We were hungry as we were leaving the Boqueria and I saw this wine shop that offered glasses of…read morewine for either 3 or 5 euros. Me: Let's get a glass One thing we've discovered is that almost every place we've had wine at, we have never been disappointed, even from the cheap happy hour wines. This is something places in the U.S. can learn from. We took our glasses and stood at this barrel. There were several in front and used as small tables. Me: I'll be back. I went to the bakery next door and bought a baguette. 80 cents. I then went back into the Boqueria and bought a wedge of brie cheese and two chicken empanadas. After I came back, we got another couple of glasses of wine and proceeded to enjoy a simple lunch. Lots of tourists roaming around, and a few stared at what we were doing. The only downside is that a couple of homeless people came by begging for money. A firm "NO" usually discourages them, and as long as you don't smile or look them in the eye, they'll go away. If you start saying, 'Oh, I'm sorry, I don't have any change," you're opening the door to a conversation. The partner does this and I just laugh because he just keeps telling them "no" in that polite way, and they won't leave. I miss Barcelona! (I'll be saying this about every town we were in)

Excellent selection of Spanish wines and a helpful staff who will help you choose a good wine…read moreyou're price range. Superior wine selection compared to other shops in El Raval or along La Rambla. El Celler operates two outlets at La Boqueria on the north and south sides of the market.

Great: Food was great! Cheesecake was definitely the star!…read more Not so great: Only restaurant on our Spain trip that asked for a tip. Doesn't matter what percentage or amount you are asking but the gesture that you asked for a tip spoiled the experience

Olivia Cafe is one of the few restaurants in Barcelona which we went to without being recommended…read moreto us. It wasn't bad per se, but it also wasn't very good, and it's a bit overpriced. It also eventually dawned on me that the restaurant mostly catered to tourists - evidenced by the giant over-sized glasses in which the sangria was served, and the pizza which turned out to be frozen pizza, because who the hell really eats pizzas in Barcelona except for tourists? Aside from the pizza, which was the wife's idea, I also ordered a paella dish. The paella was a little too salty, and not exceptional, compared to the other paella we've had while in Spain. I would have given this place two stars, but the service was very friendly, and let's face it, who doesn't love alcohol that comes in a giant glass.

This cute little cafe is also a full bar if you are looking for a place to lay low and throw back a…read morefew with friends. In my case, my sister and I were just wanting to rest our feet while on the way to the Contemporary Art Museum. It is a modern and clean little place that has great coffee and small desserts. We definitely appreciated the rest and great coffee.