Chiringuitos: What’s not to like?
September is here and the good people of Catalunya are slowly shaking the sand out of their shorts and heading back to work. Vacations are over, but the parties are not. September actually holds one of Barcelona’s best parties of the year, La Mercè, which takes place later in the month. For the moment, it’s still hot and sunny in the city and fall doesn’t seem to be right around the corner.
Why not take this last chance then to go down to the beach for snacks along the shore? Barcelona’s beaches are unlike other beaches in many ways. Firstly, they’re man-made and city maintained. Nothing wild about this surf and turf, it’s all been brought in. The other Barcelona beach novelty is that sunbathers can get almost anything they want right from their towel or beach chair. About once a minute a man with a cooler will pass along the sand yelling, “Cerveza, ice water, Coca-cola!!!” Some of these guys also have potato chips and are more than happy to sell you cold drinks and snacks for a small mark up. If you want something ‘beachy’ but more formal than chips and Coke in the sand, then pop over to any of Barcelona’s many chiringuitos which line the shore. No need to put on a shirt or shoes at these sandy café/bars, the vibe is relaxed and many customers sit in swimsuits while eating sandwiches and guzzling beers. Chiringuitos are a summertime happening, and once the weather gets colder they’ll close up for the season. Each portion of Barcelona’s beachfront offers a chiringuito with different music and customers.
For instance, the Mar Bella chiringuito is popular with a gay crowd, while the Barceloneta chiringuito attracts tourists. One thing all chiringuitos have in common is a simple menu. Don’t expect anything too complicated from these tiny kitchens. Most chiringuitos offer sandwiches, simple tapas, soft drinks, beer, coffee and wine. A few do cocktails. All chiringuitos also blast loud music onto the beach, which can range between dance hall and ambient. For a respite from the September sun and a good vantage point to people watch, check out one of Barcelona’s chiringuitos before they disappear for yet another year.