El Paraigua — Restaurant in Barcelona

🕰️ The Real Timeline of El Paraigua The bar itself officially opened on April 5, 1968. However, the modernist shop that inspired its interior—called Gallés, which sold umbrellas and fans—was founded in 1902 and operated until 1967. When Gallés closed, its entire interior was carefully dismantled and reassembled in the new location near Plaça Sant Jaume, becoming the El Paraigua we know today.

So while the decor and spirit of El Paraigua date back to the early 20th century, the bar as a venue began in 1968. That’s probably why it feels like stepping into a time capsule—because in many ways, it is.

El Paraigua is one of those hidden gems in Barcelona that blends history, charm, and a vibrant atmosphere in a way that’s hard to resist. Here's a little dive into its story and why it deserves a glowing review:

🕰️ A Touch of History Opened in 1968, El Paraigua was built using the original interior of a modernist shop from the early 20th century that once sold umbrellas and fans. It’s located just behind Plaça Sant Jaume, nestled in the Barri Gòtic, and even occupies part of a former convent’s wine cellar—giving it an ambiance steeped in centuries-old character.

🍸 Why It’s Worth Visiting El Paraigua is more than a cocktail bar—it’s a cultural hub. You’ll find: Live music with excellent acoustics thanks to its stone-arched cellar. Art exhibitions, intimate events, and even flamenco shows. A diverse menu of tapas, national wines, and expertly crafted cocktails. The interior is a modernist marvel, with vintage touches that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a different era.

🌟 Positive Vibes Visitors consistently praise: The friendly staff who speak English and make you feel welcome. The cocktails and mocktails, both priced around €10, which are said to be top-notch. The ambiance, which is described as cozy, romantic, and full of character—perfect for a relaxed evening or a special...

The place is super fun upstairs to have a meal, a drink and chat with friends or musicians before or after a concert. At this place you usually can get small foods, don't expect to get full, the portions are not big. Downstairs is where the magic happens, legendary band holding their concerts in different genres such as blues, funk, pop, rock, indie, everybody can find their taste and once the show begins, because it's a relatively small closed space downstairs with a small but decent professional stage, you will definitely get to be an actual part of the night, because you almost can feel the sweat of the band near you, since as i said it's a small cozy place but with comfortable sofas and a few bar chairs. You cab get any kind of cocktails in the bar. The mirrors are aiming to bigger the place and it does work! An absolute top experience here to be a guest on a funk band show and enjoy pure musical journey for 1,5 - 2 hours. Totally recommended. I had a great time last time on the James White...

I wanted a place to eat tapas and the 2 places I had saved had a wait time of over an hour. This spot looked promising, especially since there was outside dining and the weather was great. Here is what I ordered:

Mushroom Croquette- good taste but not spectacular by any means

Squid rings (calamari)- the batter was more of a flourand I prefer tempura or light batter. All the pieces were rings and no marinara sauce. The absence of sauce may be normal.

Black ink paella: I have had great paella and this was not great. Would barely call it good. There was no shrimp, and barely any seafood.

Perhaps it was an off night. Who knows. I see a lot of the comments are about the “ambiance” and not the food. I feel the meal preparations are lazy and catering to tourist instead of really doing their best with fresh...