Barcelona is famed for its breathtaking architecture, moneyed culture, and beautiful beaches, the city also boasts an overwhelmingly great and lively coffee scene. Running the spectrum from very set Spanish cafes to those exuding modernity and a hipster vibe, Barcelona has great diversity in word of places to drink coffee. The following guide covers some of the best places to drink coffee in Barcelona, arguing what makes them unique and why they must necessarily appear in the list of every coffee lover visiting this wonderful city.
The Rich Coffee Culture of Barcelona
The culture of coffee in Barcelona coffeeshop is very much intertwined with history and the social fiber. Traditionally, strong, dark espresso and café con leche have always been the way to drink coffee in Spain, usually enjoyed with sweet pastries or savory snacks. Lately, though, Barcelona has taken on board third-wave coffee: a movement toward higher-quality beans, artisanal ways of brewing, and a general raising of the bar in coffee drinking.
Listed here are some must-visit coffee shops in Barcelona.
1. Nomad Coffee Lab & Shop
In the middle of El Born, Nomad Coffee Lab & Shop is an initiator of Barcelona’s forte coffee scene. This minimalistic coffee shop is on a quest for sourcing and roasting the great beans from around the world. Their bond to quality shines through on every cup, be it an espresso, pour-over, or cold brew. Nomad baristas are knowledgeable and in love with their job; they will always share their expertise with you to guide you in discovering new taste .
2. Satan’s Coffee Corner
Satan’s Coffee Corner easily became a favorite among locals and visitors due to its name and eclectic interior design. More specifically, it is placed in the Gothic Quarter and reflects a very interesting mix between old Spanish and modern influences. The coffee hails from some of the world’s best roasters and is brewed to nothing less but perfection. Food is also exciting, with a blend of local and international tastes. The relaxed atmosphere and trendy interior design make this a perfect spot to hang out during your afternoon, sipping on a great cup of coffee.
3. Onna Coffee
Onna Coffee, founded in the hip neighborhood of Gracia, stands out in regard to the high level of commitment to sustainability and correctness in origins. This coffee shop really works directly with farmers in Costa Rica, guaranteeing, therefore, the best beans quality and that they are produced under fair conditions. From espresso to Chemex and AeroPress, Onna caters to many brewing methods for customers to try different flavor profiles. With such a warm feeling inside, especially considering the friendly barista, this quickly becomes a spot loved by so many who enjoy their coffee.
4. Hidden Café Barcelona
As the name suggests, Hidden Café Barcelona is in the quiet Les Corts and is really a hidden gem of the city’s coffee scene. This is a specialty coffee shop whose attention to detail is second to none, from bean selection to brewing. Hidden Café sources its beans from top roasters and offers several brews to appease every palate. Cozy, intimate in setting, with expertly constructed coffee, this place is not to be missed if you are serious about your coffee.
5. Federal Café
It’s Federal Café, whose modern and airy design anticipates a relaxed atmosphere, perfect to enjoy a leisurely coffee break. This cool coffee shop in the Sant Antoni area has gained prominence for its top-notch coffee and yummy brunch menu. Federal Café sources beans from local roasters and offers a range of brews: espresso, filtered coffee, iced coffee. With its spacious interior and friendly service, it happens to be a place that many locals and visitors visit.
The Third Wave Coffee Movement in Barcelona
It is in Barcelona that this third wave coffee movement has taken root, radically changing the way coffee is experienced. This wave of coffee culture revolves around the quality and origin of the coffee bean and the ways it gets brewed out of respect and expertise. Shops like Nomad Coffee Lab & Shop and Onna Coffee are leading this trend with creative sourcing and new brewing techniques to highlight their rare flavors.
The role that coffee shops play in Barcelona’s social life is at its prime stages.
In Barcelona, coffeehouses are so much more than just a place to pop in for a top-up in terms of caffeine. They are an innate part of the social fabric of the city. No matter what brings people to a coffee shop, be it to catch up with friends, business, or the simple need for some me-time, they are able to form a warm space for every possible interaction. From classic traditional cafes to ultramodern specialty coffee bars, the variety of coffee shops in Barcelona caters to all tastes.
The Best Cafes in Barcelona: Tips for Finding Them
Neighborhoods: Every district of Barcelona has its very own individual culture of coffee. From the historic center to the super modern Gràcia district, you will see a plethora of cafes to fit every taste.
Ask Locals: The residents of Barcelona are very serious about their coffee, so never will locals be short of great places to recommend. Never hesitate to ask.
Look out for Specialty Coffee Signs: Specialty coffee shops indicate what origin beans they have, which single-origin brews are available, and how they brew their coffee. These are usually indicative of quality.
Try Different Brewing Methods: Many cafes in Barcelona offer a variety of brewing methods from espresso to pour-over. The new methods can be quite revealing of new flavors you may not know you like.
Enjoy the Experience: Do not rush through your coffee, take some time and enjoy the ambiance of the cafe. Maybe it is reading a book, or looking at the people, or just catching up with friends, the experience of the Barcelonian coffee is in itself an event.
Conclusion
The Barcelona coffee scene rings as vivid and various as the city itself. From a traditional Spanish café to an avant-garde specialty coffee shop, there is something for each and every coffee aficionado. Whether local or visitor, searching for the best coffee shops Barcelona has to offer is well worth it. Next time you hit the city, do not miss out on places like Nomad Coffee Lab & Shop, Satan’s Coffee Corner, and Onna Coffee for an unforgettable experience in coffee.
