Anormal

Sarrià-Sant Gervasi is usually where you go to see how the other half lives in Barcelona—quiet streets, expensive shoes, and a general sense of 'shhh.' It’s the kind of neighborhood that smells like old money and expensive laundry detergent. Then there’s Anormal. It’s right there in the name. It’s a neon-drenched, high-decibel explosion of Latin American street soul that feels like a carnival crashed into a cocktail bar and decided to stay for the after-party.

When you walk into Anormal on Carrer de Balmes, the first thing that hits you isn't the smell of the kitchen—though the scent of frying corn and rendered pork fat is definitely there—it’s the color. It’s loud. Not just the music, which leans heavily into reggaeton and salsa, but the visual noise. It’s a place designed to wake you up. If you’re looking for a quiet corner to discuss your stock portfolio or have a hushed breakup, keep walking. This is a place of sticky fingers, clinking glasses, and the kind of energy that makes you want to order a third round of mezcal before the first plate even hits the table.

Let’s talk about the food, because despite the 'party' atmosphere, they aren't playing around in the kitchen. This is a pan-Latin fever dream. You’ve got Venezuelan tequeños—those glorious batons of fried dough wrapped around salty, melting cheese. They serve them with a guava dipping sauce that provides that hit of acid and sugar needed to cut through the grease. It’s a protein rush to the cortex. Then there are the arepas, dense and honest, stuffed with everything from Reina Pepiada (chicken and avocado) to shredded beef that’s been cooked down until it’s practically a confit.

The tacos are where the 'Anormal' philosophy really shines. They aren't trying to be the hyper-authentic Mexican street corner relics you find in El Raval. Instead, they are part of a larger, messy conversation between Colombia, Mexico, and Peru. The Birria is rich and fatty, served with a consommé that you’ll want to drink straight from the bowl. The patacones—fried green plantains—are smashed flat and topped with a mountain of ingredients, acting as a crunchy, starchy vehicle for whatever Latin flavors the chef felt like throwing at them that day. It’s the best Latin American food Barcelona has to offer when you’re tired of the 'fusion' places that are too afraid to get their hands dirty.

Is it a bit much? Sometimes. The service can be chaotic when the room is full, and it’s almost always full. You might find yourself shouting over a mariachi band or dodging a tray of passion fruit margaritas. But that’s the point. In a city that can sometimes feel like it’s being preserved in amber for the tourists, Anormal feels alive. It’s a reminder that food should be fun, it should be shared, and it should probably require a few extra napkins.

If you're looking for a cheap eat in Barcelona that doesn't feel like a compromise, this is your spot. It’s affordable, it’s filling, and it’s got more personality in its pinky finger than most of the Michelin-starred joints downtown. Just don't come here expecting a 'gastronomic adventure' with tweezers and foam. Come here to eat, drink, and maybe lose your hearing for an hour. It’s worth it.