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Image by Bill Sinclair
Ok, so it’s not the Ritz, and probably one of the scruffiest bars you’ll visit when in Barcelona – but it is, as they say, More than a bar.
It’s called Oller but everyone knows it as Pep’s – after its illustrious former owner who still pops in now and then. If you look around the walls you’ll see pencil portraits of Pep.
Opened in 1929 – as you step into the bar look down at the pavement – you’ll see a plaque celebrating the bar’s contribution to city life.
It’s fairly quiet during the morning and a good place to chill with café con leche, a croissant and a newspaper.
The terrace is perfectly positioned to get the best of the afternoon sunshine.
In the evening it’s a different place altogether – ram-packed with friends and neighbours meeting up for a beer, a bite and a chinwag after work, and good music.
The mix of local characters: writers, photographers, musicians, journalists, teachers, artisans and builders make this a lively place to meet up before dinner or going out on the town.
Tapas and sandwiches available: croquetas, bombas (balls of potato filled with meat and rolled in breadcrumbs), tortillas, cheeses, chorizo, fuet and llonganiza (cured meat sausages) and, uniquely, mini filo pastry wraps filled with emmental cheese, frankfurter and sobrassada (pressed pork).
It’s just around the corner from restaurant Can Josep (see Can Josep article) so you may want to pop in for an aperitivo before going on for a meal.
Voll Damm on draft available.
Be aware the bar is closed Mondays.
Bar Oller
| Bars, Snacks | Draft beer € 1.20 Passeig de Sant Joan 146 | Eixample | +34934578159
Tue – Sat 09:30 – 22:00, Sun 10:00 – 15:00
Hi Sonja, glad to read you enjoyed your visit to my very local bar. You’re right – the terrace at Pep’s is a good spot to hang out in the afternoon – especially during spring and early summer. And, you’re right too about the food – I only ever eat there when Junior gives me an occasional free sample, or if I’m really very hungry and need a quick bite – then I may have one or two croquetas. Thanks for taking the time and effort to post your comment. And glad you got your bag back. Regards.
Perfect place for afternoon drinks!! Cava and cana. We loved it.
Been there twice, the end of the afternoon.
I was very good to look at the local customers.
The second time I was seated on the terrace and later did go inside.
I forgot to bring my bag with my purse and everything in it. After 10 minutes another customer seated outside did bring me my bag. Thank you very much!!!
The service was exellent. The food not very special.