Bars & cafes – All our local tips

The busy Cafe Comercial is just off the Bilbao metro stop and by Madrid standards, huge. It’s central location makes it a great meeting place while the uniformed waiters are attentive.

You can feel the history of the cafe that has been around since 1887 – it was a meeting place for literary and artistic gatherings after the civil war (1939) and the second floor is still home to the Cafe Comercial Chess Club.

On nice days, they put tables out on the sidewalk. They have an extensive snack menu with sandwiches, and sliced ham and cheese, not to mention the variety of beverages to choose from. The prices vary from outdoor terrace to bar to tables.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Café Comercial | Bars, Coffee & tea | Sandwiches € 2.50
Glorieta Bilbao 7 | Chueca & Malasaña | +34915215655
Mon 07:30 – 00:00, Tue – Thu 07:30 – 01:00, Fri 07:30 – 02:00, Sat 08:30 – 02:00, Sun 09:00 – 00:00

Café, lounge, bar, concerts and late night club – Café La Palma has it all.

It’s a standard in the late night activity bordering Malasaña. During the early evening, the café part serves up coffee, tea or “infusions” of fresh mint. In one of the sitting areas you’ll find clusters of chairs and tables with local art on the walls, while the other one is more Moroccan in style with low tables and cushions to recline on. In the back, there is a long dance floor with a stage for early evening concerts (tickets are required for some concerts, prices average around 8 euros).

As the night goes on, a DJ sets up and the place turns into a dance club. The atmosphere changes nightly depending on the DJ or bands and the fresh mint reappears in their acclaimed mojito.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Café La Palma | Bars, Music | Mojito € 8.00
Calle La Palma 62 | Chueca & Malasaña | +34915225031
Daily 16:00 – 03:00

This is one of my favourite cafes for going out during the week. It gets crowded, lets you meet very different people from all cultures, and it´s located in the heart of the city. Just a few meters behind Café del Real (see the Café del Real article), Café Madrid is also near Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor. They serve an assortment of beers and wines in a pleasant atmosphere.

The reason why I usually go there is that, since 2000, every Wednesday there is what is called an International Evening. So either if you´re a local and you´d like to practise other languages, or you´re just visiting the city and you don´t know anyone, this is the place!!

In Café Madrid I find people from different countries, languages and cultures. Actually, language exchanges are getting popular in the city. We call them “intercambios” and they offer people the chance to practice their language skills with “native” speakers.

The madrileño´s guy who came up with the idea of these meetings at Café Madrid also acts as the host of the evening and helps with introductions. So don´t worry  if you´re shy, as he´ll give you a little stick with the language you want to practice, for everybody to know. It´s pretty similar as what they do at O´Neills (see the O’Neills article) but in a different day of the week.

Trust me, it is the cheapest way to practice a foreign language!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Café Madrid | Bars
Escalinata s/n | Sol
Language exchanges Wed 21:00 – till late

It is just a great place where you can find different kind of people. Actually it is quite eclectic,  great for weekends, you can spend hours in the terrace (even in winter!) reading the newspaper enjoying breakfast until 17:00 if you find a table because it is usually quite crowded!

There are concerts the last Thursdays of every month and DJ’s sessions the first Sundays of the month. Sometimes there are photo exhibits as well as paintings exhibits.

The food is correct and drinks are good and the cocktails are great. You can have the typical “pomada” of the Balearic Islands (popular drink made out of gin and lemon), but also “mojito” or caipirinha.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Café Mahón | Bars, Music, Snacks | Meal € 15.00
Plaza Dos de Mayo, 4 | Chueca & Malasaña | +34915324756
Mon – Thu 12:00 – 01:30, Fri – Sun 12:00 – 03:00

Best visited in warmer weather, this tiny pedestrian street near Conde Duque has several tapa restaurants to choose from. My favorite sight is seeing a group of older Spanish women enjoying their afternoon cañas (beers), a tradition that starts in teir youth and never stops. You’ll also find couples smooching and families pushing strollers.

For restaurants, you can choose from the more contemporary Canela that has brie and foie options, or Taberna de la Canasta and Tabernilla del Leon which offer more standard croquettas and fried potatoes. Calle Cristo is perfect to have a late afternoon or early evening snack before hitting the bars nearby or strolling down Gran Via.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Calle Cristo | Bars, Coffee & tea, Snacks, Restaurants | Tapa € 8.00
Calle Cristo | Gran Via & Princesa
10:00 – 23:00 daily

Located across from the post office in Plaza de Cibeles, Casa America is also a beautiful and majestic building, encompassing an old palace, a restaurant, film and lecture theatres and exhibition space.

Their main goal is to share American culture (both South and North) with Spain. There is always something going on, be it a photography exhibition from Mexico, an independent film from the US or a singer from Argentina.

There are tours of the old palace that must be reserved ahead of time (€ 7.00) and a film and concert schedule with small to big acts. Concert and film prices vary depending on the gig, but exhibitions are free.

The entrance is on the backside of the building (walk up Castellana).

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Casa America | Art & culture, Bars, Cinemas, Coffee & tea, Music | Free
Plaza de la Cibeles, 2 | Gran Via & Princesa | +34915954800
Mon – Sat 11:00 – 20:00, Sun 11:00 – 15:00

Chapandaz is a famous pub/bar in Madrid that has been open for many years. When you get to this original place, you find out that you seem to be in a big and warm cave. It is safe to say that the decoration is amazing and you feel really comfortable. You can listen to good and soft music.

Here you can choose a lot of drinks, from a simple beer to Chapandaz’ most well-known drink, called ‘Leche de Pantera’ with rum, milk, cinnamon and secret ingredients. Also you can order for this drink in many sizes!

For short, we can say that Chapandaz is the ideal place to go with your friends after a dinner to start the night.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Chapandaz | Bars, Music
Calle Fernando el Católico 77 | Moncloa & Arguelles | +34915492968
22:00 – 03:30 daily

There is a 1 euro charge per person to enter the café which seems ridiculous at first, but the food prices are reasonable and I always leave thinking I got the bargain. On weekends, pay another euro and go up to the rooftop terrace to enjoy a spectacular view of Madrid. It’s breathtaking.

The Circulo de Bellas Artes (The Circle of Fine Arts) is a beautiful old building from 1880; back in the day there was a student named Pablo Picasso who took painting classes. Now they offer daily events ranging from classical to contemporary music concerts, dance performances, art exhibits and films, but my favorite part is the cafe because it sums up all of the modern “artsiness” and classic glamour.

It’s a cool place to hang out and talk about art, or if you don’t know about art, the things that you like.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Circulo de Bellas Artes | Art & culture, Bars, Restaurants (Spanish) | Entry € 1.00
C/ Alacala 42 | Gran Via & Princesa | +34913605400
Mon – Thu 09:00 – 01:00, Sat – Sun 09:00 – 03:00

Living up to every jazz club’s expectations, El Junco starts late and keeps things very laid back.

The smoky atmosphere is packed full of musicians, students and other cool-looking people. It’s jazz, man. Saturday nights are purely DJs; Sunday nights are reserved for the blues, appropriately so for those of us who have to work on Mondays; while Tuesday nights are jam sessions for local musicians.

Between sets DJs spin jazzy beats – sometimes more funky, sometimes more electronic, but the live shows will have you tapping your feet, snapping your fingers and possibly scatting if you’ve had enough drinks.

Entrance is free except Friday and Saturday after 01:30, but it can fill up fast depending on the night. Check the website for the monthly line up of events.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
El Junco | Art & culture, Bars, Music | Fancy drink € 8.00
Plaza Santa Bárbara 10 | Chueca & Malasaña | +34913192081
23:00 – 06:00 daily

El Macetero is a unusual bar in Moncloa, where you can drink whatever you want. However, the most important thing that makes it different from the rest of bars in Madrid, is, as well indicated its name, the drink is served in flowerpots. Yes, flowerpots!

The size of the drinks depends on the flowerpot that we choose whose names are related with studies. From minor to major we find (as the grade in an exam):  aprobado (C), notable (B), sobresaliente (A), matrícula (magna cum laude), doctorado (doctorate), catedrático (professor) and el Gran Macetero (The Large Flowerpot).

What size do you dare to choose? Remember that here you are evaluated by the size of your drink, not your knowledge!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
El Macetero | Bars
Calle del Arcipreste de Hita 12 | Moncloa & Arguelles | +34915443528
10:00 – 01:00 daily

This bar is ideal for young people and for everyone who wants to have a great time with friends. The reason? Because is a little and narrow place that is constructed in a kind of basement, so the roof is not high at all and this increases the feeling of overwhelmed.

On the menu you can find the classical Spanish omelet – or how we call it here “Tortilla de patatas“- with a lot of sauces and varieties. Also you can eat tapas (Spanish traditional food). But you must taste at least their tortilla de patatas.

There is a reason they call it The King!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
El Rey de las Tortillas | Bars, Restaurants (Tapas)
Andrés Mellado 16 | Moncloa & Arguelles | +34915540250
13:30 – 16:30 & 21:00 – 00:00 daily

I’m almost afraid to post my secret jamón supply online, but jamón is for sharing, so here goes.

Deep in the center of Madrid, El Rincón Iberico has some of the best Extremaduran ham, cheese and wine at very reasonable prices. The place itself doesn’t look like much and it can fill up with smoke and a crowd if there is a big show at Sala El Sol (check the Sala El Sol article) next door, but most of the time it’s pretty mellow with a few locals hanging out at the bar.

The lunch specials are a good deal for enjoying at one of the few tables in the cramped dining area, but my favorite jamón de bellota (ham made from pigs that ate only acorns) is amazing and goes well with a glass of red wine – and it’s all priced very reasonably.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
El Rincón Iberico | Bars, Snacks, Restaurants (Spanish) | Plate of ham € 7.00
Calle de los Jardines 7 | Sol | +34915233917
Mon – Fri 09:00 – 00:30, Sat 12:00 – 17:00 & 20:00 – 02:00 (August closed)

El Tigre is a bar near Gran Via avenue in Madrid, that is always full of young people, students and Erasmus guys. Here you can have a drink with your friends for a correct price and the waiter gives you a little sort of Spanish traditional food: potatoes with sauces, bread with ham and potatoes omelet (traditional Spanish: tortilla de patatas)

You should know that you have to be patient and it is important to don’t get to this place really hungry because you will probably have to wait. The “sport” of this place is to catch a waiter for order something to drink.

Don’t stress yourself! Just take a breath and enjoy the moment.

Enjoy your meal!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
El Tigre | Bars, Restaurants (Tapas)
Calle Infantas 30 | Gran Via & Princesa | +34918819901
Wed – Mon 12:00 – 02:30

The most important thing of this little bar is the large amount of board games that are available for the customers (cards, ludo, chess, monopoly,…). Without a doubt, this is a good way to spend the afternoons with friends.

The weekends after 20:00 it’s completely crowded. People love to start the night playing with Trivial or Risk. They have magazines too and the music (very good music) is never loud so you can have a nice chat while playing.

If you come here, you must taste their milkshakes (chocolate, vanilla and strawberry) and their chocolates. They have a very tasty orange chocolate. The only thing that you won’t find here is something to eat; so if you want to have a game please, eat before you come.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Estar Café | Bars, Relaxing | Milkshakes € 3.70
Calle San Vicente Ferrer 20 | Chueca & Malasaña | +34914486087
Mon – Thu 20:00 – 02:00, Fri – Sun 18:00 – 03:00

Very creamy, natural, handmade and tempting in every season.

The ice creams of Heladería La Romana are simply delicious. I hardly recommend the pistachio one but not always you can find it because the flavours are constantly changing.

Indeed, some fruit flavours are only available if it’s the right season. For winter you also have semi-cold ice cream (less cold that the common ice creams) and cioccolata calda, excellent hot chocolate.

I love the one that have hazelnuts. Of course, you can take away the products or eat them seating in the shop that is modern and comfortable with a big showcase. These are not cheap but I think a visit is worth it.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Heladería La Romana | Bars, Coffee & tea, Snacks
Santa Engracia 155 | Chamberi | +34915331495
Depends on the season

It has everything. This Irish Pub is different from the others you will find in Madrid. Obviously it has – like the others – a pool table and a big plasma screen to watch the matches. But there is much more.

After entering the pub you will believe that you have been moved to a cosy street in a lost village in Ireland. It’s always decorated matching the period of the year (you must go during Christmas and Halloween, you will be surprised!). Its stone floor and the streetlamp welcome you.

If you want to feel at home you must go upstairs and get into the room where you will find a chimney; sit down on one of the large rocking chairs and enjoy a cup of coffee or have a delicious dinner.

If you can, don’t miss the opportunity to listen to some live music. You won’t regret it!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Irish Rover | Bars, Music, Relaxing | Cocktails € 7.00
Avenida de Brasil 7 | Castellana | +34915974811
Mon – Thu 12:00 – 03:00, Fri – Sun 12:00 – 05:00

Madrid’s best second-hand English bookstore also has beer, coffee, quiz nights, snacks and great company.

J&J Books and Coffee is a well-known local haven for expats to collapse into friendly English conversations (Spanish is also spoken!) and to buy second-hand books. Wednesday and Thursday nights are “intercambio” nights to chat alternatively in Spanish and English, while Friday night turns into the rowdiest collection of intellectuals competing at trivia.

During the day the upstairs bar ranges from mellow to lively for coffee drinkers and book perusers, while the downstairs is full of thousands of books.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
J&J Books and Coffee | Art & culture, Bars, Coffee & tea, Shopping | Coffee € 1.25
Espiritu Santo, 47 | Chueca & Malasaña | +34915218576
Mon – Thu & Sat 11:00 – 00:00, Fri 11:00 – 02:00, Sun 16:00 – 22:00

Jazz music is perfect for any kind of weather and any type of mood. So if we combine this music with an intimate, cosy bar, we will get a perfect combination. This is the best example.

Jazz bar is located in a very central part of the city (The Prado Museum, Thyssen Museum and Reina Sofía’s Museum are close). In its same building a very famous Spanish playwright called Leandro Fernández de Moratín was born.

It opened almost 30 years ago and mostly locals go there. In fact, I can say I have never seen a foreigner in this place. You definitely have to know where it is to find it, as it is kind of hidden.

I usually go here after a nice dinner. It is a warm place where you can sit on comfortable sofas in front of a coffee or an alcoholic drink. Some people prefer to just sit close to the bar tender and have a chat with him.

Amazing jazz music, cocktails, soft and alcoholic drinks!! Just be careful because it is a small venue and it gets crowded really fast.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Jazz Bar | Bars
Moratín, 35 | Sol | +34914297031
15:00 – 02:30 daily

This retro style pub (even kitsch with pieces of leopard patterned in some walls) is almost hidden in a street close to Gran Via. It has a long wooden bar in a narrow space just at the entrance. But at the back you find a cosy lounge with little tables and comfortable stools.

It’s a really nice place to take a cocktail and chat with friends, among other reasons, because the music are enough low and the lights of the old-fashioned lamps are faint and warm. The clients are cool people in their thirties, mainly.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Jose Alfredo | Bars, Music | Beer € 3.00
Silva 22 | Gran Via & Princesa | +34915214960
Mon – Sat 18:00 – 02:30, Sun 20:30 – 02:30

Just off of busy Fuencarral, La Ardosa always has a pleasant jazzy atmosphere filled with typical Spanish scents.

The bar is packed with paraphernalia dating back to 1892 when it was founded – a picture of the owner’s family, famous people who have stopped in over the years, a board showing the results of their Guinness drinking contest (can you top 14 pints?!) and reprints of Goya’s “Caprichos” prints (silly, sometimes vulgar whimsical images).

They serve some of my favorite tapas; sliced ham from pigs who have only eaten acorns (Jamon de bellota), dried tuna (Mojama – tuna jerky!), and a thick version of gazpacho called Salmorejo. The “raciones” are big here, so you can ask for a “media-ración” instead of a full plate.

If the bar looks full from the street, push through the crowd, duck under the bar, and try the back room which is not accessible any other way.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
La Ardosa | Bars, Snacks, Restaurants (Tapas) | Salmorejo € 3.75
Calle Colon 13 | Chueca & Malasaña | +34915214979
08:30 – 02:30 daily, August 11:30 – 02:30 daily

Whoever says there’s no place in Madrid where they play real Blues music, doesn’t know “La Coquette”

This is a charming bar where you can find live Blues concerts many days of the week; however for its dimensions it will seems impossible to you to believe that concerts can take place; but they do! And the concerts are very different from the others you can find anywhere.

This bar is the kind that you will call “divebar”. A door, a stairs that goes down and a sort of grotto where there are a bar and three connecting caves. In the first cave there’s the bar, in the second cave there’s little tables and the stage and in the third cave there’s stools and a side view of the stage.

As I said, this place is very charming. And every night is crowded!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
La Coquette | Bars, Music
Calle de las Hileras 14 | Sol | +34915308095
20:00 – 02:30 daily

The first time I entered in La Flauta Mágica, it seamed to me some kind of antique, old-fashioned English pub, both the interior decoration when dominate the mirrors and dark green colours and the clients. But now, I really enjoy this pub.

I think is pleasant, close, and entertaining for all the activities that take place along the week. Story tellers, concerts, Mus (very popular Spanish card game) championships…

The pub is divided in two parts. First, the long bar and then, the dark space for seating for a drink, where you can enjoy performances. The performance area can be altered to the needs of artists, by for example adding a piano.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
La Flauta Mágica | Art & culture, Bars, Coffee & tea, Music | Beer € 3.00
Alcántara 49 | Salamanca Area | +34914012896
18:00 – 03:00 daily

If you are looking for a quiet café, this is it! This is the perfect place to spend an afternoon just reading a good book or having a good conversation with friends.

The café is peaceful and the service is really nice. The prices are very low and you can also have a game of pool or darts. Just come and relax yourself.

The best? Their milkshakes. You will love them!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
La Hemeroteca | Bars, Coffee & tea, Relaxing
Avenida Filipinas 14 | Moncloa & Arguelles | +34915343483
11:00 – 02:00 daily

It´s not a certain street what I would like to recommend here. It is not a bar or a particular coffee shop. It is La Latina itself on a Sunday morning. People sitting on the floor sunbathing with a beer in their hand; people playing the guitar or just chatting. The neighbourhood changes completely and it is full of activity. A combination of tapas, sun, drinks and a late breakfast. Everybody is sleepy on a Sunday morning…

I personally enjoy Sundays here. It does not matter if it is summer o winter. It is another way of feeling the flavour of the city. Everywhere you go, there is always the same positive mood, exactly the same type of vibration.

There is no exact spot I can recommend, as every corner has a different and fantastic touch. It is my plan after the Rastro, the traditional open air market. And definitely it seems to be everybody’s plan to spend the sunny weekend time in the street.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
La Latina | Bars | Free
Every single corner | Lavapies & Latina
Sun 12:00 – 00:00

This place has a very special decoration. It’s all about the ocean and it has pictures from sailing ships. “La Sultana” is the name of a ship that the establishment’s owners have.

This is a suitable place if you want to spend the night with friends enjoying and chatting with good music and a charming environment. It has a young atmosphere. Especially the days when there’s a football match it gets very crowded.

It has a pizzeria integrated inside, a perfect opportunity to have dinner with friends and taste their delightful ‘nachos’ & ‘pizzas’. Their prices are reasonable.

It stands out, above all, for its rum list; they have more than 20 types of different rum cocktails. You must taste them!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
La Sultana | Bars, Music | Cocktail € 5.00
Calle Melendez Valdes 51 | Moncloa & Arguelles | +34915438181
13:00 – 03:00 daily

Just the place to go to have great cocktails and cool music! You can find many different kinds of people, from Cirque du Soleil actors to writers.

You can grab a bite while listening how the DJ Jaimote puts a record on… The “croquetas” are really yummy.

The place is great to have an after work or after diner drink, especially a mojito or a glass of champagne, and to enjoy a relaxing conversation with good music.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
La Turba | Bars, Music, Snacks | Cocktails € 10.00
C/ del Conde de Xiquena, 3 | Chueca & Malasaña | +34915221813
Mon – Thu 16:00 – 01:30, Fri – Sat 16:00 – 02:00

Known as one of director Almodovar’s favorite hang outs in the 80s, this bar has staying power like no other – “la via lactea” means “the milky way” and it is way out there.

The two floors are packed with punk rock posters and classic 1950s images like RinTinTin and pinup girls. The DJs follow suit with a range of early rock to modern alternative rock – think Buddy Holly, Stevie Wonder, Nirvana and Spoon. Somehow it works, drawing a mixed crowd of young and old hipsters.

From 21:00 to midnight there are a few definites with the musical selection: Wednesdays are specifically geared towards rockabilly, Thursdays are disco and weekends are “profilactea” – a mix of all things cool.

I especially dig the place on the weekends because they open the upstairs for smokers and the downstairs for nonsmokers (not strictly enforced unfortunately).

Details about this spot (Show on map)
La Via Lactea | Bars, Music | Bottled beer € 3.50
C/ Velarde 18 | Chueca & Malasaña
Summer 22:00 – 03:30 daily | Winter Mon – Fri 18:00 – 03:00, Sat – Sun 20:00 – 03:00

More than just a cafe, this old staple of Madrid is a music and poetry venue. Almost every famous songwriter, musician, and poet has passed through this decadent and charming hangout.

It´s actually one of my favourites because every time I go, it reminds me all its history. The building started as a cow house, then it changed into a wine house and used to be the place where Journalists and writers gathered.

From 1975, it is a cafe. It has an “L” shape so when you first enter there´s a bar and, if you walk further, you´ll find a small stage for the shows. On this stage there is still a real “pianola” dated from the beginning of the last century. And it works!

Most of the very popular Spanish singer-songwriters as Pedro Guerra, Rosana, Tontxu or Kiko Tovar started here. Nowadays, it´s a very well known cafe in Spain and Latin America. Not only that: right now you can enjoy storytelling for adults, photography and painting exhibitions or poetry reading, as the selection varies depending on the day. Its owner, Ricardo del Olmo, is promoting new talents and wants to consider this place as a cultural reference. I think he´s doing a great job!

Café Libertad 8 is located close to a lot of bars, in the Chueca district, so it could be the beginning of a long night out in the city! Enjoy!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Libertad 8 | Art & culture, Bars, Music
C/ Libertad 8 | Chueca & Malasaña | +34915321150
Mon – Fri 17:00 – 02:30, Sat 18:00 – 03:00, Sun 15:00 – 00:30

Having a good beer and a ‘pintxo’ makes oneself think that the world seems such a perfect place. Here you find some of the examples that the Basque cuisine can cook: the pintxos!

There are a lot of them: hot, cold; savoury, sweet; with fish, with meat,… the most difficult thing here is to figure out what they are made of. This is how it works: you choose what pintxo you want to eat and at the end you must show to the waiter how many toothpicks you have (each pintxo has one toothpick) and then you pay for it.

A good way of have something to eat, varied, and not expensive at all. Enjoy your meal!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Lizarrán | Bars, Restaurants (Basque cuisine) | Pintxo € 1.50
Calle Princesa 13 | Gran Via & Princesa | +34915416450
09:00 – 23:30 daily

Breakfasts, meals, snacks, dinner, dance…… you can almost spend the day at Lolina’s….just in front of Home Burger (see this article).

The place has WIFI and you can spend hours surfing the net with a great cup of a wide variety of teas and an AMAZING cheesecake…. You are allowed to take your dog, which is not very common in Madrid (the city is not very dog friendly!). The place is decorated with vintage furniture and it is very cosy. You have also WIFI.

Downstairs you can celebrate the “guateques” (common Spanish word for a 60s and 70s party).

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Lolina | Bars, Music | Breakfast € 4.00
C/ Espíritu Santo, 9 | Chueca & Malasaña | +34667201169
Mon – Fri 09:00 – 01:00, Sat: 10:00 – 02:00

In some restaurants and bars, the quality of the dishes and drinks is less important to me than the way in which they are served.

In Los Aros II, what I value more is firstly the kindness and familiar treatment of the waiters and secondly the generous and good tapas that they serve to you with a simple beer (1,30 euros). Good tortilla, good Spanish ham, mussels and so on.

Los Aros II is a typical tavern in a location that is not well frequented, but it has loyal clients because it’s a nice place to chat, eat something fast or drink. They have the typical montaditos (little sandwiches with Spanish bread) from 3,25, big sandwiches and a wide range of plates and wines, that are exposed over the bar.

Los Aros II is also a restaurant, separated by a panel from the bar. There you can eat the homemade style daily menu or take an informal dinner. There’s another Los Aros in Berruguete Street, but I haven’t visited it.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Los Aros II | Bars, Restaurants (Tapas) | Daily menu € 9.00
Tenerife 15 | Chamberi | +34915352594
Sun – Fri 09:30 – 01:00

This is one of these lovely places in Madrid that combines books with drinks, magic with a great atmosphere. Nostalgia and vanguard in the same room, full of antiques on the walls. Images from the first Holy Communion, pictures in black and white, old furniture… There is a careful selection of champagnes that you can mix with fruits, sweets and other surprises.

And of course, always something new going on in María Pandora. And they are even on Facebook!

It’s also possible to celebrate your birthday party or even your wedding because they know how to arrange all details. There are exhibitions, cultural events and good music. From Portuguese fado to chançon francaise (from the 50´s), or blues.

Don´t miss their funny menu, where you can find what they call “cosquillas” (”tickling”) with cava, liquor, tenderness…Or just try any of their non alcoholic drinks and you will enjoy the sugar on top of the glass.

This mixture of coffee shop- champagne shop – book shop (three in one) was created in 1995. Inspired in the fantasy of the theatre, it has a relaxed atmosphere, full of good vibrations. It is definitely a wonderful way to start the evening by candlelight.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
María Pandora | Bars | Cocktail € 6.00
Plaza de Gabriel Miró, 1 | Lavapies & Latina | +34913640039
19:00 – 02:00 (or later) daily

Melo’s is one of the old stand-bys of Lavapies, it’s been around forever and the menu has never changed. Famous for their “Zapatilla” (Sneaker/Trainer) sandwich, it is possibly the largest sandwich in Madrid made out of a giant loaf of bread that looks like a shoe, filled with ham and melted cheese. It’s big enough for several people to share, which leaves room for everyone to try the Pimientos del Padrón – little green peppers sautéed with a bit of salt. But be careful; as the saying goes, some of them are spicy and others aren’t!

The place is always packed, just cram in to find a space to stand or sit, scream out your order to the guy behind the counter, and be sure to get a few bottles of the house wine, which is drunk out of small bowls as they do in Galicia. I love Melo’s communal spirit and it’s by far the best place to go if you’re hungry enough to eat a shoe.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Melo’s | Bars, Restaurants (Gallego) | Giant sandwich € 9.00
Calle Ave María 44 | Lavapies & Latina | +34915275054
Tue – Sat 20:00 – 02:00

The “Mercado de San Miguel” is one of the oldest covered markets in Madrid, it was recently refurbished and now offers and whole new concept of market. You can actually go and buy good meat, fruits, and fish among others things… you can also have oysters with a glass of wine while reading a book bought in the library recently opened inside the place.

The Market is almost one hundred years old (it was inaugurated in 1916) and has gained a new appearance, although you can recognize the metal structure of its original construction. Located near “la Plaza Mayor“, it has certainly become the soul of the square!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Mercado de San Miguel | Bars, Snacks, Restaurants
Plaza San Miguel | Lavapies & Latina
10:00 – 22:00 daily

Just down from the Mercado de San Miguel (check the San Miguel article) , the Mesón del Champiñon is a cave with fungi-esque decor.

They specialize in fantastic mushrooms drenched in olive oil, garlic and adorned with bits of chorizo, but in addition to the tapas, you get entertainment. There is a guy playing the electric piano for tips and you can make song requests (his repertoire is vast, but random) and then sing along group-style.

The last time I was there a microphone was taken out for a few customers who reminded me of characters from an Almodóvar film; they sang Spanish ballads, danced and we applauded.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Mesón del Champiñon | Bars, Music, Restaurants (Tapas) | Mushroom tapas € 6.00
Cava de San Miguel 17 | Sol | +34915596790
Spring – Summer Sun – Thu 18:00 – 01:30, Fri – Sat 18:00 – 02:30
Winter lunch 12:00 – 16:00

Plastered with Ramones souvenirs, you get both visual and audio blitz of the Ramones in Nueva Visión. The actual band members have all been there at least once (the whole band was there in 1992).

Pronounced /ra-mon-Es/ in Spanish, the Ramones are dearly loved and daresay, worshipped here. The bar is small, smokey and loud, but a total anomaly with its strong and selective theme.

If you’re a rocker or a closet rocker like some of us, you’ll have a blast dancing to “I wanna be Sedated” and other punk rock hits (it’s not ALL Ramones).  And finally, if you are a really big fan of the Ramones, you can buy your Madrid fan club paraphernalia at the bar.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Nueva Visión | Bars, Music | T-shirt € 12.00
Calle Velarde 5 | Chueca & Malasaña
Wed – Sat 21:00 – 03:30

This is not Ireland, but you can feel like being in that country for a few hours. O´Neills is the typical Irish pub located in the heart of Madrid. So why will a “madrileña” go there?

Very simple, as there are multiple reasons. For example, every Tuesday night, after 22:00, there’s an “intercambio” night at O’ Neills. An “intercambio” night is a night when you meet people from other countries to improve your languages. More than 20 nationalities gather, that’s why I sometimes go there to meet new people, practise my English speaking skills and have a drink.

Not only that: every Friday night, there are free concerts, from old classics to most recent hits. And for those who like sports, all the major and European leagues are shown live on two big screens. (Trust me, it gets really crowded when there´s a football match!)

I don´t normally go there for food, but you can try their Irish breakfast, the famous Fish N’ Chips or the loaded baked potato. There´re also sandwiches, salads and a huge variety of “Finger food”. Obviously, most of the people also go to O’Neills for the beer. So those who miss a good Irish pint won’t be disappointed!!

A good option for a genuine Irish ambiance in the heart of the city…

Details about this spot (Show on map)
O´Neills | Bars
C/ Príncipe, 12 | Sol | +34915212030
Sun – Thu 13:00 – 03:00, Fri – Sat 12:00 – 03:30

Plaza de Olavide is considered to be the center of the Chamberí neighborhood, which makes sense because decades ago it used to house the local fruit and vegetable market.

I like to think of it as the ‘people’s plaza’ because it is secluded away from busy streets and is usually bustling with people walking dogs, going for tapas, meeting before going to the cinema or after shopping along Calle Fuencarral.

The surrounding restaurants are all typical Spanish joints, while the center of the plaza has benches and a fountain, perfect to sit and people watch.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Plaza de Olavide | Bars, Relaxing, Snacks | Free
Plaza de Olavide | Chamberi
24 hours daily

This is the right place for your weekend night fever… Magic and fun in insured.

Thirty years opened in  Madrid´s nights, one of the downtown ‘must’. Disco, Djs´ sessions, live concerts…

Since the beginning this lounge and concert hall has had its own personality and always trying to have the best  alternative bands playing for their  audience.

Now there is an Anti-Karaoke Night, a sort of mad Wednesday night, full of rock, underground and show music, directed by Rachel Arieff a great master of the Madrid show-business.

You will find a large queue but it will be worthwhile. The entrance is only € 7.00 and the average drink is €5.00.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Sala El Sol | Bars, Music | Ticket entrance € 9.00
Calle de los Jardines 3 | Sol | +34915326490
Tue – Sat 00:00 – 05:30

Savoy is an original and special place: it is divided in two!

When you get into it you find the Bar Zone, a spacious room with a large bar in the middle of the lounge. It is very comfortable because of the faint light and the music that is not too loud. There is also a dartboard you can play with.

The Disco Zone is inside, crossing the corridor. There is a bar (more little than the other one), a dance floor in the middle and a couple of sofas at the back of the room. It is not very large but you can dance perfectly. The atmosphere of this room seems to be like an ancient house, with its big drapes, columns, chimney, mirrors… very charming!

And the most curious thing: on Wednesday you can learn to dance Salsa! Don’t you want to try it?

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Savoy | Bars, Music | Beer € 5.00
Calle Melendez Valdés 28 | Moncloa & Arguelles | +34914444162
22:00 – 02:00 daily

The name of this tavern comes from an almond tree that Rodrigo de Vargas (a descendant of Saint Isidro, Madrid´s patron saint) used to have in his gardens. When the street was built, the tree was left in the middle. And they cut it in 1742.

This tavern is owned by a guy from Cadiz and he knows how to prepare a good meal. Oh, Gosh!! Sundays are the best days for having a stroll around La Latina and hang out for “tapas y cañas”. Taberna El Almendro is one of my favourite places during the late lunch time. It is a fantastic place for a beer or a glass of white wine (here there´re no red wines or rose wines) with green olives.

It´s normally really crowded, more than usual. But I find it part of its magic, as every time you go, you have to figure out how to take a seat or a spot for your meal. So first you check if there is room for you, and then you order your meal. They will shout your name when it will be ready. For the drinks, you just ask the bar tender and pay straight away.

Don´t miss their famous “patatas con huevos estrellados” (potatoes with fried eggs) and their “roscas” (bread rolls filled with Iberian ham, sobrasada or liver morcilla… Mmmmmm… delicious!!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Taberna El Almendro | Bars | Main meal € 15.00
Calle Almendro 13 | Lavapies & Latina | +34913654252
Mon – Fri 13:00 -16:00 & 19:30 – 00:00, Sat – Sun 13:00 -17:00 & 20:00 -01:00

The Los Angeles Tavern is an all-around typical Spanish experience.

Known amongst my friends as the “cheese fries place” for the french fries drenched in cabrales cheese (like blue cheese), the menu carries standard tapas and family-style platters full of jamón or chorizo for sharing.

Also featured is Asturian cider – the “natural” one is slightly bitter that your waiter will show you how to pour from great distances. Personally, I prefer the sweet cider, but anything goes well with cheese fries.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Taberna Los Angeles | Bars, Restaurants (Spanish) | Cheese fries € 6.00
Costanilla Los Ángeles 8 | Sol | +34915423438
11:00 – 01:00 daily

Arabs inhabited the Iberian Peninsula for eight centuries. Christians that live in Arabic territory of Al-Andalus some centuries ago were called mozárabes. This can help you understand what this tabern is: Spanish with an Arab air.

Here you can find good tapas as “Croquetas de jamón” (€7.50), “Tostas de paté casero” (€2.80), “Carne asada a la pimienta” (€7.00) in a warm ambient.

They have a few wooden tables, arab-inspired lamps, brick walls and wonderful stained-glass windows. Ideal for cold afternoons for eating something and drink a liquor, wine or a the.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Taberna Mozárabe | Bars, Coffee & tea, Snacks | Coffee € 1.40
c/ Reyes 6 | Gran Via & Princesa
Mon – Sat 11:00 – 02:30

Alfil is a mix between comercial and alternative theatre. This small place in the city centre is almost totally dedicated to humour, not to expensive productions, not classic plays, but usually little and always funny performances , most of the times without another objective that pure entertaiment. Each season Alfil repeats in the program some successful performances of previous years.

There are some companies that are there every year: Yllana (they are as well the owners of Alfil), Impromadrid, Sexpeare… Some of the plays are difficult to understand if you don’t speake Spanish. However, some others, (Yllana’s plays, for example) are based in gestual theatre, so it’s not necessary know the language. The place has a bar to have a drink before the show.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Teatro Alfil | Bars, Theaters | From € 12.00
Pez 10 | Chueca & Malasaña | +34915214541
Tue – Sun

View Madrid Chueca & MalasaÃ