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Raim
Click here to view map Some nights Gracia seems far too quiet to explain its party scene reputation. One venue that avoids this trend is the Cuban bar Raim. Even if the town is on the painfully quiet side Raim is normally there with a great, lively, buzzing atmosphere. But what makes a Cuban bar in a Barcelonan suburb actually Cuban? Raim is covered with extremely cool, old revolution era photographs of the South American island. Countless Ches and Fidels peek out at you from the walls along with suburban scenes of Havana, aging Salsa dancers and other classic images. The music played is - unsurprisingly Cuban too - an excellent mix of traditional and modern influenced Salsa, and on less packed nights you might have the chance to dance along. But if these were the only recognisable features it would be a pretty cynical design. Beyond the most basic superficial features, Raim is a very cool bar with a truly authentic feel. Giant barrels take up the back corridor space of the bar, drinks are served from a giant chest wardrobe, cobwebs hang from every ceiling crevice and dust is smothered over every surface, from the rows of bottles - stored high above your head to - the floor. Reminiscent of the mighty Bar Marsella in Raval, Raim is an authentic bar with many neat and unique little features. It is also not too expensive - the €2 average for bottles of beer maybe the true reason so many people seem to prefer Gracia to the centre of town - and they serve up really decent, strong mojitos by the bunch. The clientele is young and noisy, mainly local and friendly. Don’t necessarily expect to find a table or seats if getting there at peak times because your just as likely to find yourself perched around the barrels or hanging out by the bar. Definitely one of my favourites in the uptown neighbourhood, Raim is a must visit.