Aug 14, 2025

Bodega de la Ardosa Madrid

Castizo spirit to the max

""Bodega de la Ardosa" in Madrid is 'castizo' -- pure, genuine. This kind of bar is in danger of extinction, so enjoy it while it's still alive!"

Castizo in Spanish has a general meaning of "pure" or "genuine". Madrid has a beautiful characteristic that may differ from other big cities and capitals of Europe. You may live in a metropolis but may sometimes feel like you're in any regular town in Spain. Bodega de la Ardosa is one of many bars which has this feeling, and is one of my favourites.

Located in the center of Chamberí, one of the epic castizo neighbourhoods of Madrid, Bodega de la Ardosa contrasts with its surrounding. Located just beside Ponzano street, full of trending, hipster, booming bars, you'll find this simple, old bar that's still surviving the global gentrification. These bars are, simply put, in danger of extinction, so enjoy them while they're still alive!

Bodega de la Ardosa has a lot of personality, because of its untouched decoration, lousy style and familial staff. You'll find people from the neighbourhood having the classic small caña accompanied with its small tapa. As the name Bodega implies, you can also buy a selection of wine they have on display in a cute corner.

This place is like a museum for me. For example, one day I saw the owner use the TV to check the teletext to get informed about the last football results. I thought teletext didn't exist anymore!

If you go, please ask for the bathroom, you basically have to go under the bar and through their stockroom. Epic.

Have one or two beers and enjoy travelling back in time.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

About this spot

Calle de Santa Engracia 70

Beer:

2

914465894

find your way in Madrid, download our app.

Find your way with 264 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Madrid guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Madrid

La Cabra en el Tejado

Gluten free for real!

The top dishes for me are the pancakes with sweet and savoury fillings (all gluten-free) and the Middle Eastern inspired offerings, especially the falafel.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Andrea

Roberts

Sep 16, 2025

Adorado Bar Ferraz

All-day brunch in Madrid

Whether you're in the mood for fluffy pancakes dripping in honey, a hearty avocado toast, or a classic eggs Benedict, Adorado Bar has you covered.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Cesar

Gonzalez

Sep 16, 2025

Piri Piri Frango

Portuguese-style grilled chicken

The heart of their offerings is the legendary piri piri sauce - a spicy, tangy concoction that elevates the succulent grilled chicken to a whole new level.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Cesar

Gonzalez

Sep 16, 2025

Arallo

Asturian-Asian Fusion in Madrid's Heart

This harmonious blend is evident in every dish, from the petite, intricately crafted bites to the more substantial, hearty plates.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Cesar

Gonzalez

Sep 16, 2025

Brutalista

Whispers of Tradition in Madrid

A standout feature is its nod to traditional Spanish cuisine with a selection of casquería (offal dishes) paying homage to age-old culinary traditions.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Cesar

Gonzalez

Sep 16, 2025

Jin Yun Shao Bing

Flavors of Jin Jun in Madrid

Unlike the pan-fried versions found closeby, their shaobing is grilled to perfection, giving it a distinct texture & flavor that's both rustic and refined.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Cesar

Gonzalez

Sep 16, 2025

La Nueva

Great bars never get old!

If you are reading this, it's because you're looking for somewhere authentic and off the tourist trail in Madrid. "La Nueva"will give you that...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Andrea

Roberts

Sep 16, 2025

Pizza Posta

Argentinian veggie pizza? Try it!

"Pizza Posta" in Lavapies, Madrid, makes Argentinian pizza - thick, pillowy and crispy on the outside...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Andrea

Roberts

Sep 16, 2025

De Vinos

A classic amongst imitations

"De Vinos" in Madrid isn't one of those 'fake' Spanish bars - no, this one is the real thing. Great place to sample national wines & traditional products.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Andrea

Roberts

Sep 16, 2025

El Ñeru

Ambassador of Asturias in Madrid

Asturian gastronomy offers some of the most comforting dishes in Spain, and "El Ñeru" restaurant is one of the best ambassadors we have in Madrid...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Cesar

Gonzalez

Sep 16, 2025

SilverwoodBloom

Lifestyle shopping in Madrid

"SilverwoodBloom" in Madrid sells an intriguing assortment of niche products and objects for beautifying your home. I simply want them all!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Andrea

Roberts

Sep 16, 2025

NAP Lavapiés

Pizzas & graffiti in Madrid

"NAP" Madrid - Neapolitan Authentic Pizza - is for eating pizza, period, and that's why the restaurant has few other options. But that's a good thing!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Cesar

Gonzalez

Sep 16, 2025

Heading to Madrid?

264 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

264 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Bars

Our team loves Madrid

Get to know our other Spotters from Madrid

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
[paywall_activator]
false
0
false
26
Made with the 💚 of 496 Spotters.
Filters