Finding a bar with live music in Barcelona is certainly not as easy as it used to be a decade ago, when live performances spilled out of countless bars and cultural venues. The good news is that many of Barcelona’s Irish pubs still have a rockin’ live music agenda, with cover bands and singer-songwriters presenting latest or greatest hits. Here are a few hotspots we’ve scoped out for you to enjoy.
1. Live Jazz at the Philharmonic English Pub
This is one of the most popular pubs in Barcelona with the local expat crowd. Quiz nights, special events and all the sports keeps ’em coming back for more. Their delicious home made pub food is another plus, and when you combine that with Friday and Saturday night’s live jazz session you have one winner of a chicken dinner on your plate.
Concerts begin at 22:30, and the ambience is sultry and deep. If you just fancy a pint with your sonic pleasure there’s a cover charge.
C/ Mallorca 204 (between Aribau and Enric Granados).
2. Irish Tradition and Cover Bands at Shenanigans
Formerly known as the Quiet Man, its new baptism is much more aligned with the kind of carry-on you’ll find here. Its location in the heart of the Raval district makes this a perfect place to start, continue, or finish a night out in one of Barcelona’s liveliest neighbourhoods.
This is the oldest Irish Pub in Barcelona and was established over 20 years ago. If you’re looking for live music in Barcelona, check out their rock/indie/folk vibe at the weekends. Traditional Irish music is sometimes on the agenda, whilst other nights are reserved for cover bands.
C/ Marqués de Barberá 11
3. Local Talent at the Sala Monasterio
Since moving to its new location in the stag-and-hen strip of Port Olympic, its clientele has definitely changed. The Moll Mestral, for those of you who aren’t familiar with it, is back-to-back with the kind of bars that play loud commercial pop whilst ladies gyrate around a pole and new arrivals head straight to the bar for free cocktail shots.
It’s easy to spot the Sala Monasterio diehards, the ones that still come for the music. Alternative local bands, indie-rockers and harder rock bands take centre stage here. The programming is fairly eclectic, so you might also stumble across a Latin band that entices your feet to move to a samba or salsa beat.
Moll Mestral 30
4. Jazz and Cocktails at Little Italy
Magical nights of romance in the Born begin at Little Italy, even when you least expect it. Don’t say we didn’t warn you… This Italian restaurant has been open since 1988, and according to their PR, they are responsible for having “revolutionized the Barcelona restaurant scene.”
You can enjoy live jazz every Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday evening from 21:00. Wines are a big deal here, and their extensive list meanders through the vineyards of Italy and Catalunya, picking up a few more exotic reds, whites and fizzies on the way. Cocktail specialties include several takes on the classic Martini, and a selection of premium Gin & Tonics.
C/ Rec 30
5. Indie, Rock and Traditional Music at the Michael Collins
Yes, another Irish pub, and one that has been serving up live music in Barcelona for many years. Once you recover from the Irishness of the décor – display cabinets with memorabilia from the Emerald Isle to photographs that speak of its cultural roots – it’s time to order a drink and settle down for the evening.
An essential stop on Barcelona’s pub circuit, bands who get a gig here can already give themselves a pat on the back. Enjoy traditional Irish music sessions every Monday, and top local talent every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Plaça de la Sagrada Família 4
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