Rosa del Raval Bar / Mexican Restaurant

El Raval, Barcelona –

Considering how well-known it is for a diverse immigrant population, it’s no surprise that El Raval is home to Rosa del Raval, one of the few Mexican joints in Barcelona.

Of course, the neighborhood is better known for its nightlife, and Rosa throws its sombrero into the ring on that front, too – at least if the sidewalk sign proclaiming €3.50 mojitos and margaritas is to be believed.

Hint: It is!

Warm afternoons find the umbrella-laden patio busy with young families, expats, and tourists fresh from the nearby MACBA modern art museum, with a similarly diverse crowd inside, where patrons sling burritos and Tecate long into the night.

There’s lots to look at inside: The melted-crayon décor features multicolored walls, vibrant Mexican knickknacks, tasseled lamps, and a portrait wall of some of the homeland’s better known historical figures.

Even with tables on two levels, there’s always a consistent crowd demanding more sizzling fajitas and vats of fresh sour cream, so reservations are advised after 8pm for anyone hoping to join the college kids sharing pitchers or the older professionals working through the extensive tequila list.

Reservations are not accepted on Fridays and Saturdays, which appears to be an excuse for most patrons to pack in along the lime green bar and order another round while they wait.

Festive and fun, Rosa del Raval proves that if anyone can keep the party going in El Raval, the Mexi-can!