nightlife

As the name suggests, retro hangout Polaroid is a nostalgic snapshot of the ‘80s. Dark, divey and decorated with VCR tapes, movie posters, vintage toys and, of course, Polaroids, this cool, eclectic bar was founded in 2009 by a group of Latin Americans aiming to create a charismatic locale where international people could feel right at home. Now a firm favorite in the Barri Gòtic, Polaroid is always buzzing at the weekends, drawing in a mixed crowd of locals, expats, tourists and twenty- and thirty-somethings wistful for the Rubik’s Cubes and Sega Mega Drives of their youth.

In addition to classics such as mojitos and fresh fruit daiquiris, the bar’s inventive drinks menu features house cocktails honoring ‘80s icons: try the Back to the Future-inspired Delorean, made with gin and blue curaçao, or pay your respects to the late Pat Morita with a mango, passion fruit and Cointreau mix entitled Miyagi-san. Also on offer are light bites such as nachos and hotdogs, plus free popcorn to nibble as you watch a movie. Many Sundays sees them host a popular dinner and cinema series, offering a hotdog, drink and popcorn alongside ‘80s classic for just €5.

And of course, no tribute to the ‘80s would be complete without a suitable soundtrack. Mondays at Polaroid are all about Spanish rock and pop; “I Love 80s” Wednesdays feature an eclectic mix ranging from Madonna to the Clash; while Thursdays get the bar blasting out rock hits from Poison, Beastie Boys, Guns N’ Roses and more. Full of character and with a chilled-out vibe, Polaroid is always a great choice: grab a few drinks, catch a movie, and relive the golden age of arcades, neon clothing, teen movies and ridiculous hair.