Sub Rosa 20s / 30s / Alternative / Beer / Budget-friendly / Casual / Chill / Cocktail Lovers / Cocktails / Date Place / Eclectic / Good for Groups / Groups / Happy Hour / Hipster / Hipster / Intimate / Locals / Moderate / Outdoor Area / Smart Casual / Specialty Cocktails / Tourists / Trendy Vibe / Young Professionals / Cocktail Bar

Peak season is fast approaching in Barcelona and while tourists flock to Plaça Reial to have a drink in one of the countless ‘cervecerias’, little do they know that one of the city’s best kept secrets is, literally, just around the corner. Through one of the tiny side streets of Barcelona’s most enchanting plaza lies a hole in the wall by the name of Sub Rosa. As you enter through its old, wooden door you are met with the feeling of being in a movie from the 80’s with its pink walls and photo frames of iconic figures from years gone by. The atmosphere of the place is one of the warmest in the city as people of all backgrounds merge; from backpackers to locals and students to tourists, with the majority open to a conversation and to share their story. When it comes to ordering, the common list of beers and cocktails are available but if you leave without trying their Caipirinha it will go down as a missed opportunity. The famous Brazilian cocktail is offered in most bars in Barcelona but none quite as good as the ones served here. The prices aren’t bad either, with cocktails at €5 and €3 for a beer. On weekdays, Sub Rosa attracts a decent crowd but you’ll still have plenty of room to maneuver. However, on Fridays and Saturdays, make sure you get down there by 10pm the latest in order to have some sort of space for you and your friends.

My Take: A strong whiff of incense hits you as you walk through the door and into this dimly lit and eclectically decorated Barri Gòtic cocktail bar. As the smell fades away and you get your bearings, you get a chance to soak in the ambiance. Venetian decorations equipped with masks, mirrors, and paintings make you quickly realize that Sub Rosa has a great combination of atmosphere, decor, and most importantly, delicious drinks that combine to make it one of the best places to get a specialty cocktail in all of Barcelona. The Scene: A young (20s and 30s) crowd of both locals and tourists are on dates or relaxing over a drink. The patrons tend to be a nice mix of young professionals and hipsters. A fantastic combination of creepy and romantic, you can’t help but find something intriguing lining the walls. Moulin Rouge dancers and Antonî Gaudî would have both felt at home sipping down a cool drink during a warm Barcelona night. Cocktails & Cuisine: Sub Rosa serves local beers but it is first and foremost a cocktail bar. They have the classics: Mai tai, Sidecar, Manhattan. They also have their own specialty cocktails that are unique in their presentation, consistency, and ingredients with the only common bond being they are all delicious. Prices: Drinks normally range from around 3-6 euros with specials being offered throughout the week. What to Wear: Sitting in the heart of the Gotic neighborhood, Sub Rosa is a trendy and intimate bar, but wear what makes you comfortable and you will fit in with the crowd. Insider Info/When to go: Come on Tuesdays for 4 euro cocktails from their expansive menu and make sure to come back to check out their nightly cocktail special.