Pepino

El Raval, Barcelona –

Anyone determined to hang out with Barcelona’s coolest cats should head to Pepino, a restaurant and bar that is undoubtedly an excellent introduction into the city’s infamous nightlife.

This narrow space on Nou de la Rambla has quickly become a favorite for artfully trashy, fashion-conscious residents who often sport asymmetrical haircuts and a surplus of tattoos.

The attraction is hardly surprising considering the slick but eccentric décor, which, quite apart from the swanky black wood finishes and bright crimson swivel stools, includes lamps balancing on prosthetic hands, medical benches doubling as chairs, and various figures pinned to the walls like voodoo dolls.

At the back of the ground level is a dance floor presided over by vigorous DJs spinning everything from indie trash to electro clash – much to the delight of the bar’s more exuberant patrons.

There’s more seating upstairs for conversation and killer cocktails, such as the Hemingway-inspired “Death in the Afternoon” (cava with absinthe), while earlier in the evening, hungry hipsters can dine on inventive Mediterranean cuisine.

It’s perfect location and unique vibe make Pepino a glamorous warm-up point for any night on the town.