Café Alsur, Barcelona, Spain

In a coffee-centric city like Barcelona, Spain, cafés are a dime a dozen. It takes something special to stand out among the copious cafés con leche that fuel the city’s inhabitants every morning, afternoon and evening.

Alsur Café has that special something … and more. With three locations (two in La Ribera/El Born, and one in the Eixample neighborhood), the café/restaurant already breaks tradition by opening quite late by Spanish standards (after 11:00 a.m.). Lunch options could not be more diverse: traditional Latin favorites like arepas; Asian-inspired noodle bowls; and the commonplace sandwich and soup. The extensive tea menu and cozy interior make Alsur Café a serene selection for an afternoon pick-me-up. For an afternoon of true bliss, add a slice of one of the world’s best red velvet cakes.

As dinnertime approaches and the laptop lemmings dissipate, Alsur slightly turns up the volume of its background music and starts shelling out select cocktails for less than €4. Rarely can an establishment transition so seamlessly from indie coffee house to happy-hour hot spot, but Alsur’s versatility and all-encompassing menu of stimulating coffees, hearty entrées and clever cocktails lend themselves to a barely noticeable transformation in the center of Barcelona.

Café Alsur

23 Carrer de roger de Llúria

Barcelona, Spain 08010

34 936 24 15 77