By Michael Jones // Photos by Matt Sims

(Oz Mix)

El Atril Restaurant

Carders 23

These days in Barcelona I can’t shake the feeling that if you don’t like something, you should simply wait five minutes. This could apply to the weather, your work, your group of expat friends, any lovers and, of course, the shops, bars and locals in your or any barrio in Barcelona. On the whole, I’ve been rather unimpressed with the vibes of all the new places opening up, as well as those closing, for that matter. Therefore, I was pleasantly surprised to see El Atril open their doors a few days ago in my barrio. With its huge medieval doors and classical European vibe, it has the feel of an upscale restaurant, yet it is at the same time welcoming, creative and non-pretentious. The menu is slightly more diverse then your typical continental affair, with such eye-grabbers as mejillones estilo belgica (with Chimay beer, fish caldo and served with chips), mustard seed duck, filet mignon (solomio) and more. Starters seem to travel from regional to foreign and then back again, with bombas, hummus, caesar salad, guacamole and nachos or a simple yet elegant cheese plate. The menu also features a fair selection of good-quality Spanish wines at decent prices. Though 20€ for a dinner a la carte is not typically within my budget, thankfully they are doing the midday menu (on their outside terrace) for around 10€.

(Shark Tank)

L'Antic Teatre

Verdaguer i Callis 12

You know L’Antic Teatre! Maybe it’s because your vecinos work there, or you once finished a New Year’s party there, at 1pm the next day. Perhaps it was some dance, theatre, or film you saw, or maybe even an audition or clown workshop you did? Yes, I am still talking about the same place: it’s a bar, a theatre and a real anchor in the hazy world of the theatrical arts that define Barcelona. Technically it’s a social centre and you need to first become a member, which you can accomplish easily, for a nominal fee and a few flicks of the pen. That’s it! You’re now welcome to this wonderful, cheap bar, which sometimes features snacking treats, coffee, booze and the like. You can also enjoy their interior garden terrace, their hidden rooms, ample seating, and of course the theatre space itself. Just check the schedule for the latest in dance, theatre, film, music and all fantastical shades in between. www.lanticteatre.com

(Merry Go)

Kaitensushi, Buffet Giratori

Passeig Colón 4

That’s right: a sushi buffet, with (count them) two revolving carousels lined with an endless parade of Japanese and Asian treats snaking around the diners. My partner in crime and I think it’s just the thing to do after a rough weekend — by that I mean sometime around Wednesday, of course. It is a perfect addition to the summer madness, that endless kamikaze-like web of work, art and vice that make up a Barcelona summer. Take a breath and get your seaweed on, count your remaining brain cells, putz around with chopsticks, enjoy the vitamin rush and protein high (and I mean high) your poor, sun-soaked, abused body wants so bad. I usually do the lunch, and I would suggest getting there a touch early, or just a touch late, as it does fill up. I refrain from bringing my hallowed out trench coat but I do order a large bottle of bubbly water with my meal (8€ and change, including dessert). Let the little plates stack up! Sagoy!

(Clothing Art Workshop)

The Rent Shop

Consellers 2

The Rent Shop opened July of last year and is run by two owners, one Spanish and the other Saudi Arabian. It is neatly tucked away in the Gótico, across the street from the ass-end of the post office. This shop sighs a unique breath of chic fashion with a friendly and obtainable air. They feature hip yet casual clothes and accessories designed by the owners, some Nordic designers and some up-and-coming Spanish designers. An example of their wares is the hip T-shirts with the standard I Love NY, however here, you’ll find it written in Arabic. This past May, they participated in the “untitled” Tour, hosting an event featuring exhibiting artists which included live painting. They seem to enjoy and encapsulate the idea that anything can happen in Barcelona and I’m sure these guys will just keep getting better and better. Check them out online: therentshop.blogspot.com.

(Beer Drum)

Sala Monasterio

Passeig Isabel II 4

Summer festivals, concerts, and all the hip places I never make it to cause you need tickets, foresight or mucho cash or something — Forget about ‘em! I get my dirty rock fingernail fix at Monasterio, located just in the arches across from the post office. The adjoining upstairs bar has a small terrace and movie posters, with Steve McQueen giving me a look that says I’m in the right place. I head down and it’s loud, yes, a little too loud. It’s underground, spacious yet cramped and the stage is way too easy to fall onto if you’re drunk. I’m standing in the back, looking over rows and rows of heads: It’s rock and indie. I feel like a 19-going-on-40 year old rocker kid. I’m in New Jersey, or D.C. or Köln, or Glasgow, or, yes, the Gótico of Barcelona. Why aren’t there more of these joints around town…Jordi? They have been keeping it real for over three years, while the owners, friends, and bands have maintained a professional, hands-on, very fun approach. They have jam sessions, open mic’s and they feature a wide range of music: everything from blues and jazz to the basement rock n’roll, sung by homeless rock stars, that I love so much.