Bar Bitàcora — Restaurant in Barcelona

Restaurant Review: Late-Night Comfort at Bar Bitàcora

After some bar hopping around Barceloneta, our party decided to stop by Bar Bitàcora for late-night snacks. The interior had a marine theme, paying homage to the Mediterranean coast that Barcelona thrives on. No pretence here—it’s a place where you eat, drink, and let the experience speak for itself.

The menu offered tapas-style dishes. Not elevated, but exactly the kind of food people want, and exactly what we needed.

Highlight The Bombas. Arancini-like potato balls with a crispy exterior and soft interior. Paired with chilli sauce, they hit the late-night hunger spot deep inside my belly.

Expected More More outdoor seating. I get that space is limited, but enjoying moments like this outside on a pleasant night would be ideal.

So, until next time, keep exploring and keep tasting.

Yours in...

I came here on a very busy Sunday, around 15:30 pm which was the busiest time in Barcelonetta. I ordered a Sangria and I waited for such a long time for my order to be taken. I was pretty much ready very soon but I kept being dismissed or told they will be right back. In general all the staff were nice but I could see them going crazy running around. I asked for a seafood recommendation since they didn’t do paella for one, at first the person said “everything” which wasn’t helpful, but luckily they did end up recommending the Grilled Prawns in Garlic which were amazing and very tasty. I also had Patatas Bravas (the spicy option) which were also adjusted to eating alone, so I paid less. And I also ordered Padron Peppers. All good! I do recommend but be wary of times you visit or have a table pre booked because you might be waiting a very long time....

I want to share a situation that made me feel very uncomfortable. While I was at a certain place, the owner or an employee with glasses touched my back while bringing my order. I thought it was accidental at first. Later, since my husband used to go there often during his university years, I decided to visit the place. When he asked me, I responded politely. Then, the same person handed me his phone and asked me to write my number. I didn’t feel safe, so I gave my husband’s number and added his name, clearly stating it was his.

Because I mentioned that my husband used to go there, I assumed they might have known each other and wanted to connect socially. But I later found out that the person texted my husband, thinking it was me. That behavior was quite disturbing. I no longer wish to go there or recommend the place to others.

It felt disrespectful to approach me in that way, especially after knowing I was traveling alone. As a woman, I felt vulnerable and afraid something might happen. But one thing I learned from this experience is the power of saying NO. It’s so important to say no! no matter who the person is. My safety and boundaries matter.

En español:

Quiero compartir una situación que me hizo sentir muy incómoda. En un lugar al que fui, el dueño o un empleado con gafas me tocó la espalda al traer mi pedido. Al principio pensé que fue un accidente. Más tarde, como mi esposo solía ir allí cuando estaba en la universidad, decidí visitar el lugar. Cuando me preguntaron, respondí con amabilidad. Luego, esa misma persona me dio su teléfono y me pidió que escribiera mi número. No me sentí segura, así que escribí el número de mi esposo y añadí su nombre, dejando claro que era de él.

Como mencioné que mi esposo había ido muchas veces, pensé que tal vez se conocían y quería conectar socialmente. Pero luego descubrí que le envió mensajes a mi esposo, creyendo que era yo. Ese comportamiento fue muy incómodo. Ya no quiero volver ni recomendar ese lugar a nadie.

Me pareció una falta de respeto que me abordara de esa manera, especialmente después de saber que estaba viajando sola. Como mujer, me sentí vulnerable y con miedo de que pudiera pasarme algo. Pero algo que aprendí de esta experiencia es el valor de decir NO. Es muy importante poder decir no, sin importar quién sea la otra persona. Mi seguridad y mis...