Barcelona Wine Bar Launches Happy Hour Menu...And We Are Down

Andrew Dominick July 30, 2022

We here at CTbites don’t normally focus on chain restaurants, both national and micro, but if there’s one that gets a pass it’s Barcelona Wine Bar. After all, Barcelona originated in South Norwalk way back in 1996 before expanding to other cities in Connecticut, then ultimately to Virginia, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Georgia, and a handful of other states.

My home base Barcelona is in Norwalk at the Waypointe. I know, I know, we all have our favorite location down in Fairfield County—or beyond if you’re in the New Haven or West Hartford area—mine happens to be Norwalk because it’s not only a newish one, but also because it’s a two mile drive away.

One day when I had a serious craving for chicken pimientos, I clicked on Barcelona’s menu and noticed a “Happy Hour” tab. Hey, listen, I love a good happy hour, so you’ve got my attention.

Weekdays from 4 – 6, Barcelona rocks six snacks that start at $4.50 and don’t go higher than $9.50. Well, hell, I love that. And because we’re obviously drinking, which is what happy hour is intended for, it doesn’t suck that sparkling wine bottles are half off, four different seven ounce draft beers begin at $3.50, and there are two mini cocktails in a dirty martini and an espresso martini for $7, and there’s a Sacaback (1.5 ounce mixed shot of brandy and sherry with a guindilla pepper brine chaser) for $4.

You can sign me up for all of that, even if espresso martinis aren’t my thing. I’ll explain why soon.

Before I get to the rundown of what’s happening at Barcelona’s Norwalk location, keep in mind that the happy hour at your home base Barcelona may be just slightly different. For instance, New Haven has a pickled egg, while Stamford serves up a salmon crudo and West Hartford offers a mustard vinaigrette dressed beef tartare.

And at Norwalk, according to general manager Charlie Gilhuly, they’re willing to be flexible, so if you’d like something off the happy hour menu past 6 p.m. and they’re not insanely busy, just ask nicely and they’ll make it happen. Gilhuly even mentioned the possibility of a late night happy hour after 9 p.m., but you shouldn’t hold the non-Norwalk locations to this “bending of the rules.”

But, without further ado, here’s a quick pictorial of what you can expect to drink and snack on at Norwalk’s happy hour.

You’ve had a pickleback, right? If you’re into downing a blended shot of sweet brandy and dry sherry, immediately chased by a spicy pepper brine, this is for you. Starting happy hour with a shot only seems like the right move.

No one will blame you for choosing wine at a wine bar. I chose liquor in the form of a mini dirty martini with a fat olive.

Nuts are a classic happy hour snack. We weren’t mad about a shallow bowl of EVOO and sea salt roasted Marcona almonds. Pairs well with booze.

If there’s a must order, it’s the homemade potato chips topped with thin slices of fatty, flavorful cured lomo Ibérico.

A staple in Spanish tapas is the open-faced sandwich known as Montadito. There’s one served in Norwalk that octopus lovers will dig, in which Barcelona’s crusty bread is the vehicle for a chilled cuts of pulpo and Valencia orange dressed with herbs, peppers, and olive oil.

Pintxos! Seasoned, grilled pork skewers with a smear of bright, creamy citrus aioli. Perfect with a beer, in my opinion.

Solomillo al ajillo are tender sirloin tips served in a garlicky, spicy chili oil. When you’re done and only oil remains, don’t let them take it away. You know that hunk of bread Barcelona gives you when you arrive? Dunk it in THIS oil.

OK. So, the reason I normally don’t order espresso martinis is in part due to the fact that I prefer bourbon, beer, or drinks that aren’t sweet. It’s also because most are awful due to the use of weak espresso, cheap vodka, or some type of artificial espresso martini mix. And every restaurant feels like they have to put an espresso martini on the menu even if it’s subpar. We’ve got a good one here, though! Barcelona uses espresso maple syrup mixed with vodka to create good booze to sweet balance with strong espresso notes coming through. Pro tip: have your bartender top it off with fresh Irish cream.

Pinky out purposely. The happy hour crew found humor in the fact that I ordered something I normally despise.

Without a trio of airy, cinnamon sugar coated churros on the menu I may not have ordered the espresso martini. It’s a delightful combo. Do it. You’ll be happy you did.