Bar Seco

Poble Sec, Barcelona –

A vegetarian haven, a sanctuary for slow foodies, and a laudable choice for local suds and organic wine, Bar Seco (Dry Bar) appeals to anyone on the hunt for a tranquil time out in Barcelona.

Located near the border of the famed hill of Montjuic Park, the venue is a favorite of health-minded locals, who flow in all day for farm fresh omelets, elaborate tapas, hand-squeezed juices, and thick slabs of gluten-free chocolate cake.

The tiny sidewalk terrace fills up quickly, as does the rest of this cozy joint, but Seco manages to maintain a chill vibe despite the crowds, exuding a homey feel in line with its quality home-cooked fare.

A blackboard near the small kitchen features a host of daily changing specials, but there’s little else in the way of décor in this sparse and modern space, save for the bright orange lamps strung above the sleek gray bar.

Both seating areas on either side of the bar offer nice views of the park’s leafy trees just across the street, which explains why a lot of fit Barcelonans drop in before a thigh-busting afternoon jog. And after a run or a hard day’s work, many of them also return at night to sling a few cocktails or biodynamic vino.

Worth a visit for its healthy eats and community-conscious sensibilities, Bar Seco is a Poble Sec treasure that’s anything but dry.