First of all, this bar is pretty cool at first glance. Our complete experience was less than that, sadly. We went to drink and play darts. The bartender was nice and originally eager to help us. We waited for an hour or more for the employees of the bar to finish playing their game of darts, only to have them eventually put us on a "list". We waited and drank. While we waited we received exponentially worse service as time went on, which started as OKAY to AWFUL. The bartender went out to have a smoke for 20 MINUTES, while we sat thirsty and wanting of cold beverages, one of the friends(frustrated to say the least) in our party decided to send a funny message by setting our glasses behind the bar, which was regrettably a mistake. Regardless of our mistake, now the dart player "employees" decided to now start WORKING. They took our message as an insult and told us to LEAVE. After they commanded us to leave, we decided as a respect of our time and initial experience with our bartender to pay our bill even though we didn't need to, as they were urgent about our departure. If you want a pure dart experience, do not go here. There are far better bars in NYC with better dart environments. TLDR: Employees hog single dart board, bartender leaves for 20 minutes, and we are out of luck sitting thirsty and wanting of beverages.

Narrow, themed, unique dive bar. Come here preferably after filling your stomach elsewhere with some food, just so you don't puke by the end of it. It's a place known for shots and people often get carried away and get into a shot-marathon! Shots here come with accessories you get to don - aviator sunglasses for the Top Gun, Indiana Jones hat, Crown and an ancient goblet for the 'Return Of the King', all this with with a soundtrack from the movie/TV show. Wait! It doesn't end here. For most of these shots, the bartender has something interesting to do or say or enact while he's making the shot! Btw, remember to return the accessories, once you're done with the shots. No, you don't get to keep them. This place boasts of 100+ shots to choose from but my all-time favorites are 'The Return Of the King' and "Indiana Jones'. There's apparently a 'Monica Lewinsky' shot which involves donning a black wig and doing a BJ on the glass! Sounds eccentric, never tried that one. They have $5 and $7 shots from what I last remember. A small fun place with loud music, themed shots, engaging bartenders, dim lighting, just perfect for letting your hair down and having fun!

I'm not really sure if I'm reviewing the bar or our bartender (Adam), but I guess like a cocktail the two elements combine to make the experience what it is. The dive bar is a genre of drinking establishment we aren't really privy to in the UK so while in Manhattan I decided to take a few in. During the course of my limited, alcohol impaired research mission Barcelona Bar was among the best I found. The exterior is unassuming enough that even though I was navigating there using my phone we almost missed out. I was probably a little drunk mind, so your mileage may vary. Once you enter you are met with a long bar stretching along the right hand side of the room with a couple of tables at the back. It's dark inside without being gloomy. On the wall are chalkboards listing the various drinks on offer. Don't expect to see anything you recognise, but don't expect to just get a drink either. You are ordering an experience! There is pyrotechnics, outright sadism and no doubt many other gems lurking in the drinks menu. The memory of my friend enduring a Full Metal Jacket is one which will remain with me for a very long time, it was the best $20 I ever spent.

This is place is phenomenal. Doesn’t look like much from the outside, honestly looks a little rundown. But once we took a seat at the bar, my entire opinion changed. The bartender is so much fun and really made our experience amazing. We had a couple of rounds of the themed shots which were decently priced. Super fun with all the music and props. We did the Harry Potter, Monica Lewinsky, Top Gun, Pokémon, Spongebob, and Fresh Prince shots. Spoiler warning if anyone doesn’t want to know what some of the shots entail! Harry Potter was my favorite because he brought out wands, Hogwarts scarves, played the music, and did a whole spiel that was hilarious. Pokémon and Spongebob were cute with music and themed hats.

Started a typical Saturday night here with cocktails. Bar was packed be mindful that you would have to wait to get your drinks. Staff is super friendly and bartender was amazing she was handling the entire bar, pretty impressive. Prices are affordable compared to other bars in the city. Avg cocktails were 12$ each. But the best part about this bar was their themed shots. I was blown away it was super fun. We had "Winter is coming". They gave all of us swords as a prop, made one of us king, one queen, did the little play, played GOT theme song and then finally bartender gave us our shots. If you are here please make sure you have at least one of these themed shots. Would definitely visit again soon.

Ran into this bar after watching a broadway play nearby on my last vacation. It's a pretty cool bar with a very lively atmosphere. Went here twice over the week and the bartenders were courteous and awesome. Extremely large selection of (relatively) pricey shots, but you can also order beer and any other drink you want. Good place to watch sports or hang out, but the place is not that big so don't expect to bring large groups of people.The musical shots are super fun, and the bartenders play funky music with a full skit during the shots which is hilarious. There is also a dart board for times when it is not too crowded. Will come back here again the next time I am in New York City!

AWESOME BAR and a AWESOME Bartender! First time coming here with a bunch of friends and I'm glad they choose this place. Very chill vibes at this joint, when you order a themed shot from the special shots menu the bartenders either get into character and/or play music associated with that theme you have chosen. Ordered a round of the Lord of the Rings shots, and the bartender light those baby on fire and kept puffing fuel to make the fire even bigger. Along with puffing fire, he was quite the actor and shouted out lines from the movie and pretended to be a wizard. The most epic moment I've experienced at a bar.

This narrow strip of a bar's appearance is deceiving. Venture into the dark, tiny, dive and be rewarded with an impressive shot menu served with a side of flair. While flaming drinks are no longer on offer (blame the Fire Marshall), most of the top shots come with a show. We donned hats and house scarves for the Harry Potter shot and swapped wands for sonic screwdrivers while imbibing The Tardis. Oh, and they all have a soundtrack and a performance by the amazing bartender Mike. No food but trivia every Monday at 8:30pm.

I came here with a few friends for drinks. They have a happy hour where draft beers are $3 so it's not bad. Their happy hour doesn't cover their famous shots though. We ordered the Pokemon, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and Lord of the Rings shots. Yes, the bartender takes out props for you to wear and puts on the music. I feel like they just light everything on fire. They're pretty pricey though for the shots. The space is super cramped and cannot fit a lot of people so you have to come early. I doubt I would come back.

Definitely recommend. The bar tenders are fun and get into it. It is a small place so it fills up quickly. My only complaint was I felt like they weren't very attentive to us, but it was just two of us compared to the other groups of 4-6. We only ever got their attention when they'd pass by us to put a drink on someone's tab. But despite all that, we had a great time. They have various themed shots based off of stuff like Rick N Morty, Squid Game, Pokemon, Rocky and so on. Definitely want to come back

After much hype, we were greeted by an abrasive, burn out of a 'bartender' who publicly humiliated us when we failed to drink our shots properly (even when we asked beforehand as it was a flaming shot). Following that we were ignored for the rest of our time there as customers all around us were served without fail. Sadly a night was ruined by this incredibly unproffessional individual who cost his bar custom all based on his poor, childish attitude...still, the flames were cool...I'll give him that.

Very friendly staff and good drinks. Slightly overpriced but hey it’s New York. Minus one star because it used to be a lot cleaner. I’m going to run by again soon on a week-night to see if it’s any better. I’ll be back soon either way! Edit: visited on the night of 3/16 for my bday and had an amazing time. Bartender gave us free shots and was the nicest person ever. Will be back frequently Edit 2: I've now been a regular here for 3 years and I truly believe it's the best bar in the city.

When you have no expectations, it's hard to be disappointed. And when we found this place, we had no expectations. But wow - what an absolute blast we had! Themed shots with costumes and theme songs, along with great drinks at a great price. If you're staying near times square and looking for a great place to hang this is your spot. Mike you are the man.
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Gummy Bear, Mexican Candy, Best Shot

This place topped expectations. We came for their fire shots but they weren't able to do them for some reason. Our party of 4 was bummed at first and we were going to walk out. I'm glad we didn't. We did two of the themed shots and were not disappointed! The themed shots came with music, props, and amazingly entertainment from the bartenders. It was even fun to witness other people in the bar do the themed shots. Other shots are reasonably priced.

A dive bar in midtown! The drink are really affordable and they have a great selection. The reason you come here is for the theamed shots. They have Harry Potter, Star Wars, I went with 4 friends so we did the teenage mutant ninja turtles shots. They give you you toy props to play with and to take pics with. They also play the theme music over the speakers when people order a shot. Check this place out! They accept credit and debit cards.

We had a great time here. My bf absolutely loved the Mexican Destroyer shot (must do if you like spicy and if only mildly like spicy I suggest the Mexican Candy) and the prop shots we did for Harry Potter and Spongebob was fun and entertaining. The bartender was amazing and I wasn't even mad at our bill at the end of the night. Go here if you're looking for a great night for your money. You won't be disappointed.

If you are a person with disabilities, DO NOT go to this bar. I attempted to come here with my service dog, and was promptly kicked out based on the claims that the worker was “allergic to dogs” which is illegal based upon the rules set forth by the NYC Commision of Human Rights. I have already reported the establishment to 311 with the hopes that future individuals are not treated the same way that I was.

Fun bar to start the night of you're not interested in drinking much. Tons of fun gimmick shots, though the gimmicks quickly get stale, especially the ones that cause the jukebox to get paused or drinks to not be served. After an hour you will have seen everything and the novelty will have likely worn off. But if you know what you're getting yourself into and limit your exposure, you'll have a blast.

I thought this was a typical dive bar when I went in. No. This place is crazy. It's all themed shots for movies and tv shows. When you order a shot, they put a costume on you, cut the music, start playing the theme song of whatever you shot it and thenthe bartender starts acting out a weird skit while making you take the shot. This place is good for groups and good for fun dates.

A friend of mine reccommended that I go to this bar. This bar is amazing. The shots are so much fun and reasonably priced for NYC. The staff is absolutely wonderful. I left my wallet at the bar and they contacted me almost immediately and everything was still in the wallet. We need more people like this in the world! Thank you to the bartender Brian. I will definitely return.

Very divey! Not very clean... everything you touch is sticky. Extensive list of shots even tho u have no idea what's in them. Bartenders can use some customer service training. Don't waste money on the juke box... it's paused during shot songs... but then they never unpause it and allow their watered down playlist to keep playing... so u lose out on your money.

I always bring my out of town friends here to experience the shots. I also happen to like showing up early and enjoying the friendly staff and divey atmosphere before it gets crowded at night. If you have found this review, stop by this place at least once! Do not put money in the jukebox though, as once the shots start going you won't hear much of your music.

I like coming here with good friends to take some shots and chat. The prices can really sneak up on you, especially for group shots. But the bartender's energy is contagious and it's always a fun time, at the expense of your wallet.
Price per person
$50–100
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Brian was an absolute legend! I've never laughed so hard as I had when we ordered the Monica Lewinsky shot. Also did the Harry Potter shot but starting with the Monica was quite the experience. This is the kinda bar where the bartender will make or break the experience and brian sure as hell did not disappoint. I'd go back here again in a heartbeat!

Incredibly lit but very cramped. Be ready to be shoved up very close to strangers, and still have an absolutely amazing time. Bartenders absolutely make this place. Order the most ridiculous things off the menu for the most fun. Only downside is its a lot of shots!!! But you probably know that if you're here for that. Would definitely come back!!

Bad word. It's a novelty bar, with novelty drinks. A bartender should not turn into a "sour puss" when you ask her to make one of the cooler novelty shots. Otherwise the bar is nice. The bartender who I presume is the owner was extremely nice, friendly and made the shots fun. I will go there again...and make sure I avoid the female bartender.

I love a good dive bar and this was everything. It was a true dive but had the trendy twist everyone’s looking for. With a shot menu of dozens including themed shots with music and props, it was such a great time. Also the prices are an absolute steal for the area and what you’re getting- $60 for 6 high end themed shots, plus tons for deals.

Amidst the Irish pubs and overpriced lounges, this is the place you go if you live dive bars, decently priced drinks and over 100 themed shots. Totally went here for the Harry Potter shot that's butterbeer flavored and comes with music and props but stayed for the chill vibe. Trivia happens on Mondays with the friendly bartender, Mike.

This place was FUN! I loved every second of it. Great vibe, super entertaining, friendly and cool staff with great personalities. Delicious drinks, fun themed shots with music and little skits to go along with them. Awesome music playing when the themed music wasn't on. Fun decor. This place made for an awesome Friday night. More

This place was tiny to begin with but a great setup.. the ambience was beaming with amazing people and great music.. the bartender was very friendly and service was great along with sports on TV. Would definitely recommend it if you're looking for an affordable place to hang out or just one of the place to barhop in the area.. :p

I found this place small, cramped and really underwhelming. The shots are expensive considering what goes into them. I did find the bar staff experienced and friendly. The theatrics which go into the making of each shot is really what this place is about- they use props, uniforms and music etc specific to which one you order.

This is the spot to go for a good time. The bartender was one of the best I have ever had the pleasure to meet. Brought my little brother here for his 21st and they treated him like a King. Singing Pokemon theme song, or having a light saber fight is just another day at this spot. And the prices are the best around the area

I’ve never reviewed a place before, but Barcelona Bar deserves all the praise. A buddy and I came to visit from California and found our way over there. The staff, energy, and vibe was amazing. Really friendly, entertaining, and just a plain old good time. I’ll definitely be dropping by every time I visit NYC in the future.

This place is awesome! The shots all list what's in them and most of them have a cute theme to it. So kitschy and fun! I love the Harry Potter one, because I am a huge Harry Potter nerd. #Griffindor4life The shots taste pretty good too. A great spot to pre-game since it's pretty narrow and there's not a huge bathroom.

Theme group shots are the thing here. Order a Jedi and have a lightsaber duel with the bartender, order a Fellowship with eight other people, or order a Full Metal Jacket and belt out "Sir Yes Sir" as the bartender insults you. The shots themselves are just okay and the space is tiny, but the theatrics are great fun.

Cool place, very entertaining. The costumed theme shots are pretty fun, and the bartenders make it even better with their antics. It might seem a little gimmicky if you're a local but it's more fun than what you would think. If you're tired of the regular dive bar experience and want something new check it out.

This spot was fun! It’s a theme bar. The drink has different themes from you childhood’s past to take you back way when. While you having fun, the drinks are coming and the people are enjoying them with you !! No food. So bring your own or eat before you go. The bartenders have just as much as fun as you do.

Was here last weekend coming from Chicago. It was my second time going. Just got to say this bar, is one the best bars I’ve been too. From the great service of the bartenders and to the many random types of people that come to enjoy their amazing prop shots. Give it a try, it will be a drunken good time.

One of my all-time favorite bars. Creative novelty shots (some with music and fire!) that are so much fun! Unfortunately, since this bar is so awesome, it is always crowded, and the narrow layout does not help. Either plan to go early in the evening, or somehow become best friends with the bartenders.

Amazing bar! Best staff ive ever been attended by. Thanks to Chris for showing us a great time and serving us with an inviting personality. The drinks were perfectly executed and properly explained. Highly recommend this place for anyone new to the city or any locals looking for a new place to unwind.

The price of the drinks are reasonable and they have variety of drinks. Small places, but good for groups. The bartenders are nice and friendly. I would definitely suggest this place to try. Favourite's on 5$ drinks are watermelon, pineapple up side down and Harry Potter.

A great place to start or end the night, Barcelona Bar is one of my favorite bars in the city. I would not recommend bringing a large group as it is a tightly packed bar. However, don't worry everyone at this bar is extremely friendly and you are sure to make new friends.

This is like the place for themed shots, if you're into that kinda thing. There are so many you could get lost on the menu alone. Kinda pricey for what you get but you won't lack for entertainment as the bartenders wield fire or snippets of nostalgic tunes come on.

Cute bar with lots of themed shots. For certain shots they will play music and perform some theatrics for the shot. For example, for the Harry Potter shot, they will play the theme song, sort you with the sorting hat and perform some “magic.”

Fun shot bar. This hole in the wall bar near columbus circle has a neon shot glass sign to signify its location. Small and crowded, this place does have some really stellar novelty with elements of costuming and theatrics, combined with

Cool dive bar. Cheap drinks cheaper shots... They have theme shots here so if you order a certain type of shot, u get a little show along with it. Pretty dope! We had a great time and I definitely wanna go back and try some other shots

This place is so much fun!!! Some of the shots have crass themes so don't go if that will rub you the wrong way. Great place to go for a birthday or to bring out of town guests. Super small bar and a little pricey, but that's just NYC.

A dive bar with a worth-while twist! Novelty shots make for fantastic jump off point or a cap to the evening. Have your camera at-the-ready and consider pre-setting to Video mode. I recommend the "Top Gun" and the "Harry Potter".

No food but lots of tvs for games and you can bring whatever food you want in. Go there often enough and the songs for the shot specials will end up driving you crazy. Dart board in good shape but taken down when it gets packed.

Was here on a Saturday in October (2022). Amazing place. Five-star drinks; five-star staff; five-star ambiance. And in the era of $15 mixed drinks in NYC, it is refreshing to still attend a place where I can get a G&T for $10.

Great concept with amazing ambiance with great choice of shoots...perfect for a night out of craziness and fun. The bartenders are just great entertainers and have all the accessories to rock the place...not for a quite night!

Yes they have some cool and unique shots, but it's a little gimmicky. Major problem we had was terribly slow service. One bartender worked the entire large bar, which is a problem when setting up the complex themed shots.

Amazing place! Every bartender I’ve met here was so great. They will literally keep you entertained all night lol Crazy shots that come with props and wild presentations. Great pre-game spot or after work drinks spot

Not sure about the vibe when we first got there but then we heard a couple of the themed shots get ordered and it was a blast. I would get there late to see how it goes. Worth a visit! The bartender knows his stuff!

Do all three shots and your set! #1 harry potter, #2 full metal jacket, #3 monica lewinsky. Probably fun 1 or maybe 2 times before it loses it appeals. Worth checking out if you like specialty shots with a story.

Great shots. Great bartenders. The place is super fun and really stands out once you're inside. The little skits they do whenever you get a special shot are super cool and it's a must visit later at night.

Thank you Barcelona Bar for saving us from having a less than stellar Halloweekend night by having space for six of us and serving up themed shots accompanied with music and props! Long live this place!

Rowdy dive bar with a mind-boggling number of themed shots, many of which are delivered with an entertaining show. If your night needs a spark of energy, pop in here and you will come out raring to go.

If you wanna have tons of fun go to this bar and order the themed shots. I love how the bartenders are full of energy and give the guest a ñn amazing experience.
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

The bartender was awesome and fun! They have a special list of shots named for fantasy lovers and geeks alike. I would recommend this bar to anyone despite its small setting. Bring friend's or a date!

What a treat. Super cheap happy hour specials and tons of fun. Saw Harry Potter, Mario, and Game of Thones themed shots delivered with aplomb in the hour we were there. Definitely worth popping in.

True Dive Bar.. It needs some touch ups. But the place and bartender has drink shows..
Price per person
$10–20
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 3
Recommended dishes
Mexican Candy

Raucous and lively spot with fun, themed shots. Or just grab a beer and people-watch. A little more authentically "dive-y," and can be crowded at peak times. Everyone should go at least once! More

I've been wanting to check this gem out for months finally got to do it on my birthday weekend. The staff is so friendly and fun. Awesome vibe and the drinks are just on point. 100% recommend

This is a really fun dive bar. They have all kinds of themed shots that the bartenders play out with you. Prices are very reasonable for Manhattan. Definitely a place to go to at least once.

As everyone else says... small dive bar. It just reopened 3 says ago, so it wasn't too busy. Still fun when someone ordered the special shots! No food available. Reasonable drink prices.

Great mix of locals and tourists in the heart of midtown. Relaxed fun atmosphere and the prices are Uber reasonable for a midtown bar. The bartender are super chill. Great place. Darryl

Totally false information, page is outdated. Made a long travel using UBER , definitely NOT what I expected as information provided on internet.
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 2

So much fun! Great dive bar, amazing drink selections and shots. Bartenders were helpful, fun and creative! Absolutely will visit again!
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Expensive for the really lame vibe, even for here! Places like this are so boring. Is there a factory that just pumps places like this out somewhere that I don’t know about?

Barcelona Bar was one of the highlights of our NYC trip. Not a big shot person, but how can you not have fun with Prop Shots?! Bartender was excellent and so entertaining.

Hands down my favorite dive bar in Manhattan. The specialty shots are awesome and they play special music and put on a show for you when you take them. Such a fun place!!

Gio is a gem. Fun silly place. Order some special shots, you will not regret the first one. Might regret the 5th one though. Don't let me determine that for you though.

The Classic American Bar! TV's playing basketball, Jukebox playing music, nice prices, kind staff and full of happy people singing loud their favourite song!

Amazing place with some pretty innovative shots and cocktails. In case you're wondering what the picture I shared is about, its the Harry Potter shot.

Great place for shots and great drinks. Some shots require a little dressing up makes it a blast! Bartender also had a drink with us for mu birthday.

Great unique bar! Themed shots come with an experience. Most drinks run about $9-$13, about the cheapest we've seen around. Nice vibe and atmosphere!

I'm old enough to pick a shot that the bartender was unfamiliar with (Labrynth) but young enough to still get carded at the door. Love this place!

Fun atmosphere. Typical dive bar feel. Great bottled beer selection but disappointing beer on tap. Innovative names and shot selection.

Great bartender, shots are unique if you wanna have fun for not that much money. Restrooms and chairs look kind of old and smell weird.

I came here few weeks ago my first time coming to this bar, AMAZING!! Signature drinks. My favorite drink from this bar "Darth Vader "

My wallet was stolen out of my purse from here this summer. Tried to get in touch with the manager and even emailed him no response.

One of my absolute favorite bars to go to with friends! Love the themed shots and amazing bartenders. Great price and fun atmosphere

So much fun! Endless list of shots. Some make you wear.goofy hats and they play a song while you take the shot. Highly recommended!!

It doesn’t matter if it’s good or not... it’s five bucks for a beer. They also seem to randomly Knight people with plastic swords.

If you are looking for a bar to have some beers after work with your co-workers this is the place. Cheap prices and good ambiance

Oh Barcelona Bar, let me counteth the ways... Came here recently on a Thursday afternoon with one of my best friends because

Love the crew, the vibe, the price. Like a good casual bar you go with your mates
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Great place to grab a few. The staff is excellent and entertaining. Tight space but lots of awesome themed drinks!

Such a fun bar! The bartenders are hilarious. You can get their prompt shots and they have different funny acts.

Great Bar! You can play darts, and put music on the jukebox. One of the few bars left with real NYC character.

10/10 spot. The prop shots are sweet. They even do a music change.. really cool. Ryan was awesome!

Cool staff nice environment good drinks !! Super affordable to be on the city recomendada …

Very cozy little place. A very attentive and nice waiter. Good drinks for a reasonable price.

The most fun ever! Every shot comes with a surprise show! Such fun! I want to order all …

The best bar. been coming here for years my 1st time back since covid and it still the same.

Took my bf here on his birthday in Feb. We had a blast. Love the themed cocktail! …

The absolute best place to go for some fun drinks. Small and packed but very original!

One of the most unique shots experiences I’ve had ever.
Price per person…
More

Ryan and Gio and Jason and everyone rock. Can't go wrong with a beer and shot combo!