Newly revamped Barcelona is now more than just a hang-out spot for soccer fans who crave for a good beer on a Saturday night. The new, extensive food menu showcases a variety of mouth-watering Spanish Tapas a nd mains to satisfy and delight a rumbling tummy. The Spanish Tapas are essentially snacks, served as a perfect complement to beer. However, Tapas has now evolved into a new and unique way of eating, and can even be substantial enough to substitute the main course.

• The Vibe
  Step into the dimly-lit bar/restaurant and immediately a huge pool table across the room catches the eye. Warm, orangey candlelight baths the room, and shadows play across the ceilings and walls. Waxing and waning. Loud boisterous bursts of laughter resound across the room. A group of men are engaged in a lively, rambunctious conversation. The source of their joy comes in the form of a huge television screen, with ESPN playing on it. Casual and laid-back, Barcelona seems like a nice, pleasant locale for an early evening snack or dinner. By late night, the place becomes magically transformed into a bustling, effervescent soccer-haven.

• The Food
  It is said that the Spanish Tapas started with the farmer community and slowly evolved creatively with the complements of ham, cheeses, meats and a lot more into becoming the modern-day Tapas. These tantalizing teasers are served in small dishes, excellent if you want something light, or if you like a wider variety of snacks to sample. The deep fried breaded Brie cheese ($12) is lightly fried, globes of soft cheese encrusted with a beautiful golden brown breaded layer. Other great starters would be the sautéed mussels in white whine parsley sauce ($10), plump mussels served like tiny jewels in their shiny shells, in a flavorful parsley sauce.

  For a more substantial meal, opt for the seafood paella ($16), a perennial favorite amongst the Spanish. The fragrant saffron rice is simmered in a rich tomato sauce, and has many bits of fresh seafood hiding within it like little treasures. The Spanish love their food rich and flavorful, but this may prove too much for some locals. The food tends to be a tad bit salty, but would be perfect if served with bread, to soak up the gravy in. However, the braised lamb shank ($18) is cooked to perfection, melts in the mouth and ideal for meat-lovers. Wash everything down with a refreshing glass of fruity sangria and proceed on the dessert. The deep fried cream custard ($6) is a traditional Spanish fried dessert, served with fruit puree and cinnamon powder. Crisp and flaky on the outside and smooth and creamy on the inside, this dessert is a great way to end a meal.

The SD food advisor's take on Barcelona
Apart from drinks, Barcelona serves a pretty mean selection of delicious Tapas , as a light snack to accompany your drink, or as a meal in itself. Chill out to some beer or sangria with friends on a Saturday night, or enjoy a pleasant dinner in a relaxed, fuss-free ambience. Overall, Barcelona is a good place to kick off your shoes, have a meal and enjoy a few good laughs with friends.

The only things it lacks are the Spanish Senoritas…