A speak easy, which has turned into a regular bar over the years: Bar Paradiso (11. October 2023)

It is a good seven years ago since I’ve last visited the Bar Paradiso and it has transferred from a proper speak easy to a ‘fake speak easy’, as there is a bouncer, a line, and you need to ‘sign-up’ via QR code for the whole experience. I mean, it kind of defies the purpose of a speak easy if it is ‘announced’.

In any case, the drinks they offer are still largely interesting. To start, I went for “The Cloud (Casamigas mezcal, hibiscus, Montenegro amara, dry Mancino vermouth, birch syrup, Perrier and coffee cloud, smoked, refreshing, penetrating)” (EUR 12.00), which was quite lovely and definitely interesting with the ‘cloud’, which was actually placed on top of the drink. It didn’t taste like much, but in terms of show, it was definitely nice.

The “Cronos (Tequila Patron Silver, setas, maiz, picante, espino amarillo, aloe vera, cacao)” (EUR 17.00) was fun because there was a little tacito trapped in it, and it was hard to grab (since it was only always showing up for a few seconds). Hence, once you’ve had it, it was a nice bite before the actual cocktail. And, the actual cocktail was nice too.

What surprised me a bit was the quality of the dishes. We went for the “Pastrami Board” (EUR 14.00), which was quite nice and definitely better pastrami than in many places.

The “melted cheese with pickles” (EUR 7.00) was fun to eat and was actually enjoyable. However, it was probably better than I would usually rate it due to the fact that it was like 1am when we ‘enjoyed’ it.

The “Cantabric anchovy with smoked butter” (EUR 5.00 / unit) was nice too, however, the price was a bit steep for what you get, and secondly, if you get a large piece of butter, it is definitely too much.

What I liked was that they really kind of do a show around the cocktails. So, the “cloud” was prepared and then ‘blown around’ with the paddle before it was finally placed on your drink. So, not your usual kind of drink preparation, but definitely an interesting and enjoyable one.

The interior of the bar is nice – lovely decoration and generally just something, where you would feel comfortable. However, the place is rather tight, i.e., you don’t have too much space at the tables, and you need to squish together.

All in all, the Bar Paradiso remains an interesting place, although I am not sure, it has the same charm it used to have since now it is less of a speak easy than a ‘regular’ bar.

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Contact Details:

Bar Paradiso

Carrer Rera Palau 4

08003 Barcelona (ES)

Tel.: +34 (933) 607 222

Homepage: https://paradiso.cat/

About the Author: Sven

I started the blog in October 2009, while living in Milan which I definitely consider to be one of the food capitals of the world. I was in touch with food since my early childhood (as my father is a former chef). Whenever I can, I travel the world to discover new places, to meet people but mostly to try local dishes and to find hidden gems! If you know a place worth going, please drop a line to: info@thediningexperience.org. Currently, I am a member of the following food-related associations: Chevalier @Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Zurich-Ville; Membre Gourmet Dégustateur @Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs [OMGD]; Gesellschafter @Goldener Fisch and Member @Slowfood Convivium Zurich City.