There are endless options for unique bars to visit across the city of Barcelona, from the hidden speakeasy Monk Bar to various rooftop bars with great city views. But Steam City Cocktail Bar (Orient Express) takes distinctiveness to a whole new level with its immersive cocktail experience.
This interactive bar gives you a personalized experience within a playful, train-themed atmosphere. As if the concept of getting to create your own cocktail isn’t cool enough, this Barcelona bar takes fun to the next level as drinks arrive at you served via miniature model trains. Blending vintage design with an interactive concept—where handcrafted cocktails arrive by miniature bar-train—this unforgettable bar is a true must-visit for anyone seeking a unique experience when exploring Barcelona.
Visiting the bar
If you didn’t set out to visit the Steam City Cocktail Bar, it’s easy to pass by with its understated exterior. The original bar features a red awning and an interesting front door design, but from the exterior, there are no clues to what awaits inside. Passersby could easily walk by and think this is just your typical cocktail bar (of which there are hundreds in Barcelona). Across the street, the bar extends to a secondary location, which opens later in the day and is used to seat more guests during peak drinking hours.
The ordering experience
As soon as I stepped through the entry doors of the bar, it quickly became apparent this wasn’t your average cocktail bar. Bartenders dressed to fit the theme greet you and seat you at a high-top bar seat equipped with a touch screen. First, you’ll pick up the vintage telephone and listen to an introduction video that will transport you in time to the Victorian era and sets the tone for the rest of the experience. After that, it’s time to get started making your drink selections.
Cocktail options
Guests can choose to enjoy one of the bar’s specialty signature cocktails or choose to visit the ‘cocktail factory’ to create their own cocktail. The entire ordering process takes place through the touchscreen. For my first trial, I jumped right into the cocktail factory, crafting a drink that almost resembled a passionfruit martini.
The touchscreen prompts you to select a type of alcohol, ingredients, toppings, and the kind of glass you’d like it served in. I selected a rum-based drink, paired with passionfruit and sweet spices, and topped with blackberry merigune bites. From here, the rest is left up to question as you await seeing what your creation looks and tastes like.
Arrival via bar-train
The mystery aspect of awaiting your cocktail makes this bar cool in and of itself. However, the coolest part of the experience is the arrival of your drink via a bar train. A miniature bar train runs throughout the entire bar, equipped with a little train that delivers your cocktails right to your seat. When your drinks are ready, the train conductor (bartender) blows a whistle and makes eye contact with you, so you know it’s your drink that’s on the way (as opposed to others sitting nearby).
Tips for visiting
Once it arrives at your seat, you take your cocktails off the train and enjoy as the train returns to the bar. Every cocktail I ordered tasted great, but there was something about it rolling in by train that made it taste even better. I recommend arriving early if grabbing a seat at this innovative bar is on your Barcelona bucket list. Throughout the evening this bar’s unique concept can draw in large crowds, leading to a long wait.
