Redrum - Mexican Cantina - Taqueria: An Authentic Flavor in the Heart of Sants-Montjuïc
Barcelona, a city that vibrates with cosmopolitan energy and a rich cultural tapestry, is a destination where gastronomy takes center stage. Among its neighborhoods, Sants-Montjuïc stands as a melting pot of history, tradition, and modernity, offering its visitors an authentic and diverse experience. In this dynamic setting, Redrum - Mexican Cantina - Taqueria emerges, an establishment that promises to transport its diners directly to the vibrant flavors and festive atmosphere of Mexico, without leaving the Catalan capital. Strategically located at Carrer de Margarit, 36, Redrum is not just a restaurant, but a starting point for exploring the wonders of one of Barcelona's most emblematic districts.
Redrum: The Essence of Mexico in Barcelona
Redrum presents itself as an authentic Mexican cantina and taqueria, a concept that immediately evokes the warmth, color, and culinary richness of Mexico. A Mexican cantina, by tradition, is much more than a simple place to eat; it is a space for gathering, for celebration, where food merges with drink and conversation. The atmosphere is usually lively, with music, vibrant decor, and warm and hospitable service.At Redrum, one expects to find the essence of this tradition. A taqueria is the heart of Mexican cuisine, the place where corn transforms into the perfect canvas for an infinity of flavors. Tacos, the undisputed star dish, are prepared with fresh tortillas, filled with marinated meats, cochinita pibil, carnitas, suadero, al pastor, or vegetarian options, always accompanied by onion, cilantro, and a variety of salsas ranging from mild to explosive. Authenticity in a taqueria lies in the quality of its ingredients, the freshness of its preparations, and the mastery in balancing flavors.
Beyond tacos, a Mexican cantina worthy of its name will offer a selection of antojitos: quesadillas, sopes, flautas, tortilla chips with freshly made guacamole and pico de gallo. Drinks are also a fundamental part of the experience: margaritas made with quality tequila, refreshing micheladas, Mexican beers, and, of course, a good selection of tequilas and mezcales for the more adventurous palates. Redrum, in its Barcelona location, has the opportunity to fuse this rich culinary heritage with Mediterranean hospitality, creating a unique space for locals and tourists. The experience at Redrum is not just a meal, but a cultural immersion that stimulates all the senses, paving the way for a deeper exploration of the neighborhood that hosts it.## Sants-Montjuïc: A District with Soul and History
The district of Sants-Montjuïc is one of Barcelona's most extensive and diverse, spanning from the foothills of Montjuïc mountain to the old town of Sants. Its history is rich and multifaceted, marked by its industrial past, its role in major international events, and its constant evolution.
Origins and Evolution
Originally, Sants was an independent municipality with a strong industrial tradition, especially in textiles, which flourished during the 19th century. Its factories and workshops attracted a large working-class population, shaping a neighborhood with a very distinct identity. Hostafrancs, another of the core areas that make up the district, developed as a transit and commercial hub, with its famous market. Its annexation to Barcelona in the late 19th and early 20th centuries brought about urban and social integration, but both neighborhoods have managed to preserve their character and traditions.Montjuïc mountain, for its part, has historically been a strategic point for the city. Its name, believed to come from the Latin "Mons Iudaicus" (Jewish Mountain) or "Mont Jove" (Jupiter's Mountain), already denotes its antiquity and significance. Since Roman times, it has served as a fortress and observation point. Its most significant transformation began in the 20th century, especially with the 1929 International Exposition and, subsequently, with the 1992 Olympic Games, which turned it into a first-rate cultural and sports center.
Architecture and Urbanism
The district presents an interesting architectural mix. In Sants and Hostafrancs, residential buildings from the early 20th century predominate, with their characteristic interior courtyards and Modernista or Noucentista style facades. Commercial streets like Carrer de Sants, one of the longest in Europe, still retain the charm of traditional shops.In Montjuïc, the architecture is monumental and grand, reflecting the major events celebrated there. The Palau Nacional, home to the MNAC (National Art Museum of Catalonia), is an imposing example of the classicism of the 1929 Exhibition. The Poble Espanyol, an open-air architectural museum, recreates the diversity of traditional Spanish architecture. The Olympic Ring, with the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium, the Palau Sant Jordi, and Calatrava's Communications Tower, represents the modernity and vision of the '92 Games.
Culture and Traditions
Sants-Montjuïc is a vibrant neighborhood, with intense cultural and social activity. Its main festivals, especially the Festa Major de Sants in August, are famous for their decorated streets, concerts, traditional dances, and the active participation of residents. The markets, such as Mercat de Sants and Mercat d'Hostafrancs, are not just places to shop, but also meeting points and social hubs of the neighborhood, where authentic local life can be experienced.Montjuïc mountain is a vast green and cultural lung. Its numerous museums (MNAC, Fundació Joan Miró, CaixaForum), gardens (Jardí Botànic, Jardins de Laribal, Jardins de Mossèn Cinto Verdaguer), and leisure spaces (Teatre Grec, Magic Fountain) offer an inexhaustible array of options for all tastes. Poble-sec, another area of the district, has undergone a revitalization, becoming a hub of nightlife and a gastronomic mecca with its streets full of tapas bars and innovative restaurants.
Redrum's proximity to these points of interest makes the restaurant an ideal stop to refuel after a day of cultural exploration or as a prelude to a night out in the vibrant neighborhood.
Proximity Guide for Visitors to Redrum - Mexican Cantina - Taqueria
Redrum's location at Carrer de Margarit, 36, in the heart of the Sants-Montjuïc district, is privileged. It is situated in a quiet residential area yet within walking distance of important transport hubs and some of Barcelona's most emblematic points of interest.
How to Get to Redrum
Accessibility to Redrum is excellent thanks to Barcelona's extensive public transport network:* Metro: * Line 1 (Red): Hostafrancs or Plaça de Sants station. Both are about a 10-15 minute walk away. * Line 3 (Green): Plaça d'Espanya or Tarragona station. Plaça d'Espanya is an excellent option, about a 15-minute walk away, and a key point for exploring Montjuïc. * Line 5 (Blue): Plaça de Sants or Badal station. Plaça de Sants is the closest, about a 10-minute walk away.
- FGC (Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya): Plaça d'Espanya station, which connects with several lines (L8, S3, S4, S8, S9, R5, R6, R50, R60).
- Bus: Several bus lines have stops near Carrer de Margarit, connecting to different parts of the city. It is advisable to consult the TMB app for the most up-to-date routes.
- Train (Renfe Commuter Rail): Sants Estació station, one of Spain's main railway hubs, is about a 20-minute walk or a few metro/bus stops away.
Walking Routes from Redrum
Exploring the surroundings of Redrum on foot is the best way to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere and discover its treasures.
Route 1: The Local Charm of Sants and Hostafrancs
This route will take you through the daily life of the neighborhood, its markets, and commercial streets.* Points of Interest: * Hostafrancs Market (Carrer de la Creu Coberta, 93-99): About a 5-minute walk from Redrum. This modernist market, inaugurated in 1888, is an architectural gem and a nerve center of the neighborhood. Stroll through its stalls, admire the iron and glass structure, and experience the hustle and bustle of a traditional Barcelona market. * Carrer de Sants: Europe's longest shopping street, easily accessible from Hostafrancs Market. Explore its shops, from modern boutiques to century-old establishments, and feel the commercial pulse of the neighborhood. * Plaça de Sants: About a 10-15 minute walk from Redrum (passing through Carrer de Sants). It is an emblematic square, a meeting point and a venue for local events and celebrations, especially during the Festa Major.
- Estimated Distance and Time: Approximately 2-3 km, with a walking time of 1 to 2 hours, depending on stops and the time spent exploring the market and shops.
- How to get there from Redrum: Head north on Carrer de Margarit to Carrer de la Creu Coberta, where you will find Hostafrancs Market. Continue west on Carrer de Sants to reach Plaça de Sants.
Route 2: The Majesty of Montjuïc
An immersion in the history, art, and nature of Barcelona's magical mountain.* Points of Interest: * Plaça d'Espanya: Approximately a 15-minute walk from Redrum. One of Barcelona's largest and most spectacular squares, with its majestic Venetian towers and the imposing view of the Palau Nacional. It is the starting point for ascending Montjuïc. * Magic Fountain of Montjuïc: Right at the foot of the Palau Nacional. Famous for its light, water, and music shows (check schedules, they are usually at night). A must-see spectacle. * Palau Nacional / MNAC (National Art Museum of Catalonia): At the top of the Magic Fountain's cascade. It houses an impressive collection of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Modernist art. The views from its terraces are spectacular. * Poble Espanyol (Av. Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia, 13): Approximately a 10-15 minute walk from the Magic Fountain. A complex that recreates the popular architecture of different regions of Spain, with craft workshops, shops, and restaurants. * Olympic Ring (Passeig Olímpic, 17): Approximately a 15-20 minute walk from Poble Espanyol. It includes the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, the Palau Sant Jordi, and Calatrava's Communications Tower, symbols of the 1992 Olympic Games. * Barcelona Botanical Garden (Carrer del Doctor Font i Quer, 2): Near the Olympic Ring, it offers a collection of Mediterranean flora from around the world. * Montjuïc Castle (Ctra. de Montjuïc, 66): At the top of the mountain (accessible by cable car from Parc de Montjuïc or bus from Plaça d'Espanya). An old military fortress with a fascinating history and 360-degree panoramic views over the city and the sea.
- Estimated Distance and Time: This route can be quite extensive, with a total distance of 5-7 km if a large part of the mountain is covered. The estimated walking and visiting time can be 4 to 6 hours or even a full day, depending on how many museums or attractions you wish to visit. It is recommended to use the cable car or buses within Montjuïc to optimize time and energy.
- How to get there from Redrum: Walk along Carrer de Margarit heading east, then south along Carrer del Moianès or similar to reach Plaça d'Espanya. From there, ascend along Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina towards the Magic Fountain and the Palau Nacional.#### Route 3: The Vibrant Poble-sec
Explore one of the neighborhoods with the most nightlife and a growing gastronomic reputation.
- Points of Interest:
- Carrer Blai: Approximately 15-20 minutes on foot from Redrum. Famous for being Barcelona's "tapas street," with a high concentration of bars offering pinchos and tapas at affordable prices, especially at sunset.
- Avinguda del Paral·lel: A short distance from Carrer Blai. Historically, Barcelona's "Broadway," with its theaters and performance venues. Although it has changed, it remains an important cultural hub.
- Jardins de Laribal and Teatre Grec: On the slopes of Montjuïc, accessible from Poble-sec. The Jardins de Laribal are a beautiful garden with fountains and pergolas, and the Teatre Grec is an open-air amphitheater that hosts the Barcelona Grec Festival in summer.
- Estimated Distance and Time: Approximately 2-3 km, with a walking time of 1 to 2 hours, not including time spent in bars or at shows.
- How to get there from Redrum: Head east on Carrer de Margarit, then south on Carrer de la Font Florida or Carrer de Lleida to delve into the heart of Poble-sec.
Practical Tips for Visitors* Comfortable Footwear: Barcelona is a city for walking. Make sure to bring appropriate footwear, especially if you plan to explore Montjuïc.
- Opening Hours: Check the opening hours of museums and attractions, as well as the Font Màgica shows, as they may vary by season.
- Hydration: Especially in warmer months, carry water with you.
- Transport Apps: Use apps like Google Maps or the official TMB app to plan your public transport and walking routes.
- Reservations: If you plan to visit Redrum during peak hours, especially on weekends, it is advisable to book a table to secure your spot and enjoy without waiting.
