Mark K.
Yelp
All-around excellence.
I used to live in German Village, apparently before Barcelona moved in. And then when it showed up I kept hearing about it but it was far off my usual routes.
Lately I've been hanging out down there more, and the other day while driving by I saw that they have lunch hours (before they didn't, or I assumed they didn't.) So I stopped in today, right when they opened.
Much bigger inside than I expected. And much nicer. I knew it was a bit upscale, but it is just gorgeous inside. I felt a little underdressed in my t-shirt, one of my nicer ones but still. There was hardly anyone there, though, and the staff didn't make me feel that way, so it was fine. There are many seating options inside, and a beautiful patio. Soft relaxing Spanish music playing (and apparently they often have live music.)
And the menu. Oh, my. So many things looked good. I didn't have a lot of time and wasn't starving, so I went with gazpacho and the bocata sandwich. The waiter pointed out that I could make a cup of gazpacho one of the sides with the sandwich, so I did that. Worked great, though the soup was so good I could have easily eaten more (and left overstuffed.)
The gazpacho was thick and luscious, and looked and tasted like it was made with ingredients fresh from your backyard. The bocata... Well, picture a sub. Okay, now give it excellent bread, savory Spanish meats, great cheese, fresh tasty greens. Oh, and a slightly-spicy pepper pinned on top. Great parts, great balance, great sandwich.
I had Pellegrino with it, appropriate and refreshing on a hot day. They offered dessert but I didn't have room or time. I will definitely be back for that, paella, calamari, and more.