Barcelona L’Eixample Esquerra

Look around. Are you in l’Eixample Esquerra? On a corner? Chances are, you’re only inches from a tapas bar, and probably a really good one. If you’re looking to picar (“snack;” literally, “bite”), walk until one jumps out at you and then eat your fill of croquetas and patatas bravas. Those with heartier appetites will need heavier wallets—very little in l’Eixample comes cheap. If you do decide to hit up a nicer restaurant, your euro will be well spent.

Cerveceria Catalana, C. Mallorca, 236 (☎932 16 03 68). Pg. de Gràcia, L2/3/4. If you want the Spanish experience, with locals to keep you company, head here. Noisy, friendly, energetic: the buzz of this restaurant-bar will make you want to return night after night. Pitchers of sangria and creative and fresh tapas €3-12. Wheelchair-accessible. Open daily 7:30am-1:30am. AmEx/MC/V.
Racó d’en Baltá, C. Aribau, 125 (☎934 53 10 44; www.racodenbalta.com). Hospital Clínic. Founded in 1900, this restaurant serves innovative Mediterranean dishes like fried camembert with blueberry sauce (€8.70) and veal sirloin with Bernaise (€18). Entrees €9-17. Lunch menù €11. Open M-Th 9am-11:30pm, Th-Sa 9am-3am. MC/V.
La Flauta, C. Aribau, 23 (☎933 23 70 38). Pg. de Gràcia, L2/3/4. 2nd branch at C. Balmes, 164-166 (☎934 15 51 86). The House specialties are hot or cold flautas (skinny, crusty bread sandwiches stuffed with veggies, cheeses, and meats; ½ €3.90-6.90, whole €5-8). Plenty of vegetarian options and a large selection of fresh tapas del día. Weekday lunch menù €10.50. Dishes €3-15. Open M-Sa 7am-1:30am. MC/V.
Cafe Chapultepec, C. Comte Borrell, 152 (☎934 51 92 85; www.cafechapultepec.com). Urgell. Walk down Gran Via de les Corts Catalans to C. Comte Borrell and make a right. It’s at the end of the 1st block, on the right. This Mexican cafe has Rubik’s Cube-like tile floors and everything your Southwestern American heart may be longing for: enchiladas verdes or rojas (€5.90), pitchers of margaritas (€15), and even pancakes with maple syrup (€3.80). Open M-F 10am-4:30pm and 7-11pm, Sa 12:30-4:30pm and 7-11pm, Su 12:30-4:30pm. MC/V.
La Pulpería, Consell de Cent, 329 (☎934 87 53 98; www.restaurantelapulperia.com). Passeig de Gràcia. Walk up Passeig de Gràcia to the Consell de Cent and make a left. The restaurant is on the right. This fun, classy establishment (think chalkboard menus and a bronze bar) serves a wide variety of Galician tapas and raciones, including el pulpo (octopus). Plates €4.30-13. Kitchen closes at midnight. Open M-W and Su noon-4pm and 8-midnight, Th-F noon-2am, Sa noon-4pm and 8pm-1am. AmEx/MC/V.
Ginza, C. Provença, 205 (☎934 51 71 93), between Balmes and Enric Granados. Diagonal, L3. Bamboo-filled restaurant serves delectable but affordable Japanese food. Eat in or take out. Sushi €5-15. Weekday 4 course lunch menù €8. Dinner and weekend menù €11. Wheelchair-accessible. Open M-Sa 1-4pm and 8pm-midnight, Su 1-4pm. D/MC/V.
La Provença, C. Provença, 242 (☎933 23 23 67; www.laprovenza.com). Diagonal, L3. Enter through a French hall adorned with fresh flowers into a quiet banquet room with chandeliers. Specialties include baked sea urchin (€13) and batter-fried lamb brains (€11) as well as less adventurous French dishes (carpaccio; €11). Entrees €6-20. Dress well; you’re not chez les ch’tis. Reservations recommended, especially on weekends. Open daily 1:30-3:30pm and 9-11:30pm. AmEx/MC/V.
Cafe Lateral, C. Valencia, 206 (☎934 53 10 34; www.cafelateral.es). Passeig de Gràcia. Walk 1 street up to C. Valencia, then 4 blocks toward C. Aribau. This new restaurant has chic, dark-wood decor offset by eggshell benches and classy vases. Platos del dia €7.90. Lunch menù (€12) mixes traditional Catalan fare and haute cuisine. Open M 8:30am-10pm, Tu-W 8:30am-midnight, Th 8:30am-2:30am, F 8:30am-3am, Sa 10am-3am. MC/V.