history

The roots

The story of Boadas is a fascinating tale of passion, adventure, and dedication to the art of mixology that begins in Havana and culminates in the heart of Barcelona. Miguel Boadas Parera was born on October 24, 1895, in Havana, where he discovered his true calling as a bartender, developing an exceptional skill for preparing cocktails.

At the young age of 19, Miguel began working at "El Floridita," the iconic Havana bar famous for its daiquiris and illustrious clientele, including Ernest Hemingway. Under the mentorship of Constantino Ribalaigua, a master mixologist, Boadas perfected his craft, earning a place in the history of El Floridita. However, in 1926, Miguel decided to return to Spain, where he started working at several renowned establishments in Barcelona.

On August 22, 1933, fulfilling his lifelong dream, Boadas opened his own bar on Tallers Street in Barcelona. "Boadas" quickly became an iconic spot in the city, renowned for its intimate atmosphere and the excellence of its cocktails. Miguel, and later his daughter María Dolores and son-in-law José Luis Maruenda, created a legacy that continues to this day. Boadas was not only a pioneer of mixology in Spain but also left a lasting mark on Barcelona's culture, turning his small triangular bar into a symbol of tradition and the oldest cocktail bar in Barcelona today.

today

The year 2017 marked the end of an era for Bar Boadas with the passing of María Dolores Boadas, a legendary figure and the beating heart of the establishment. Known as "la mestressa" and deeply loved in Barcelona, María Dolores had kept the connection between the past and the present alive for decades, becoming an icon in the city. For Jerónimo Vaquero, the longtime bartender at Boadas, María Dolores was much more than just an owner; he considered her an adoptive mother, affectionately calling her "la mama."She reciprocated the sentiment, having watched him grow up from the tender age of 14.

Jerónimo, who had spent more than 50 years behind the historic bar, literally dedicated his life to Boadas and its customers. His passion and commitment were so strong that he kept the bar running, even after the loss of his beloved "mama." Thanks to him, Boadas continued to shine, despite the challenges associated with managing such a historic institution.

However, the greatest challenge came in 2020, when the world was ravaged by the Covid-19 pandemic. For the first time in over 80 years, the doors of Boadas closed. The bar, which had withstood wars, economic crises, and generational changes, found itself in an unprecedented situation. Its survival seemed uncertain.

Nonetheless, in 2022, Boadas found new hope. Simone, Marc, and Álvaro, owners of SIPS Barcelona and renowned mixology professionals, decided to become part of the bar's storied history. With great respect for tradition but an innovative vision, they restructured both the bar and the team, breathing new life into Boadas. This renewal, while keeping the essence of the bar intact, propelled it onto the international scene, capturing the hearts of a new generation of cocktail lovers.

In 2023, Bar Boadas celebrated its 90th anniversary, a milestone that propels it into the century with renewed vitality. Now, a team of young yet experienced professionals leads the bar, consistently adding value with their passion and expertise. Boadas's path toward its 100th anniversary seems inevitable, a testament to its resilience, passion, and ability to reinvent itself while never forgetting its roots.