The Pre-Drink: Barcelona

Renowned for its vibrant nightlife, this city is bound to exceed all of your expectations for a night out in Europe. From its beer halls and shot bars to its beach nightclubs and all-night parties, Barça is truly a night owl’s dream city, packed with excitement. Your first order of business in Barcelona: go like AASHI Guest List on Facebook. “Aashi’s List” are the two words that are going to save you the most money during your time in Spain, as you’ll be able to get into the city’s most famous clubs without having to pay that pesky €20+ cover. Make sure to keep up with the Facebook page, as it will tell you which locations on which nights will give you free entry as part of the list.. Simply roll up to the club and say you’re on Aashi’s List, and you’re good to go! Now that you’ve got some extra change in your pocket, let me tell you where to spend it for a legendary night out in one of Europe’s most happening cities.

For hours, directions, or contact info - click the bar’s underlined name to be taken to their website.

 

Le Cyrano

Ever wanted to try your hand at bartending? At Le Cyrano, you pour your own drink. For just €3, the bartender will hand you the mixer of your choice and a handle of liquor. You can make your drink as strong as you’d like, which makes Le Cyrano the ideal place to pregame. The bar is most popular on Thursday nights, so make sure to get there early if you want to secure a seat. After just two Le Cyrano style drinks, you’ll be ready to take on Barcelona’s famous beach clubs (and you’ll only be out €6). In fact, the owners are known to pass out free water bottles on your way out - it’s a marathon not a sprint!

 

Espit Chupitos

Espit Chupitos is a shot bar with 5 different locations in the city. With over 550 unique shots to choose from, each priced at just €2.50, this bar is a great pre-game stop for just about any destination. However, make sure to stay away from the "Monica Lewinsky” shot - trust me. You’ve been warned.

 

L'Ovella Negra

 L’Ovella Negra is a beer hall with two locations in Barcelona. With cheap drinks and communal tables, this is a great pre-game spot if you’re looking to meet new people. Plus, if you're with a group, you can get pitchers and beer/sangria towers on the cheap as well. Boasting a nice mix of locals and study abroad students, L’Ovella Negra is the ideal place to catch a futbol game with some friends.

 

Tasca El Corral

Two words: Panther’s Milk. Locally known as “Leche de Pantera”, this sweet milk-based beverage packs a punch with a robust 20% alcohol. Available in vanilla and strawberry, Panther’s Milk is Tasca El Corral’s specialty and tastes even better with a dash of cinnamon. If not for the “Leche de Pantera,” this pre-drink spot is worth a stop for its eye-popping rustic decor. It’s also a good bit closer to Barça’s famous beach clubs than most other bars in this guide.

 

Dow Jones Bar

Try to time the market at Dow Jones Bar, where the drink prices are constantly fluctuating. Every 20 minutes or so, the market will “crash” and the place goes nuts as beer, cocktail, and shot prices plummet. Try to buy a drink then, not when it doubles in price at the market’s peak. Dow Jones is a great pregame spot, but its pretty small, so try to get there before the big crowds do.

 

Bar Marsella

If you’ve been in Europe for a while and you haven’t tried Absinthe, Bar Marsella is the place to do it. Absinthe, a super-potent herbal beverage, is popular in Europe and cannot be purchased in many countries, including the United States. “The Green Fairy” as it’s called, is this bar’s specialty, and is the fast-track to jumpstarting your evening out. Among the oldest bars in Barcelona, Bar Marsella is a really cool pre-drink spot as you prepare to take on Barcelona’s famous nightclubs.

 

Pippermint

Make sure to head to Pippermint with a group - you’ll need all the help you can get to finish this bar’s massive drinks. While they have smaller drink sizes available, sharing one of the bar’s famous giant fishbowls with your friends will get you the most bang for your buck. Go big or go home!

 

Le Journal

Le Journal is a quaint, relaxed bar with cheap drinks and a great atmosphere. Tourists rarely frequent Le Journal, so it’s a great place to pregame if you’re looking to mix with some Catalan locals. It’s a great last stop on your way to Sutton, Bling Bling, or Otto Zutz.

 

The George Payne

Two words: Blackout Tray. For just €20, you will get 2 Sambucca shots, 2 Tequila shots, 2 Jäeger shots, 2 Sex on The Beach Cocktails, 2 Sangria Mini-Pitchers, and a Caraffe of Vodka-Red Bull. Split the tray with a friend to experience the perfect €10 pregame.  Need I say more? While rarely frequented by locals, The George Payne is the best Irish Pub in Barcelona, and its two stories are typically packed with people. Check this bar out on Monday night to participate in a beer pong tournament, or try your hand at karaoke to kick off your Thursday evening. It’s a great time no matter when you go, and is another fun place to watch a futbol game with some friends.

 

Hot Bar

Hot Bar is a hotspot for college - aged kids. It’s a great pregame place if you’re looking to go to Sutton or Bling-Bling, which are both right down the street. On top of that, you can play fun games inside to win free drinks for you and your friends. Fun music and an overall entertaining place to kick off your night. Get there between 11-12 for red-bull vodka free of charge, while supplies lasts!