Barcelona's Independent Review Website

El Bar de Teatreneu
Click here to view map Click here to launch website There are a surprising number of Theatre themed bars in Barcelona, there’s the ultra grungy L’Antic Teatre near the Palau de la Musica, the super pretentious El Teatre on Placa Urquinaona and the Ovella Negra owned Teatreneu in Gracia. Whilst Antic might win on lexical terms - as it actually has cabaret and theatre performances there - this, the biggest bar in Gracia, must undoubtedly top the charts for architectural authenticity and décor - as it is actually housed in an old theatre. Yes, the Ovella Negra group like to do things big. Had I known it was owned by them, truth be told, I might not have visited it. Yet even though it’s big, TeatreNeu does not fall into the trap of its big brother establishment and has atmosphere by the van full. With the original box office still in tact, along with some, handy in the warm weather, outdoor benches, the memorabilia is apparent even before you enter. The bar is split over two equally attractive floors, with the ground floor in particular filled to the gods with theatrical touches. The walls are painted with a slightly Munch-esque view of a theatre crowd, theatre lights dangle from the ceiling beside wings and scenery drops. Much of these cute little features are simply ornamental recreations but the whole place is so well designed that you might as well be drinking on stage. The lighting is bright enough but still atmospheric, it is a big, busy, noisy place but never insanely crowded and on rare quieter nights has a great atmosphere too. The bar also serves pretty decent food and with all dishes at €4.20 it’s great value too. Pasta dishes are large and tasty, the crepes delicious but don’t expect anything resembling much of a pizza if you order the Pizzetas, despite their general description as big bits of bread with toppings on. Perhaps Teatreneu is not a bar to spend a whole night in. It certainly isn’t as “fun” and rowdy as L’Ovella Negra but I prefer it for its great décor, cool yet civilised atmosphere and as a great contrast to the typical small-bar feel of most of Gracia.

Address:

Carrer de Terol, 26,
08012

Area:

Gracia

Nearest Metro:

Joanic

Bar type:

General
Pub
Theme

Opening times:

Mon-Weds: 7pm-1.30am
Thurs: 7pm-2.30am
Fri-Sat:7pm-3am
Sun: 6pm-1.30am

Happy hour:

N/A

Drink prices:

Beer: €2.20

Food served:

Yes

Music played:

Indie
Jazz
World