Sant Andreu is one of Barcelona’s lesser-known districts since it is a bit farther away from the center and not as touristy. This is a great place to rent if you want to live in a more authentic Catalan neighborhood and still be close to beautiful parks, shopping and tons of tasty tapas bars. Try any one of these bars to get a taste of what Sant Andreu has to offer.
Related article: Going for tapas in Eixample
Table of Contents
Bar Versalles
Photo by khawkins04 via Visualhunt
Running through the heart of Sant Andreu is the Carrer Gran de Sant Andreu, a long rambling street lined with shops and restaurants. This is where you will find Bar Versalles, a bar that has been a staple in this neighborhood since 1915. When you walk in, you will feel as if you have stepped back in time since the interior retains the feel of the original bar in atmosphere and decoration. You can chow down on some tempting snacks like homemade chips, Iberian meats and cheeses, and patatas bravas, accompanied by an ice-cold beer or glass of wine. Don’t forget to try the chipirones a la andaluza, little fried squids that are a house specialty and will leave you wanting more. Bar Versalles gets pretty crowded at night and on the weekends, so you can reserve your table ahead of time online or by phone.
Bar Colòmbia
Bar Colòmbia is one of the oldest and well-known bars in Sant Andreu, located on Rambla Fabra i Puig. This tiny bar has been around since 1913, serving up drinks and traditional Catalan tapas. The best thing to order when you go to Bar Colombia are the berberechos, or cockles, served with the house spicy sauce drizzled on top. Try a handmade sandwich paired with marinated olives and chips and you can’t go wrong. Bar Colombia is a great place to go on the weekend for a vermouth and tapas with friends for a true Catalan experience.
Related article: The 5 best tapas bars in Barceloneta
Tasca i Vins
Photo by Supersalomé via Visual Hunt
For some tasty tapas and drinks in a cool, shaded terrace that looks and feels like a garden, head on over to Tasca i Vins. On Carrer Cardenal Tedeschini, near the La Sagrera Metro stop (Lines 1 & 5), you will encounter this restaurant with a beautiful terrace and great food. Try some fried calamari or garlic shrimp if you like seafood, or get fried potatoes with eggs smothered in spicy sauce for a real treat. Tasca i Vins carries varieties of great wine, as the name suggests, so order a glass, sit back, and relax.
L’empanat
L’empanat is located on Carrer de Monlau inside Plaça Masadas near the Parc de la Pegaso. This is a great area to rent in since it’s peaceful but within walking distance of all the necessities. Some of the most popular tapas are the fried peppers, patatas bravas, and croquetas. However, you can also order more unique things like nachos, shrimp on a stick, and fried cuttlefish if you’re in the mood for something different. This place fills up quickly on the days that Barça has a home game since many fans in the neighborhood head to L’empanat for a beer, tapa, and to enjoy watching a game. If you’re in Sant Andreu, go to this bar for a great tapa and atmosphere.
Leave a Comment