Monday, January 21, 2013

Obama Restaurant and Bar, the Right (S)election

By Javier Castillo - Jan/21/2013

Image Courtesy of Obama Restaurant and Bar

It’s only appropriate that on this day, the Presidential Inauguration of Barack Obama, I write about another Obama that can be found in Barcelona. This Obama isn’t of flesh and bone but of wood, steal and stone. Obama Restaurant and Bar has been a haunt of mine since it opened its doors in 2008. On many occasions I asked staff members why this place was called “Obama”? And the answer I always got was consistent and more or less the following:  the owner, in 2008, after reading about a candidate running for the Democratic candidacy against Hillary Clinton, thought it would be amusing to name his new British bar “Obama” in homage to this aspiring politician. Shortly thereafter, Barack Obama, as we all know, became the 44th President of the United States. The name has stuck, for obvious reasons, and it’s not uncommon to see tourists pop inside out of pure curiosity. So, what do they find? Obama Restaurant and Bar is like walking into history. The decor oozes British-colonialism with faux paintings and photography of British generals and aristocrats, African memorabilia and hunting-themed pieces of art. You would most certainly be right if

Image Courtesy of Obama Restaurant and Bar

you called it a theme restaurant. But then you would be surprised to hear that the venue serves up delicious American-style food, for example hamburgers, pizzas, and wraps; has live music ranging from rock to flamenco and has several flat screen TVs playing all sorts of sporting events from rugby to golf. More surprising still is the life-size Barack Obama statue, sitting at a bench near the entrance, smiling and greeting unexpecting customers. Obama is an intimate, fun and informal locale that caters to all sorts of customers. I recommend this place if you are looking for something easy and quick to eat and want to hear live music or catch the game on one of their large flat screen TVs. 

More information:
Obama Restaurant and Bar

Live music every day from 24:00 hours to 2.00 am. 
Address: Gran Via Corts Catalanes, 603, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
Open every day from 9:00 am - 3:00 am
Telephone: 933 01 65 24