I would like to think that I have moved on from my college days when drinking out with friends meant looking for the cheapest, most dismal places just to score the most "amats" out of whatever little cash we have. This would mean dingy and dark beerhouses or tambay spots with grimy tables and cigarette butts strewn all over the place. I just had to chuckle when I realized that my go-to option now for a good drink or catch-up session with friends is Barcino. I like that it is a bit more posh and classy than my dubious college hangouts, but it's just as enjoyable.
Here, you could pretend to be a little bit more cultured, and order wine out of their extensive bar and wine list. I always prefer dark, dry reds so the Spanish, Chilean and Argentinean wines are always chilling away in an ice bucket while I gab away with friends. I am glad that they have nuts or crisps that they serve for free, because while their wine list is impressive, their food menu can use a little bit of an upgrade. The usual bar chow is overpriced, and I honestly think I can get cheaper and better mozzarella sticks elsewhere. The tuna salad was made with tinned tuna fish that tasted exactly like the can that it was in before it was haphazardly piled on a bed of soggy lettuce and a few sorry tomatoes.
Though I have mixed feelings about the food, the wine is always great, so I always make sure I grab something substantial before I sink in for a long, boozy night at this joint. read more