A question: who doesn’t want small piece of bread with something delicious on top?
Meaning ‘thorn’ or ‘spike’ in Spanish, referring to the toothpicks holding the snack together, this Basque staple is best enjoyed with a glass of young white wine or zurito (a quarter pint).
And though it may not be the Basque country, our Catalonian capital has its share of quality pintxo bars. Here’s a list of the best pintxo bars in Barcelona – let’s dig in!
The Best Pintxos in Barcelona
If you’re looking for good prices and a huge variety then the (not really at all) famous Carrer Blai is your best bet. Between Tapioles and Roser there must be 7-8 bars all serving €1.00 pintxos and €1.00 beer.
Get to Paral-lel metro (purple line L2 or green line L3) and it’s a short walk to pintxo paradise.
La Tasqueta de Blai
Area: Poble Sec | Calle Blai 17 | Metro: Paral-lel (L2 + L3) | Website
Another gem hidden in plain sight. This one’s packed with locals. A bit more upscale in decor compared with Blai Tonight but offering the same value. The one downside is there’s no terrace, but at least here you won’t get a funny look for ordering cocktails – so go for it!
This place is good for night owls as it’s open till 2 am. try the spicy chorizo with quail egg, roasted aubergine with mozzarella, and the mini burgers.
Price: €1.00-€2.50.
Maitea
Area: Eixample | Calle Casanova 155 | Metro: Hospital Clinic (blue line L5) | Website
More than 100 varieties of pintxo! The Basque country meets Barcelona here and the offerings are decidedly more refined than tradition calls for. Possibly the best quality-price ratio in central Barcelona.
This place is famous for using top quality ingredients and inventing seasonal varieties. I recommend trying the foie stuffed mushrooms, goat cheese with Iberian ham, and tortilla de patatas.
Price: €1.75.
La Taberna Blai Tonight
Area: Poble Sec | Calle Blai 23-25 | Metro: Paral-lel (L2 + L3) | Website
Value value value. A cozy traditional and oft-packed bar with a terrace for watching the always active Blai. A friendly staff with good English. The high turnover at peak hours means fresh food is coming out constantly.
A huge variety of 30 or more pintxos and €1.00 glasses of beer. Try the salmon and asparagus, chicken curry (yes, you read right), and the classic chistorra sausage.
Price: €1.00-€1.50.
Irati Taverna Basca
Area: Gothic Quarter | Calle Cardenal Casanas 17 | Metro: Liceu (green line L3) | Website
It’s just a stone’s throw away from the famous La Rambla and yet in presentation and taste it’s clear this isn’t some tourist-trap hell. The cold pintxos at the bar featuring smoked salmon, Serrano ham, goat cheese, sardines, stuffed peppers are to die for.
Don’t fill yourself up right away though. As crowds build the attentive waiters bring out the hot stuff on trays and offer them like some fancy party. Try the Rioja wine.
Price: €2.00.
Bodega Biarritz 1881
Area: Gothic Quarter | Calle Vidre 8 | Metro: Liceu (green line L3) | Website
This rustic and cosy tapas place in the heart of the Barri Gotic has been churning out high quality pintxos since forever. Whether you’re a meat lover or looking for vegetarian options there’s something here for you.
There’s no self-service here and you’re putting your faith in the chef’s hands. Tell them what you like and don’t like and for €27.00 you’ll get two 8 course tapas tasting menus. The spicy chicken, chorizo, and vegetable stack skewers are highlights.
Get there early around 5 pm. Cash only.
Blai 9
Area: Poble Sec | Calle Blai 9 | Metro: Paral-lel (L2 + L3) | Website
Something different. Most pintxos here are served on delicious mini pancakes or in wraps.
The flavours are also more international and the nachos and quesadillas prove this. A trendy and modern bar with unparalleled presentation and a wide assortment of local craft beers.
Try the tuna croquettes, black rice and squid wrap, ricotta spinach and bacon piadina.
Price: €1.20-€1.70.
Golfo de Bizkaia
Area: El Born | Calle Vidriera 12 | Metro: Jaume I (yellow line L3) | Website
Ignore the Blockbuster Video-esque logo and tacky maritime decor, this is a classic Barcelona pintxos spot right near the Santa Maria del Mar. Grab the traditional cider here and watch their unique and showy pouring method.
A bit more gourmet than its Blai cousins, the 80 types of ‘pure Basque’ pintxos and central location more than justify the prices. Try the anchovies in vinegar, Iberian ham, fried prawns.
Price: €2.00-€3.00.
Pintxos in Barcelona
Why You’ll Like Pintxos
- They’re cheap, tasty, and filling.
- There’s fast self-service to give you more time seeing attractions.
- It’s an easy way to try mini versions of Spanish culinary staples.
- The large variety ensures even fussy eaters find something to eat.
How Does it Work?
Sit down and order yourself a drink and a waiter will ask you if you need a plate.
Say yes.
What happens next is a self-service free-for-all where you can load up on tasty wonders that’ll make you hate yourself for eating with your eyes.
Just make sure to keep the toothpicks – they’ll be counted for the final bill.
Not got Your Pintxo Fix? Hit Me up in the Comments
As always I’m going to promise my readers that the advice doesn’t stop here! If you’ve got any comments or questions about pintxos in Barcelona or anything else to do with your holiday I am here.
Happy eating 🙂
Mags says
Hello,
Really enjoy all this information and makes me excited it visit Barcelona.
Am i right in saying there are many places for pintxo in Poble Sec? I am with a big group of girls and we wanted to do a pintxo tour (where we go from place to place) without having to go on a paid organised tour. Any ideas?
Also, do you know of any good bars and cocktail bars for a big group (11)? Somewhere we could dance but not a club.
Thanks & look forward to hearing from you!
Ash says
Hi Mags,
Yes indeed you’re correct. The famous ‘pintxo street’ there has at least half a dozen and maybe 10 different bars where you can get them. There are also a ton of cheapo beer bars.
I would start at the bottom of Calle Blai (near Apolo) and work your way up stopping when you please. Just make sure you go to Tasqueta del Blai as one of the stops as in my opinion it’s the best.
For cocktails I would go for Paradiso, Boca Chica, or Sor Rita Bar (this one will be less pricey) though there isn’t a lot of dancing in these places… for something less ‘clubby’ I would try Marula for their cool live music or old school vibes. It’s got a decent dance floor. There’s also Bombon which isn’t a club but has plenty of dancing and Latin vibes.
My two cents 🙂
Ash
Quinton says
Hello, Google now shows TXAKOLÍN as permanently closed.
Ash says
Hi Quinton,
Thanks for pointing this out! Sometimes my readers are more on the ball than I am 🙂 Will look into this and replace ASAP, thanks.
Christian says
Orio: .95 per
Good ambiance
Ash says
Hi Christian,
Thanks for chiming in – it’s always good to hear of new places but I’m going to respectfully disagree 😉
Prices at Orio I’ve heard are €1.95-€2.50 a pintxo, not 0.95.
Having walked by it many times it looks like just another place on Calle Ferran looking to cash in on wandering tourists.
I’d recommend anybody take the ‘scenic’ 15 minute walk from there through Raval and get to Calle Blai in Poble Sec for better quality and value.