El Xampanyet

Imagine if lightening strikes once, that is already very high odds, but to strike twice in the same place! I use that metaphor to describe possibly the most famous tapas bar in Barcelona, El Xampanyet. First they are located right directly across from the Picasso museum, one of the most highly traveled alleys in all Barcelona. Then a world renowned travel host visits them and does one of her most gushing reviews! You have a recipe for gold, or euros I should say.

So we made it one night to sample El Xampanyet, and the crowd was spilling out into the street. Samantha Brown has a lot of watchers, and we were just like everyone else in that we had to know what all the fuss was about. One word of warning, I don’t think this place is ever slow, we also passed by during the day on our way to the museum, and once again, crowds spilling out into the street!

The house cava and tapas live up to all the hoopla. Very tasty fare indeed. You will be rubbing elbows with a pretty international crowd, in what would otherwise have been just a quaint neighborhood tapas bar. The décor is rustic. Like I said, lightening struck twice here. They were basically a good local joint, that had the US equivalent to the Staples Center being built across the street, and Oprah walking in and raving about it on her show!

So. El Xampanyet won’t disappoint. It is good. But don’t expect to be able to go in and have a relaxing time either. It is loud, crowded, and lots going on. Which is exactly how you are supposed to be able to tell the good places from the bad! It’s a good stop for a drink and snack after getting some culture!