I almost never pass up a chance to see some live music, and Madrid has a lot to offer these days, although that wasn’t really the case when I first lived here. Café Central however, has had concerts every single day of the week for the last 35 years – it’s an emblematic venue. I’ve seen so many unforgettable performances in Central’s beautiful mirrored interior over the years, and I plan to see many more!
What makes it unique for me is that you can see amazing jazz artists up close and intimate – during the 2 hour concert you can be sitting within feet of the performers. You don’t need to be a massive jazz fan to be blown away by the experience. The programme changes every week; each group plays for 7 nights in a row, from 21:00 – 23:00. Ticket prices depend on who’s playing, and range from 10 – 25 euros.
Try an excellent fixed price lunch menu on the terraza now the good weather is here. It’s a great spot to sit outside, right by Plaza de Santa Ana and the popular Calle Huertas. Inside is air-conditioned if the heat gets too much for you.
At night the menu features some sandwiches named after Spanish Jazz legends such as the great Tete Montoliu, a blind Catalan pianist sadly no longer with us, or Javier Colina, one of the world’s best double bassists. They serve a great selection of beer and very decent wines as well as cocktails.
