El Vaso de Oro

Welcome to one of Barceloneta's great classic tapas bars, complete with uniformed waiters – a detail you don't often come across in Barcelona nowadays. The enormous popularity of this long, narrow cruise ship–style bar tells you everything you need to know about the tapas, but it also means that he who hesitates is lost when it comes to ordering. Start by elbowing out a space at the bar and observing how they operate: you get a free show and a feeling of nostalgia for bars like this that thrived a lifetime ago. Once you're ready, shout out your order, whether you're in the mood for 'patatas bravas', Padrón peppers, Russian salad, or more from the nearby sea such as prawns, clams, fried squid. The star dish that most of the local clientele seem to prefer is the fillet with foie. Order it for your grand finale. The beer (its storage, handling and pouring) is also a point of great pride.