top of page
< Back

Boadas

BAR SUMMARY

epclublogoblackgold.png

In Barcelona's Gothic Quarter, Boadas stands as a testament to nearly a century of cocktail mastery, where Cuban tradition meets Catalan soul in Spain's oldest cocktail bar. Since 1933, this legendary establishment has perfected the art of classic mixology through its iconic triangular counter and time-honored throwing technique.

Founded by Miguel Boadas after his apprenticeship at Havana's legendary El Floridita—the same bar that captivated Ernest Hemingway—Boadas Barcelona brought authentic Cuban cocktail culture to Europe. The bar's remarkable journey continued under María Dolores Boadas, who became a pioneering female bartender in 1967, maintaining the family's exacting standards for decades. Today, world-renowned mixologists Simone Caporale and Marc Alvarez of Sips (ranked No.1 at The World's 50 Best Bars 2023) have breathed new life into this institution while preserving its sacred traditions.

The cocktail program at Boadas remains uncompromisingly classic, celebrating the golden age of Cuban mixology. Their legendary Martinis, prepared using the dramatic throwing technique that aerates and chills simultaneously, represent cocktail theater at its finest. The menu showcases timeless perfection: bone-dry Martinis, sherry-kissed Adonis cocktails, and what connoisseurs consider Barcelona's finest Daiquiris. Each drink reflects the precision and artistry passed down through generations, with bartenders tailoring every cocktail to individual preferences while maintaining unwavering quality standards.

The intimate Art Deco interior transports guests to cocktail culture's golden era, with rich wood paneling and memorabilia celebrating the Boadas legacy. Bartenders in signature aquamarine tuxedos perform their craft behind the triangular counter, creating an atmosphere of ceremonial elegance. The small, convivial space attracts artists, writers, and discerning drinkers who appreciate authentic hospitality and masterful technique. Conversations flow as freely as the perfectly balanced cocktails, fostering the same sense of community that has defined Boadas for generations.

Reservations aren't required, but arriving early ensures the full Boadas experience at this intimate venue. The bar maintains smart casual dress expectations, befitting its status as a luxury Barcelona institution. Whether seeking the perfect pre-dinner Martini or an evening of classic cocktail exploration, Boadas offers an unparalleled journey through cocktail history, where every sip connects you to nearly a century of mixological excellence and the enduring spirit of Cuban hospitality in the heart of Barcelona.

ACCOLADES

(2025) World's 50 Best Best Bars #4

(2021) World's 50 Best Best Bars #3

(2023) World's 50 Best Best Bars #4

(2019) World's 50 Best Best Bars #20

(2020) World's 50 Best Best Bars #19

(2024) World's 50 Best Best Bars #10

(2018) World's 50 Best Best Bars #37

CONTACT

Carrer dels Tallers, 1, El Raval, 08001 Barcelona

+34 933 18 95 92

NEARBY BARS

bottom of page