Bar Velódromo - bar and restaurant. Bar Velódromo is a big, high-ceilinged, historic, classic and beloved Parisian style brasserie and bistro in the Eixample area of Barcelona. Popular with Catalan locals of all ages, mostly the high brow crowd, but perfect for anyone who wants a drink, a chat, a tapa in timeless and cosy art deco-ey surroundings. Originally opened in 1933 it got the name from the original owner Manuel Pastor Bone, who was a huge cycling fan. He probably got the inspiration for the name from a wooden bicycle velodrome called "Parque de los Sports" designed by modernist Catalan architect Manuel Joaquim Raspall in 1909 on land formerly used as a pitch by FC Barcelona called "Campo de la Calle Muntaner" between 1905 and 1909. The bicycle track was built for an unknown Belgian and was inaugurated on March 28, 1909 but only lasted two years until 1913, so it had been closed for many years by the time the bar Velodromo was opened) Over the years Bar Velodromo became an institution and saw many historic encounters between politicians, artists and business leaders. During the Spanish civil war meetings of the Republican Government were sometimes held here. It closed in the year 2000 when the son of the original owner, also called Manuel Pastor, retired and sold the bar to the Moritz Brewery in 2003. They resurrected it six years later in 2009 with top chef Carles Abellán (famed for tapas at Tapac24 and for a Michelin star at Comerc 24 ) presiding over the tapas menu and the Catalan brewery Cerveses Moritz as owners. To everyone's delight when it opened it doors again, much of the original thirties decor was preserved including the original steps, mahogany railings and the billiards table. Usually lively and full and very nice for breakfasts, snacks, drinks, decent tapas and a good range of Catalan dishes if you want more to eat. Prices are bit on the high side, but not too bad and the service is like many cool places, not always great. Free WiFi. Participates in BCNOW! Barcelona Opportunity Week in January. Maximum capacity 250. Various dining areas. Reservations only possible for larger groups.
