Señora Dolores

“Bar Manolo” is a kind of bar, occasionally run by a senior fellow named Manolo (a typical Spanish grandpa’s name), and invariably frequented by many more Manolos. Señora Dolores does a modern take on that musty old-man feel. This natural wine joint in Sant Antoni will take you back to the bars of old with its long stainless-steel countertop and furniture that’s likely seen better days. It even has a churrera (but no churros on the menu), frying up lasagne, arancini, and patatas bravas so delicately that it gives them a light, fluffy texture that almost feels healthy. Almost. For the rest of the menu, if it’s not deep-fried, it’s raw, like the steak tartare that’s as meaty and spicy as it should be, or the marinated fresh anchovies with a tangy vinegar kick. Barcelona is known for its glass-of-wine-turns-into-three-bottles bar culture, and this one is as casual as they come.

photo credit: Sara Larsson