Marmalade Lounge / Restaurant

El Raval, Barcelona –

The younger sister to Milk Bar & Bistro, a hip spot in Barrí Gòtic, Marmalade is run by the same people, but her youth cultivates a larger and considerably swankier environment.

The bright logo out front contrasts with the dim interior, where plush leather sofas, long rows of blood-orange banquettes, and fine, tufted chairs make it easy to believe that perhaps inventory was left behind from the upscale furniture shop that used to occupy the space.

Throughout the night, the buzz and murmur of conversation bubbles under a soundtrack of jazz and soul-inspired beats, as trendy professionals drop in after work to take advantage of select €5 cocktail specials.

Sectioned into four distinct areas, the venue has ample room for large groups to gather and chow down on house favorites like barbecue pork ribs, burgers, and even an upscale take on nachos and cheese, or play a few rounds on the antique pool table across from the bar.

The scene often picks up later in the night, when throngs of high-spirited Barcelona night owls pop over from Las Ramblas, their multitude of languages filling the bar as patrons wind down over Tom Collinses and Bloody Marias, while regular brunch fare like smoothies and eggs Benedict coat those alcohol-soaked tummies in ways tapas never could.

A great place to start and/or end a wild weekend, Marmalade’s digs are sweet, its ambiance chic, and its vibe is rarely jammed.