Steam City Cocktail Bar | by COBA

"Steam City is a steampunk-themed cocktail bar in the Eixample neighborhood of Barcelona  and it’s unlike anything I’ve come across back in New York. The concept is simple: you order your drinks and they arrive delivered directly to your seat via a miniature model train.  Gimmick? Sure. But it works, and the drinks are actually good — which is the part that matters. Javier was our bartender and attendant for the evening. Down to earth, welcoming, and made the whole experience feel personal rather than touristy. The atmosphere was warm and the space had a cool industrial, retro-futuristic feel to it. You can order from their signature cocktail menu or describe your preferred flavors and the bartenders will build something custom for you.  We went with signature drinks. I ordered the Le Mystique — bitter, herbal, and refreshing. The green chartreuse mousse on top was the highlight. That foam elevated the whole drink, adding a layer of complexity that made every sip slightly different from the last. Presentation was excellent. My girlfriend got the Chichen Itza — mezcal, chipotle liqueur, and white cocoa liqueur with a foamy amaro on top. Inspired by Mexico and it showed. Well balanced, with the smoky mezcal and the bitterness of the amaro keeping the sweetness in check. Nothing competed, everything worked. The one thing that gave me pause was the layout. The bar is fully vertical — you sit directly across from other patrons rather than facing a bar. There’s no casual interaction with the bartenders, no watching your drink get made from a barstool. That social element that makes a great bar feel alive is missing here. The train delivers the drinks, but it also creates distance. If you’re in Barcelona and want something different, this is worth a stop. Come for the experience, stay for the cocktails. Just don’t expect the kind of bar where you lose track of time talking to the person behind the counter."