Coffee/Cafe?*

Upon our arrival in Barcelona, we mentioned to a friend that we needed to purchase a French press and a coffee bean grinder since no morning is complete without freshly ground beans and brewed coffee. He told us, rather authoritatively, that “nobody does that (in Barcelona).” Everyone, he stated, goes to their local coffee shop (cafeteria), pastry shop (pasteleria), or bakery (panaderia) to have their morning coffee and breakfast treats. Of course, he’s only partially correct, everybody doesn’t do that because why would IKEA and department stores sell appliances for making coffee at home? Yet, in our neighborhood alone, there are dozens of places that we could easily duck into every morning for fresh coffee and baked goods.

In the United States, independent coffee shops are a rare commodity and rarer still the farther you find yourself outside most city centers. It is a common sight to see more than a few Starbucks and Dunkins, where commuters line up for their morning caffeine “fix.” Those who have time might go to Panera or Einstein. In the Phoenix are, Dutch Brothers drive-thrus are especially popular, the staff might even quiz you about your spirit animal as they prepare your favorite drink. In the few times I’ve been to a chain coffee shop, actual coffee doesn’t seem to be as poplar as the iced or whipped concoctions that are passed off as coffee but are actually sweetened and fat-laden high-calorie bombs that would more than satisfy the daily recommended caloric intake of most people.

Here in Barcelona, we’ve noticed a few Starbucks around town (and avoid them as we always have). Generally, most establishments that offer coffee and other breakfast items are independently-owned. There are also chains that are based in Catalonia or Spain such as Vivari, Cafeteria 365, or Granier. Their offerings are usually decent enough but the atmosphere is reminiscent of a factory assembly line. The staff are no-nonsense just order what you want, get it and pay…boom, done.

Cafeteria 365: The Slogan on the Awning is Catalan; Translates to “We make every day a good day.”

Granier: Also a Good Place or Lunch.

Vivari: Almost as Ubiquitous as Starbucks; This Location is Literally Two Blocks From Another.

As you might suspect, we gravitate to the independently-owned shops. One of the places in Phoenix that we miss is Lux Max Annex. We were definite regulars there. As soon as we walked in, they’d start preparing our pour-overs (and they spelled Les’s name right-one “s”, not two). We haven’t found a regular place yet but there are several in the running:

Couleur Cafe: It’s Technically a Chain But Atmosphere is More Like an Indy.

Molika Cafe: We’ve Been Here On the Way Home From the Gym; Great Sandwiches and Music.

Orval: No Laptops Allowed On the Ground Floor, Also Dog-Friendly!

Pekados: Amazing Sandwiches and Bread

Warung Cafe: Friendly Staff and Nice Selection of Whole Beans for Purchase

Dulce Parque: Our Weekend Morning Go-To; Also, Freshly Squeezed OJ!

As you can see, we’ve got more than a few options just in our neighborhood alone. So while we make our own coffee most mornings, we have the chance to soak up the local culture in the many cafes and pastry shops. I can’t say that we’ve achieved the status of “regulars” but we might be on the way to becoming integrated into local society.

*Credit for the title goes to Carlo Longino. It’s based on an inside joke between him and Les but that’s a different story.