Electric Bar Bar / Live Music Venue

Gràcia, Barcelona –

Not for those who value cosmetic beauty, Electric Bar falls decidedly on the shabby side of shabby chic.

A bit of color and history comes in the form of some antique cabinets and a few abstract oil pieces, but these are largely obscured by the neglected tiles, half-finished paint jobs, and scattered cardboard boxes that constitute the décor – even the cocktail menu is scrawled in black pen on a scrappy piece of paper rather than chalked onto a board.

But to pick apart the décor is to miss the point of this much-loved Gràcia bar, where the Brazilian owner prefers soulful old junk to shiny bells and whistles.

Electric is all about creating a friendly, unpretentious vibe, and in this it is successful – which is why people from all walks of life stop by on a nightly basis for a beer or one of the seven different types of caipirinhas.

Artists, artisans, students, and office workers usually fill the place from midnight to closing to share some conversation over a few drinks.

More than just a bar however, Electric is also a live music venue whose back room – little more than a square black box with mirrors and a stage – is one of the best places to catch diverse musical acts or even the odd poetry jam or theater performance.