Watching football in a bar in Barcelona has become more challenging. The pandemic made people accustomed to the comfort of watching games at home, and the high costs of broadcasting licenses have hit the tradition of watching football in bars hard. The ritual of enjoying football with a beer, the shouts from the next table, and a half-eaten plate of bravas due to nerves has taken a hit.
However, not all is lost. There are still plenty of bars where you can enjoy a game surrounded by people, joy (or sadness, depending on the result), and, most importantly, a cool beer and a great atmosphere. Here are some of the best bars to watch football in Barcelona.
Sports Bar Rambles
The guiris’ choice. Although going to las Ramblas to watch football is not so common anymore, if you find yourself in the area at game time or if a visiting friend wants to meet there, this bar is known for its vibrant atmosphere and multiple screens.
📍La Rambla, 31
Black Ovella
If you didn’t get drunk as a teenager at l’Ovella Negra, you probably didn’t grow up in Barcelona. Maybe that’s why you don’t remember that football is often shown here too. With its large capacity, the atmosphere is fantastic and ideal for watching games with a large group of friends. They offer pitchers of beer and a variety of snacks.
📍Carrer de Zamora, 78
La Higuera
Based in a cozy corner of Fort Pienc this is what all football bars should be: large, spacious, with several lounges, tables with good space and visibility, a solid menu of food, excellent service, and even the possibility to make reservations. It caters to an older crowd but is still great.
📍 C/ de Sicília, 101, Eixample, 08013 Barcelona
Stadium Bar
No list would be complete without a bar located in front of Camp Nou. There are many, but if someone wants to experience the authentic football atmosphere of the city, nothing beats going to Stadium Bar to feel the culerada, have a few beers, and enjoy good tapas while watching the blaugranas.
📍Travessera de les Corts, 140, Les Corts, 08028 Barcelona
Sotavent
Heading uptown, we find this place that could be an Irish pub but is actually a neighborhood bar. It features a projector, movie screen, wooden benches and stools, billiards, and a young Sarrià atmosphere. One of the best places to watch Barça today.
Snack 55
Similar to Sotavent but located below Diagonal and catering to young people. Snack 55 is a large bar where a LOT of young people gather to watch football. With beer buckets and tapas at reasonable prices, and TVs set up on the terrace, it’s a great place to watch football in an atmospheric setting.
📍Pg. of St. Louis. Joan, 55, L’Eixample, 08009 Barcelona
The George Payne
Irish pubs are known for being great places to watch sports, and this one is no exception. This giant venue, which was once an adult movie theater, is now a popular Irish pub known for its great atmosphere during games. They offer a good selection of beers and pub food.
📍Plaça d’Urquinaona, 5
La Taverna de Barcelona
On Marina Street, a wide avenue that seems unlikely to have good bars with screens to watch football, you’ll find La Taverna. This traditional Catalan bar with an authentic ambiance and Catalan dishes is perfect for enjoying a Barça game or any other match.
📍 Carrer de la Marina, 290
Sonora Sport Tavern
This sports bar on Carrer de Pamplona features Tex-Mex decor and a lively atmosphere. They have several screens and a good selection of beers, along with burritos, fajitas, nachos, and other Tex-Mex food.
📍Carrer de Pamplona, 96
Reloj Group
We love the Reloj group because they have franchised the concept of the classic neighborhood bar. From their flagship, El Reloj, in Laietana, they have inherited a recognizable blue neon sign, but each location is unique enough to stand on its own. These bars have long hours, a decent tapas menu, reasonable prices, and always show football. When you don’t know where to go, find the nearest one for a reliable spot.