Contracorrent Bar

"This secret Sant Martí natural wine bar has you covered, whether you like your grapes served in a traditional style or as if they were freshly crushed in a barn full of wet cattle. What makes this snug bar a secret: the unorthodox location, sandwiched between kebab shops and smoke-stained old-man bars behind the Estació del Nord bus station. As the name suggests (Contracorrent means against the current), they care less about being on-trend and more about you having a fun time. The action is on the terrace, where you can feel like a true Barcelonian chatting to a friendly server while giving your glass a swirl. This place is known for the ensaladilla de pollastre, where the usual tuna is substituted with crispy roast chicken, giving it a comforting twist that reminds us of Sunday dinner at home." - isabelle kliger

"This secret Sant Martí natural wine bar has you covered, whether you like your grapes served in a traditional style or as if they were freshly crushed in a barn full of wet cattle. What makes this snug bar a secret: the unorthodox location, sandwiched between kebab shops and smoke-stained old-man bars behind the Estació del Nord bus station. As the name suggests (Contracorrent means against the current), they care less about being on-trend and more about you having a fun time. The action is on the terrace, where you can feel like a true Barcelonian chatting to a friendly server while giving your glass a swirl. This place is known for the ensaladilla de pollastre, where the usual tuna is substituted with crispy roast chicken, giving it a comforting twist that reminds us of Sunday dinner at home." - isabelle kliger

"This secret Sant Martí natural wine bar has you covered, whether you like your grapes served in a traditional style or as if they were freshly crushed in a barn full of wet cattle. What makes this snug bar a secret: the unorthodox location, sandwiched between kebab shops and smoke-stained old-man bars behind the Estació del Nord bus station. As the name suggests (Contracorrent means against the current), they care less about being on-trend and more about you having a fun time. The action is on the terrace, where you can feel like a true Barcelonian chatting to a friendly server while giving your glass a swirl. This place is known for the ensaladilla de pollastre, where the usual tuna is substituted with crispy roast chicken, giving it a comforting twist that reminds us of Sunday dinner at home." - Isabelle Kliger

"Standing out in stark contrast with the neighboring dive bars (perhaps to be expected when your name is "against the current" or "against the tide"), Contracorrent is a tiny gastronomic gem in an area with little else to recommend it. The tapas menu is scribbled on a chalkboard, and, while it changes with the seasons, standouts like the deeply satisfying roast chicken-based twist on classic Russian salad and the steamed mussels with ginger and tapioca have already achieved legendary status. Come for a taste of local Barcelona life and local Catalan wine at an affordable price point." - Isabelle Kliger