Barcelona's Restaurant & Bar

My father in law grew up in Garfield and Barcelonas was his favorite place. He created many memories there as a young person and then with his adult sons. Unfortunately, he passed this past week. Didn't give it a second thought but to have the repass here. Was not disappointed. The waitress was absolutely on point. She hustled and accommodated all of our guests. The food.......best eggplant parm. Antipasti on point. Just everything was amazing. They took a large burden off of us that day not having to worry about slow service or any other issues. We will be returning every time we are in the area. What great people.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Old school bar. Little hole in the wall. But I love places like it. The pizzas are great. Definitely top 5 in NJ. Ask for well done..

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 5

We are on a quest of eating pizza in the 5 oldest pizza restaurants in the state. This is our 4th location.

We arrived at Barcelona’s Restaurant and Bar in Garfield, NJ. This place is family owned since 1933.

A simple corner location in a residential blue collar neighborhood. Parking is free street parking. It can be challenging but not impossible.

When you enter the restaurant you feel the nostalgic vibe. Although the restaurant opened in 1933 it was modernized. Now it’s been updated to the 1950-1960’s. That’s not bad. It’s history.

The bar is simple long and stocked. Typically in its hey day it was a place for factory workers to come in and have a drink.

Oh the restaurant has a phone booth. It doesn’t work and neither does the booth lights.

Restaurant has booths and tables with a simple decor and wall paneling.

Waitress was attentive. We order a coke and a draft beer.

I asked if pasta was home made. It’s note. I asked if the clams are fresh in the clam sauce. It’s half and half.

We started with their mussel appetizer and then a large cheese pie.

The mussels were large but tender and plump. The were clean from sand and grit. The tomato sauce was good. It came with a large Italian bread. It was warm, crusty and tasty.

The cheese pie was not as thin as the other places we visited. The round crust was crusty and burnt at some spot. It was good. While the bottom crust has a slight char and was coated with semolina. It affected the taste while some may like it we did not care for it. The slice had no structure and had a big flop. That was a disappointment for us.

The pie was cheesy but chewy. It did have a large olive oil sheen and too much for us. It required napkin blotting.

Menu has a large selection of its from soups, sandwiches, pasta entrees etc.

Prices are very reasonable, better than most. We had an appetizer, large pizza, a soda and 2 beers. Total cost including tip $40.

Now for our rated One Bite gave it a 7.5. We gave it a 7.

Give this place a try.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 3

Great food!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great bar restaurant old school vibe great pricing a place you can enjoy every week or more. Enjoy

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Amazing Pizza! Great place to hang out. Local bar/restaurant vibe. My favorite type of place.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Everything arrived at the table promptly and perfectly cooked. The kitchen clearly pays attention to detail.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I got spaghetti and meatballs... Iknow, I know. What did you expect? Lol but hear me out, my tin had water on the bottom.

Like the pasta kept cooking as I was eating it and getting mushy. The meatballs I'm not even convinced we're real. It was kind of like those TV dinner turkey balls that when you cut them it makes one solid mass.

Maybe this was an unfair dish to try, they just seemed proud of the meatballs in their menu, I'll try again.

My advice to the cook.get a spaghetti strainer!you could use it for so many things in a kitchen and it's going to make the difference between people knowing you got some cheap off brand sauce and the cheap off brand being some salt pepper and garlic away from being passable.

The bar seemed cool there were plenty of tvs for watching sports but I went during the day so I can't say much else.

Food: 2

Large portions. Old school Italian food. I've liked everything I've ever had from here.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Delicious pizza from the good old days! Large menu, casual atmosphere, family owned restaurant. Staff is kind & accommodating. A definite “must try” kinda place … You won’t be disappointed!!! Food is delicious!!

I've been coming to Barcelona's since I was a teen. I have since moved away, but every time I am in the area, I make a point of going there. Food is delicious, the prices are quite reasonable and the staff is always wonderful. Highly recommend Barcelona's!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Ravioli, Plain Cheese Pizza, Large Antipasto Salad

Good vibes. Good service.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Simply put..You get what you pay for..

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 2

Ordered a spaghetti and meatball meal the meatballs taste terrible like fake meat, very mushy and bland tasting , waste of money. Wasted money down the drain..

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 4

The food was fantastic. 45.00 for 2 pies, garlic bread, and a sandwich!

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Garlic Bread, Pie