable to find your current location. Enter an address in the text field above and try again.
Location search timed out. Enter an address in the text field above and try again.
  • 1
    Koska-Taverna-02.jpg

    Carrer de Blai 8, 08004 Barcelona
    931 27 03 13
    Website

    Hailing from the Basque Country and Argentina, owners Ekaitz and Eduardo opened this restaurant four years ago. The duo strive to recreate true tavern life and make Koska a meeting place for friends, where gastronomy takes center stage and every bite has a well-selected wine pairing. There is also a terrace to relax on while savoring the tasty fare. “When we originally picked this location, Blai was much quieter,” Ekaitz explained. “But we’re happy with the way the area has been regenerated. Now locals and tourists think this is the best spot to be in the city.”

  • 2
    Blai-9-03.jpg

    Carrer de Blai 9, 08004 Barcelona
    933 29 73 65
    Website

    The owners of this innovative tapas bar believe that “tapas are an expression of freedom” and rules simply get in the way. The team of food professionals are committed to offering high-quality tapas with a twist. Blai 9 is a self-service place, so help yourself to scrumptious-looking nibbles offered up on colorful platters. A tough choice indeed.

  • 3
    La-Tasqueta-De-Blai-8.jpg

    Carrer de Blai 17, 08004 Barcelona
    931 73 05 61
    Website

    With a caña and pintxo for two euros, this place champions tradition. The pintxos are made with typical ingredients and served atop slices of floury baguette. “If you’re hopping from one pintxos bar to the next, you have to stop here,” said Rafael, from Mexico. “It’s a great place to enjoy the people and ambience of this area, plus the house wine is really good and super cheap.”

  • 4
    Taberna-Blai-Tonight-04.jpg

    Carrer de Blai 23, 08004 Barcelona
    639 38 42 06
    Website

    Offering a variety of delicious tapas and montaditos for only one euro each, this little tapas bar is a great stop for those on a budget. With so many tapas to choose from at such a great price, this place is often crowded, be prepared to eat standing up if you turn up at peak times.

  • 5
    L’ATELIER-DE-BLAI-08.jpg

    Carrer de Blai 38, 080041 Barcelona
    932 69 59 33
    Website

    Keeping with the theme of Carrer de Blai, L’Atelier offers a buffet of various pintxos and tells customers to keep their sticks so they can calculate the bill at the end of a delicious evening. What stands out here? The gracious owners and keen staff who do all they can to make your visit top notch.

    Originally published September 2015, updated January 10, 2021.