Local brews
There’s something about this city and craft beer. New breweries, bars and shops dedicated to the amber liquid keep popping up across town like tourists around a Gaudí monument, and Poblenou is no exception. The former industrial neighbourhood is home to some true gems worthy of a visit by any craft beer fan.
You’ll find one of the oldest and most authentic craft beer bars in the city, La Cervecita Nuestra de Cada Día (Lull 184), commonly referred to as simply ‘Cervecita’, in the heart of Poblenou. Opened by local couple Angie and Joaquim in 2009, it was one of the first craft beer bars to open in Barcelona. Luckily, their early bet on craft beer turned out to be a winner.
The pair are also behind the annual craft beer festival, La Fira del Poblenou, turning the barrio into a beer mecca for one weekend each July. In this cosy space just off Rambla de Poblenou, visitors are met by giant bookshelves stocked to the brim with more than 20 different bottled beers from all over the world. With everything from coconut stouts to delicious double IPAs, there’s a beer for everyone here, even that odd friend who claims not to like it. You can also enjoy 15 ever-changing beers on tap, served from behind the dark, wooden bar.
For Angie and Joaquim, it’s all about quality: “The freshness of the product is number one, but we also look for kilometre-zero products. Why should we buy an American beer when the quality of the local beer is this good?”
Closer to the Llacuna metro station, you’ll find a newer addition to the neighbourhood’s craft beer scene—Hoppiness (Ramon Turró 180)—a modern and welcoming space with an ample terrace. Cheerful co-owner Pep is no newbie to the craft beer scene: “I worked at the first craft beer place to open in Barcelona, La Cerveteca (now closed), and I’ve wanted to open my own place ever since.”
Not sure which beer to choose? No worries, Pep’s got your back. “The best thing about my job is that I get to help people discover craft beer. I love to see the excitement in people’s faces when they try a new beer and really enjoy it.” You’ll also find delicious tapas and hamburgers made from locally sourced meat, not to mention the secret bravas sauce.
Looking for a place that’s young, edgy and on the funky side? Head to L’Alternativa (Pallars 294), just a short walk from the Poblenou metro stop. Opened a year ago, this casual hangout is run by two brothers from Gràcia, who offer great personalised advice, homemade video mixtapes and a tasty tortilla de patatas to go with your beer of choice. The duo changes the selection of draught beer on a weekly basis, offering a good blend of local and lesser-known international brews.
If you fancy your pint with a side of ramen, pho or Asian tapas, then look no further than Cal Cuc (Taulet 109). The owner behind the popular Mosquito in the Born has just opened his latest venture in Poblenou, which offers several craft beers on tap alongside mouth-watering Asian dishes. Make sure you try the green curry with calamari for a true flavour fest, which pairs perfectly with a citric ale and the laid-back environment.
For more about the craft beer scene in Barcelona, check our article Craft Beer: Brewing It For Themselves.