Here at ProjecTravel we usually don’t slam establishments, instead we try and offer you insight into the places that are exceptional, more fun, and all around set a high standard of quality or offer something special, but when Javier sent us in this review, we just had to publish it as we’re 100% on board when it comes to his take on this Barcelona establishment.

BY JAVIER TORRES

Barcelona is filled with good nightlife, and there’s undeniably a place for everyone in this city, but one place stands out from among the rest, however not in the good way, this place is Otto Zutz, located on C/ Lincoln 15 in the area that borders Gracia & St. Gervasi.

From the outside you’d think it to be like any club out there, except that once inside it’s total utter rubbish. Where shall we start to defame this “legendary” Barcelona institution.

Let’s start with the operations. If you call ahead, you get on the “VIP” list and enter free, if you don’t expect to pay up to €20 a pop for entry depending on how the guy at the door feels about you. Acceptable behaviour for a place such as 1OAK in NYC, or even Sutton on C/ Tusset here in BCN, but to fully understand why this price is ridiculous for Otto’s let’s talk about the music, the clientelle, and service.

The DJ’s at this establishment are reminiscent of Top 40 radio, included in this are poor transitions from song to song, where you the patron are left for sometimes up to half a minute listening to silence, if you’re lucky though, the DJ will make a comment about the next song set and why he thinks it a good idea to switch from house to Green Day, and then Alice in Chains before moving into Wold Come On by Bob Sinclair. Simply put it can be a cacophonous disaster.

Moving on, while on occasion you may stumble into the occasional “pijo” (preppy person), the majority of the crowd is just random, it doesn’t really fit in anywhere, very much like the music that this joint plays.

Then you’ve got the VIP area and service. Like most establishments they have a VIP area, and sure enough you can get a few bottles etc… but what’s funny about this VIP is that like the clientele it’s random, very random, from people in their 40’s and 50’s to your late teens. All those allowed in who are not bottle buyers are seemingly chosen at random. I remember an example when a few years back we wound up in the place, and my friend and I were heading to the VIP area as some friends were there, both of us had on flip flops, the bouncer let me in, but not my friend, why? His flip flops didn’t have the toe divider, they were flat, and the bouncer decided that he had on Shower Shoes, whereas I was ok to continue. Prepostrous to sat the least.

Finally, let’s get to the prices. Mind you, it’s not about paying for service, you do, CLDC, Elephant, Ribelino’s are all pricy, but they have something to offer, a good ambiance, a good DJ, and a relaxed and fun crowd. This place lacks all of those and charges prices on the same level if not in excess of the other clubs, the drinks are weak, and served in plastic cups.

I’m a lifelong Barcelona resident, and I have to say, I’ve never understood the appeal of this place.