BARCELONA — Barcelona may be known for vermouth bars and tapas, but one University of Arizona alumnus brought a taste of Tucson across the Atlantic with CocoVail Beer Hall.
Opened in 2016 in the heart of Barcelona, CocoVail Beer Hall was founded by University of Arizona alumnus Andrés Carrasco and his longtime friend Toni Garcia, bringing an American-style beer hall concept to a city better known for its cozy bars and traditional cafés.
CocoVail Beer Hall in Barcelona was opened a decade ago by a University of Arizona alumnus.
The venue features long communal tables, a rotating selection of craft beers, and a menu that mixes American staples — such as chicken wings and burgers — with Spanish starters like patatas bravas (diced potatoes with a spicy sauce).
The bar is also one of few in the city to air American sports, though it wasn't able to air the U of A’s Saturday Final Four game.
Wildcats pride on display at CocoVail Beer Hall in Barcelona.
“It’ll be close to three in the morning here when it starts, so we just can’t stay open that late,” Carrasco said.
The bar welcomes University of Arizona students and alumni to take part in a tradition that’s grown over the years: gluing CatCards to a wall inside the space.
“I’ve heard they’re going digital now, but it’s been fun to watch them go up,” Carrasco said.
Coco Vail is located at Carrer d’Aragó 284, Barcelona, Spain.
