Vermouth to vermouth: A route through classic bars with history in Barcelona

Do you also enjoy having vermouth in Barcelona? You’re one of us! That’s why at Lugaris, we’re inviting you on a tour of classic bars with history in Barcelona, where vermouth is the main attraction. You’ll find homemade and artisanal vermouths, but also mouthwatering dishes and tapas to share. 😉

In Barcelona, meeting up for a vermouth is a social tradition that many friends and families repeat every weekend. The act of “fer el vermut” (having vermouth) isn’t just about having a drink—it’s a social ritual that brings friends and families together on weekends before lunch.

This tradition has stood the test of time and, in recent years, has experienced a true renaissance. New vermuterías have popped up across the city, while classic bars, some with over a century of history, continue to attract new generations of loyal fans.

In this article, Lugaris takes you on a tour of authentic bars and bodegas with character, where you can enjoy vermouth just as it’s always been done in Barcelona: with a tapa, with history, and full of personality. Ready to go vermouth hopping?

Bodega Biarritz – Vermouth spirit in the heart of Raval

Bodega Biarritz – The Vermouth Spirit in the Heart of Raval
We begin our tour of classic bars with history in the heart of Raval. Here, we find one of those bodegas that preserves the soul of the neighborhood: Bodega Biarritz. While it may not be one of the most famous spots, it has the charm of simplicity and authenticity. With its discreet facade, barrels at the entrance, and unpretentious atmosphere, it’s a hidden gem for vermouth lovers.

They serve homemade vermouth, perfectly chilled, with a siphon, and it’s accompanied by classics like gildas, vinegar-marinated anchovies, pickled mussels, and crispy potatoes. The decor is as it has always been: old photos, handwritten price tags, and a bar where neighbors greet each other by name.

It’s the ideal spot to start your journey, experience the true essence of the city, and then wander through the narrow streets of Raval with that unmistakable taste lingering on your palate.

Bar Calders – Vermouth, literature, and neighborhood atmosphere

In the Sant Antoni neighborhood, Bar Calders is a true Barcelona vermouth classic. Its name pays homage to the writer Pere Calders, and that literary spirit is felt throughout the bar: shelves filled with books, artwork with cultural references, and a warm atmosphere that invites you to stay. Right next door is the Llibreria Calders, where you can discover literary gems, including works and stories by Calders (and by the way, if you don’t know him yet, you’re missing out! He’s a humorous writer who blends fantasy and fiction with a style that’s sure to captivate you).

The house vermouth is one of the most popular in the area. It has a distinct bitter and spicy taste that keeps you coming back for more, and it’s paired with a simple yet delightful menu: Russian salad, meatballs, patatas bravas, daily omelets, and homemade croquettes.

But the best part of Calders is its spacious terrace—ideal for sunny days. It’s common to see groups of friends, couples, or even solo readers enjoying the midday sun with a drink in hand. If you find yourself in Sant Antoni, this is a must-visit spot.

If you’re visiting and don’t know where to stay in Barcelona, you should know that the Poblenou neighborhood, close to the beach, is one of the best options. At Lugaris, we offer beachside apartments and modern options in Poblenou, ensuring you’ll have a fantastic stay.

La Vermuteria del Tano – Living tradition in Gràcia

If there’s a neighborhood with true character, it’s Gràcia. And if there’s a place that embodies the authentic vermouth spirit, it’s La Vermuteria del Tano. This small, no-frills spot oozes character. There’s no printed menu or modern decor here—just a bar, siphon, conversation, and flavor.

The vermouth is the classic dark version, served with ice and an olive, in a small glass, accompanied by pickles, mussels, cockles, and chips. The prices are affordable, the clientele is loyal, and the atmosphere is so genuine, you could easily think you’ve stepped back into the ’70s.

La Vermuteria del Tano is one of those places that doesn’t need advertising—it thrives on word of mouth and the love of locals. Stepping in here means becoming part of a living story.

Morro Fi – The rebirth of Barcelona’s aperitif culture

Morro Fi represents the meeting point between tradition and modernity. They started as vermouth enthusiasts on a blog and are now a leading name in Barcelona’s vermouth scene, with several locations across the city.

The original spot on Consell de Cent Street may be small, but everything is carefully thought out. The homemade vermouth is perfectly balanced and served with tapas like the “Morro Fi” gilda (with a piparra, anchovy, and olive), pickled mussels with potato chips, and spicy skewers.

Morro Fi has managed to make vermouth appeal to new generations as something fresh, cool, and high-quality. If you want to see how a traditional product can be reinvented without losing its essence, this is the place to be.

El Xampanyet – Sparkling history next to Born

Just a stone’s throw from the Born and next to the Picasso Museum, we find one of Barcelona’s iconic bars with history: El Xampanyet, open since 1929. Although its name refers to the artisanal cava they serve, their vermouth is also one of the most sought-after by vermouth purists.

The place is a journey back in time: tiles, barrels, shared tables, and a bar that never stops. The atmosphere is what matters here—lively, bustling, and authentic. The vermouth is served with anchovies, fuet (cured sausage), cured cheese, boquerones, and all kinds of cured meats that’ll have you reaching for another glass without thinking twice.

Come hungry, ready to socialize, and with some patience (it’s often packed). But once you’re inside, you’ll understand why El Xampanyet is a true piece of Barcelona’s history.

Quimet & Quimet – A temple of vermouth in Poble-sec

You can’t talk about vermouth in Barcelona without mentioning Quimet & Quimet, one of the city’s most famous and iconic bars. Located in the Poble-sec neighborhood, this bar, founded in 1914, is still run by the same family, who has managed to preserve its original essence.

The space is minimal, with no tables, and there’s almost always a wait, but the reward is well worth it: a bold, perfectly served vermouth, and montaditos that are true gastronomic masterpieces. From salmon with yogurt and honey to foie with caramelized onions, or cheese with truffle and dried fruit, each tapa is a carefully crafted delight.

The service is attentive, even with the fast pace, and each dish is made with precision. Arrive early and get ready for one of the most delicious moments of the tour.

Bodega 1900 – The modern reinterpretation of vermouth

Founded by chef Albert Adrià, Bodega 1900 is a place that elevates vermouth to the level of a sensory experience. Inspired by early 20th-century bodegas, this vermutería in Sant Antoni reimagines vermouth with a contemporary and refined twist.

The vermouth is served with great elegance, but what truly surprises is the creativity behind its tapas: liquid olives, reinvented gildas, mussels with a vinegar infusion, and signature dishes that play with both tradition and innovation.

Bodega 1900 is perfect if you’re looking to try something different—offering a gourmet experience without losing the essence of an aperitif. It’s vermouth, but also fine dining with a drink in hand.

Bodega Sepúlveda – Between tapas, vermouth, and nostalgia

We close our tour of classic bars with history in Barcelona with a true classic: Bodega Sepúlveda, located in Eixample Esquerra. With over 70 years of history, this place preserves old furniture, traditional recipes, and an atmosphere that invites you to sit and forget about time.

The vermouth is smooth and traditional, accompanied by homemade dishes like tripe, meatballs, cod omelette, or grilled cod. Here, each bite tells a story, and every customer becomes part of the decor.

It’s the ideal spot if you want to experience something authentic, with that nostalgic touch that can only be found in places that have stood the test of time and remained true to their essence.

Vermouthing is living Barcelona!

Exploring the classic vermuterías of Barcelona is like exploring the history of the city. It’s about sitting at a bar where thousands of glasses have been served, sharing a table with strangers, having conversations without screens, and raising a toast to the simple pleasures.

This vermouth route is just a sample—there are many more bodegas to discover, each with its own style, clientele, and unique way of experiencing vermouth. The important thing is to go out, explore, savor, and let yourself be carried away.

If you’re new to the city, remember that at Lugaris, you’ll find fully equipped apartments in Barcelona to ensure you’re 100% comfortable. And if you plan to stay longer, we also offer long-term rentals in Barcelona that have everything you need to feel right at home.

So, now you know: make your own vermouth route, take your time, bring a good appetite, and enjoy the best company. Barcelona is waiting for you with a perfectly served drink and a tapa on the side.