Bar 21

What makes a meal memorable?
For us, it was the authenticity of the food served with a smile and warmth from the owner. The type of owner who seems to have a constant stream of regulars who would just drop by to say hi: you cannot mistake the genuine twinkle in her eyes when she greets her customers.
The tomato rubbed bread served with plump anchovies was a fave local dish and was highly recommended by her. We ordered seconds and thirds of that bread: lightly toasted, sprinkled with cheese and drizzled with olive oil. The cockles were fresh and slightly tangy from the tomato sauce it bathed in; the meatballs tasted homemade and the salty Jamon Iberico was a nice contrast against the cool, sweet melon.
We just came from the beach (3 blocks away!) and I was thirsty for drinks, so after having a glass of cava, we tried the «Marianico» — a local’s drink made with sweet vermouth, ice and orange zest. It came in a skinny shot glass and it was muy deliciosio!
When you travel, there is always that one moment when you get caught off guard and a smile slowly spreads across your face. Whether it was because of the food, your companion or the setting you’re in. I had that moment here.
I’ve always used the saying: «mi casa es su casa» to my dear friends, but here in a foreign land, 5000 miles away from where I lived, I felt like I was at home.

Lo que debió ser un bajo de una casa, como es habitual en la arquitectura de la Barceloneta, se convirtió en el Bar 21. Es pequeñito y parece que estés en el comedor de una casa. Puedes comer platos originales, tapas para picar o bocadillos. Y sentirás mucho la idiosincracia y el «caliu» propios de estes barrio donde todavía ser respira su pasado marinero. Bueno todavía presente, teniendo en cuenta la gran cantidad de gente del barrio que trabaja en el puerto o sale a pescar.