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by Poppy Beale-Collins

May 3, 2011

Poble Sec is less like Raval’s “little sister neighborhood” and more like a fun eccentric uncle who returned to town to shake things up a bit. The dry village’s second coming set sail a few years ago now and shows little sign of slowing down. With the theater-lined Paral.lel Avenue being the friendly border between the two not-so rival barrios – though which can claim the mirrored La Confiteria bar, opposite the newly restored landmark El Molino theater, as its own? – Poble Sec begins at its metro exit next to Parliament Street, also home to current queen of the new crop of cafés Federal, and ends somewhere around the red lights of institutional club Apolo, with the steep hills of Montjuïc Park its leafy backdrop.

The cheap prices of the colorful flats packed into the streets leading off the central Blai Street is what has always drawn the area’s long-time immigrant and artist population, and this hybrid, indiscriminate cultural DNA, within the scenery of all things theatrical and performance – from the old-school cabaret past to the contemporary Mercat de les Flors and Maumau Underground – makes for a rowdy and vibrant kind of close-quarters living. The whole city is best lived outdoors, but as the summer months approach us, an erupting Poble Sec will be seeing in the new season the only way it knows how: so pull up a metallic terrace chair, order in that caña, and wait for the plot to unfold.

Walk up the hill to Plaça Sortidor.

Remove your shoes at Japanese restaurant The Tatami Room (C/ Poeta Cabanyes, 19).

Head next door to Bar Rouge (C/ Poeta Cabanyes, 21)

Admire the décor at Greek-inspired tapas café Carmesí (C/ Blai, 28).

Elbow your way to the bar at Quimet & Quimet (C/ Poeta Cabanyes, 25).

Have drinks on the terrace at Bar Seco (Pg. Montjuïc, 74).

Eat Papas Arrugadas at Bar Ramon (C/ Blai, 28).

Finish off with Churros with the locals at La Churre (C/ Blai, 2).

by Poppy Beale-Collins

May 3, 2011

Latest Comments

  • Love Poble Sec!!!

    Fantastic representation for my favorite area in Barca. I was in BCN for a month last year writing a novel and when told I was going to be staying in Poble Sec I had no idea what to expect. I thought 'if it's not Gracias' it's not worth it.' little did I know how beautiful and full of culture the area would be. My morning walks around Mont Juic followed by afternoon football with local school kids. Then a fantastic meal and a few Gins followed by an amazing array of small bars and clubs. It's the new 'it' area for sure. Gracias and Barcelonetta are great but Poble Sec... It's got Soul!!! You most certainly need to big up the awesomeness of Zodiaco!!! Spent many an early evening in there writing page upon page to the sweet sounds of Le Tigre. Great article!!! Keep it up!!!

    Posted by Stairwell Toronto March 09, 2012 22:13:09

  • This Friday- PowWow nights!! in Maumau

    ActivArte presents PowWow nights!! A fun evening of art and drinks... projections of photography, video, photo-documentary, exhibitions!! Come and support local and international art. Friday 20th May, 2130, Maumau, C/Fontrodona 35, Poble Sec. See you there!!

    Posted by Hilary McWilliam May 18, 2011 15:25:19

  • Re: Hildy

    Hi Hildy,

    Thanks for the comment ... indeed Federal is of course not technically in Poble Sec (neither is La Confitería incidentally, it is in the Raval since it lies on the other side of Paral.lel). I suppose we just liked Federal so much we wanted to find a way to include it, and we also think it has played a part in why the whole area is becoming more popular.

    And then there is 41º ... perhaps we should do a Sant Antoni special.

    But we appreciate the comment, and we should have been clearer. :)

    Cheers,

    Michael
    Miniguide

    Posted by Michael Mueller May 05, 2011 16:20:46

  • Federal Café

    I know I'm being a stickler for details here, but Federal Café is in the barrio of Sant Antoni and not in Poble Sec! I know the two sit side by side, but given the distinctly different character of each barrio, they can't just be thrown in together!

    Posted by Hildy Snow May 05, 2011 11:22:01

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