Dry Martini Bar

L'Eixample, Barcelona –

Waiters in white tuxedos, racing-green leather sofas, and a whiff of cigar smoke greet customers at the Dry Martini Bar, a traditional cocktail joint that has garnered an impressive reputation thanks to the quality of the drinks and of the food at the adjoining Speakeasy restaurant.

Row upon row of martini, spirit, and liqueur bottles sparkle on the shelves behind the polished wooden bar, all reflected in the square mirrored columns.

Framed paintings adorn the mahogany walls and include a piece featuring a martini glass and olive painted in the style of Mondrian.

Amid all the finery, an affluent and contented clientele reclines on the plush sofas, exchanging golf tips or discussing yachting holidays as drinks are delivered to their tables on silver platters.

Although the majority of clients are on the older side, younger alpha males stop by as well, either in groups or with well-dressed señoritas, to enjoy the boys-club atmosphere.

No matter the age or gender, however, none of the guests are in any hurry to finish their martinis – each a minor masterpiece mixed by the expert bartenders.