This 5 deservingly goes to the whole team at La Coctelera at Rambla. You can't really spot it from the the street, so I'm glad we decided to go into Rambla and were lucky enough to find this hidden gem on the 2nd floor.
Mike Tubiera, the head bartender, mans this spot and has come up with an amazing menu. Aside from that, he was friendly, knowledgeable, and able to make the drinks we wanted. Try the "Yuzu Brandy Smash" for something light and refreshing. Ask him for a Corpse Reviver #2 with Absinthe if you're feeling adventurous. Their take on the Old Fashioned is great, but ask for less sugar if you don't like sweet drinks as much. We also tried the Foie/Pineapple Empanadas, which paired perfectly with our drinks. If Mike's not there, Byron and Rey are great bartenders as well.
Ambiance is chill and inviting, nothing too snooty. I wore a Wu-Tang shirt and flannel with some Nikes and didn't get turned away . Also, let me add, music was on point. They had Honne on rotation and I was in love.
We'll be back soon. (We'll also actually try Rambla before our vacation ends.) read more