Do you want to go out for a drink without checking the bill in fear? Do you enjoy good company, good beer, and a good atmosphere without it costing a fortune? If the answer is "yes," this article is for you.
Going to a bar in Barcelona is one of the favorite plans for those who live here or visit. But in 2026, the cost of living has risen and the wallet has less margin. The good news: enjoying a special night at a bar doesn’t have to mean exorbitant spending. You just need to know how.
At My Bar, we have been helping our customers have a good time at a fair price for years. Here are our best tips.
1. Choose the right time: the late afternoon is your ally
One of the simplest keys to saving is anticipating your outing. The late afternoon, that time between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM, not only has more affordable prices in many places, but it also offers a quieter and more conversational atmosphere.
Take advantage of the weekend aperitif hours to enjoy the best tapas with a beer without paying the night price. At My Bar, our aperitif tapas are designed exactly for that.
2. Know your rights as a consumer
Many times we spend more out of ignorance. There are things that a bar cannot charge you even if they want to:
- The cover charge or reservation fee is not legal if it is not specified on the menu.
- The bread can only be charged if it is expressly listed on the menu. You can always ask not to have it served.
- The VAT must be included in the menu prices, with no surprises at the end.
- You can never be charged for a product you did not order.
Knowing these rules helps you avoid unpleasant surprises on the bill and helps you choose honest places. You can find all this information in reference sources like OCU – Things that should not be charged to you in bars and restaurants or in the guide from Consumoteca on the legal obligations of hospitality in Spain.
At My Bar, all prices include VAT and you will never find hidden charges on the bill. You can check it on our online menu before you come.
3. Opt for bars with free tapas
In many Spanish cities—and in some bars in Barcelona—ordering a beer or a drink comes with a free tapa. This tradition, inherited from northern Spain, is one of the best ways to eat well without paying extra.
Look for places that maintain this custom in your area. The gastronomic experience is guaranteed at no additional cost.
4. Choose places with a short and quality menu
Bars with a short but well-thought-out menu usually offer better value for money. Each dish is well-prepared, the ingredients are fresher, and waste is lower. Paying a little more for something really good is worth it rather than ordering quantity without criteria.
At My Bar, we bet on an honest menu: few items, well made, with real products.
5. Avoid unnecessary "extras"
Check the menu before ordering and ask if there are any additional charges. Small details like avoiding unrequested bread, opting for tap water, or choosing the house drink instead of premium brands can make a difference at the end of the night.
It's not about depriving yourself, but about choosing intentionally.
6. Choose the experience, not the trend
Trendy places tend to be the most expensive. A bar with a good atmosphere, good music, and attentive service can offer you a night just as memorable at half the price. Hospitality, human interaction, and the authenticity of the place are worth more than any trendy label.
The best night is not determined by the price of the menu, but by the quality of what you experience in that place.
At My Bar, we focus precisely on that: an authentic experience, an honest menu, and an atmosphere where what matters is that you have a good time. We are in the heart of Barcelona, and we await you with the best pints and tapas in the city, without tricks and without surprises on the bill.
Do you have any tricks to enjoy more while spending less? Share them with us in the comments.