Best Places To Buy Beer In Barcelona

Barcelona is a city with a vibrant drinking culture, and beer is a popular choice of beverage for many of its residents. While there are many bars and pubs where you can enjoy a cold one, this paragraph will focus on the best places to purchase beer in Barcelona, whether you're looking for a supermarket, a specialty shop, or a cheap place to drink.

Firstly, let's address the elephant in the room: the ubiquitous Estrella Damm. Brewed in Barcelona, it's one of the most popular beers in the city and can be found in most bars and supermarkets. If you're looking for variety, however, you may be disappointed, as the city's supermarkets don't offer a wide range of beers. For a greater selection, you'll want to visit a specialty beer shop.

If you're a craft beer enthusiast, there are several shops worth visiting. Rosses i Torrades, for example, offers a range of beers from around the world and even organises cheese and beer pairing parties. L'Espumossa is another well-known beer shop that also offers tastings and home-brewing kits.

For those on a budget, there are plenty of affordable drinking holes. L’Ovella Negra, with two locations, offers beers from just €1.20, and El Papelón serves up buckets of five beers for a few euros. So, whether you're looking for a quiet night in with a six-pack, a unique craft beer to impress your friends, or a lively bar to down a few pints, Barcelona has you covered.

Beer in supermarkets

Although there are plenty of bars and pubs in Barcelona where you can enjoy a beer, you might prefer to drink at home. The good news is that you can buy beer in supermarkets in Barcelona. However, be aware that the selection is not as extensive as you might find in other countries. A British expat living in Barcelona noted that, in contrast to the wide array of ales available in British supermarkets, the choice in Barcelona is far more limited.

If you're looking for a beer that's similar to American beer, you might want to try Estrella, which is brewed in Barcelona and is said to be better than San Miguel. Imported beer tends to be expensive, so it might be worth trying some local brands.

• Estrella Damm (5.4%)—one of the most popular Spanish beers, which has also become popular in England. It has a sweet, almost berry-like taste and a crisp aftertaste. You can get a 330ml bottle for around €0.5-0.7.
• Mortiz—this is the only Spanish beer with a label written entirely in Catalan. A 330ml bottle of the weaker of the two alcoholic Mortiz beers (4.7%) will cost you around €0.7-1.
• Mortiz Epidor (7.2%)—at €1.0-1.2 for a 330ml bottle, this is the most expensive on the list, but given its strength, it's good value for money. It has a nice dark amber colour and a smooth taste.
• Estrella Galicia (5.5%)—don't confuse this with Estrella Damm, as it's a completely different (and better-tasting) beer. It's more expensive, but it has far more flavour, and you can taste the hops. A 330ml bottle will cost you around €1-1.2.
• San Miguel—this is not a beer from Barcelona, but it's cheap and drinkable. You can get a 330ml bottle for €0.50.

If you're looking for Guinness, you should be able to find it in the bigger supermarkets, like Alcampo.

Beer in bars

If you're looking to buy beer in Barcelona, you're in luck! The city is filled with bars and cervecerías (beer halls) serving up a variety of local and imported beers. Here's a guide to help you navigate the beer scene in Barcelona's bars:

Types of Beer

When ordering a beer in Barcelona, you'll have a variety of options to choose from. Here are some common types of beer you'll find in bars:

• Caña: A small glass of beer, usually slightly smaller than a British half-pint. It's a popular choice in the summer to keep your drink cooler.
• Double: Roughly double the size of a caña, but the actual size can vary depending on the bar's glassware.
• Un tercio or botellín: A 330ml bottle of beer, commonly found in cubos (buckets) of beer.
• Una jarra: This can refer to either a tankard-sized glass of beer or a jug of beer brought with separate glasses to share.

Recommended Bars

• L'Ovella Negra: With two locations, one in Marina and the other near La Rambla, this bar is a favourite among students, locals, and backpackers. You can get a caña for as little as €1.20 or a jarra for a bit more. The bar has a unique atmosphere, resembling a mix between a German beer hall and a medieval bar for Vikings.
• L'Antic Teatre: Tucked away near Palau de la Música, this hidden gem offers a charming patio surrounded by a recycled space that hosts different types of performances. It's the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a drink.
• 33/45: This bar offers a laid-back atmosphere and a modern/industrial style with vintage furniture. It's a great place to chat with friends over cheap beer.
• El Papelón: Near La Rambla on Carrer del Carme, this tavern serves cheap tapas and beers by the bucket. You can get a bucket of 5 beers for a few euros, perfect for a small group.
• Homo Sibaris: Located in Sants, this bar serves real ales and is a good option if you're looking for something beyond the typical local beers.
• La Resistència: In Eixample, this bar is another great choice for real ales.

Beer Shops

If you're looking to explore beyond the bars, there are also some great beer shops in Barcelona:

• Rosses i Torrades: This shop offers a wide range of craft and imported beers, as well as beer tastings and pairings with tapas. They also organise cheese and beer parties and provide home-brew kits.
• L'Espumossa: While it's primarily a bar, L'Espumossa is also known for its excellent selection of domestic and imported beers. They offer tastings and home-brewing kits, and even have a space reserved for collectors.

Whether you're looking to sip a cold one in a lively cervecería or pick up a unique brew from a local shop, Barcelona has something for every beer lover. Remember to always drink responsibly and follow local laws and regulations regarding alcohol consumption.

Beer in shops

If you're looking to buy beer in Barcelona, you'll be able to find it in most supermarkets and convenience stores. Beer is extremely popular in Spain, even more so than wine, and you'll find a wide range of local and imported beers to choose from. However, some have noted that the selection of beers in supermarkets can be somewhat limited compared to other countries.

When it comes to local beers, you'll find that Estrella Damm and Mortiz are the most common in Barcelona. Estrella Damm is one of the most popular beers in Spain and is known for its sweet, almost berry-like taste. A 330ml bottle typically costs between €0.50 and €0.70. Mortiz, on the other hand, is slightly more bitter and has a nice dark amber colour. You can expect to pay around €1.00 to €1.20 for a 330ml bottle of Mortiz.

If you're looking for something stronger, try Mortiz Epidor, which has an alcohol content of 7.2%. At €1.00 to €1.20 for a 330ml bottle, it's a great value for its strength. However, be careful – at that alcohol content, you can't drink it by the litre!

For those who prefer their beers with a bit more flavour, Estrella Galicia is a great option. At €1.00 to €1.20 for a 330ml bottle, it's more expensive than some of the other options, but you'll definitely notice the difference in taste.

In addition to local beers, you'll also find a variety of imported beers in Barcelona's shops. However, these tend to be more expensive. If you're looking for something similar to American beer, you can find brands like Bud in supermarkets.

So, whether you're looking for a local favourite or an imported brew, you'll be able to find a wide range of beers to choose from in Barcelona's shops. Just remember to drink responsibly and enjoy the variety of beers that the city has to offer!

Beer on the beach

Barcelona is a beer-loving city, and there are plenty of options for buying beer to enjoy on the beach. While it may be tempting to buy from street vendors, it is illegal and potentially unsafe due to health risks and littering. Instead, consider the following options:

Supermarkets

Supermarkets in Barcelona offer a range of beers, including local favourites and imported options. Look out for Estrella, which is brewed in Barcelona and recommended by locals, as well as other popular choices like Estrella Damm, Mortiz, and San Miguel. You can also find American beers like Bud if you prefer something more familiar.

Bars and Bodegas

Barcelona has no shortage of bars and bodegas where you can purchase beer to go. L'Ovella Negra, with two locations, offers a unique atmosphere and affordable prices, making it a favourite among students, locals, and backpackers. El Papelón, a tavern near La Rambla, serves cheap tapas and beers by the bucket, perfect for a beach outing. For something more unique, try L'Antic Teatre, a hidden gem with a charming garden patio.

Beer Shops

If you're looking for a wider selection and the expertise of beer enthusiasts, consider visiting a dedicated beer shop. Rosses i Torrades in Barceloneta is a bodega known for its knowledgeable staff and impressive selection of craft and imported beers. They also offer beer tastings and can help you organise a cheese and beer pairing party. L'Espumossa in L'Antiga Esquerra de l'Eixample is another well-known shop that also offers tastings and home-brewing kits.

So, whether you're looking for a quick pick-up from a supermarket, a unique offering from a local bar, or the expertise of a dedicated beer shop, Barcelona has you covered for your beachside beer needs.

Beer from street vendors

While it is possible to buy beer from street vendors in Barcelona, there are some risks involved. Firstly, it is important to note that buying alcohol from street vendors is illegal in Barcelona, and these vendors do not pay taxes or VAT. Their sales also hurt local bars, restaurants, and stores that are paying rent, wages, and taxes.

In addition, there are potential health risks associated with consuming beverages from street vendors. Dangerous and potentially deadly E. coli bacteria have been found in beer cans sold by street vendors. This is because they often store their ingredients and cans in unsanitary locations, such as under manhole covers of sewage drains or in garbage containers. E. coli infections can cause severe health issues, including bloody diarrhoea, anaemia, and even kidney failure.

Another downside to purchasing beer from street vendors is the impact on the local community. Their sales often create litter as many cans and plastic cups are left on the streets and beaches.

However, it is important to note that street vendors are typically decent people who are just trying to make a living. If you want to support them, it is recommended to consider donating to charity organisations that help immigrants and the underprivileged.

To stay safe and support local businesses, it is generally recommended to purchase beer from bars, restaurants, or convenience stores in Barcelona, where you can find a variety of local and imported beers to suit your taste and budget.

Where to Buy Beer in Barcelona

If you're looking for a cold beer, Barcelona has plenty of options beyond street vendors. Here are some suggestions:

• Bars and Restaurants: Barcelona is famous for its "cervecerías" (beer bars) and craft beer pubs. You can explore different neighbourhoods like El Born, Eixample, and Gràcia to find unique bars serving local and imported beers.
• Convenience Stores: Barcelona has numerous convenience stores where you can purchase beer. These stores often offer a variety of local and imported options.
• Supermarkets: While the selection may not be as extensive as in other countries, you can still find beer at supermarkets in Barcelona. Look for local brands like Estrella Damm, Mortiz, and Estrella Galicia, or opt for imported varieties.
• Specialty Beer Shops: For a more curated selection, visit specialty beer shops like Rosses i Torrades, L'Espumossa, or Sant Gervasi - Galvany. These shops offer tastings, home-brewing kits, and a wide range of domestic and imported beers.
• Beachside Bodegas: If you're spending a day at the beach, look for a bodega near the Barceloneta beach. These shops often cater to beachgoers and can provide the perfect beer to accompany your picnic.

Frequently asked questions