Andrea from Madrid

About Me I am a teacher and examiner who made a home in Madrid many years ago. I love live music, art, books, travel, food and dancing and am well served for all my interests in Madrid. I live on a special plane where I exist as an eternal tourist (check out Alain de Botton’s book The Art of Travel) who maintains a sense of wonder in a familiar place. I love showing people round my favourite...
Sep 15, 2025

Casa Labra Madrid

Madrid’s aperitif spot since 1860

""Casa Labra" is just off Plaza del Sol in Madrid and has remained almost unchanged since 1860. I like getting a vermut de grifo and a couple of croquetas."

I've written about the aperitivo more than once (I love it!), and the wonderful Casa Labra in the heart of Madrid is one of my very favourite aperitif spots. A leisurely lunch is a Spanish tradition, and you should start with a delicious little aperitivo to whet your appetite - Casa Labra is just the place.

This little tavern is located just off la Plaza del Sol and has remained almost unchanged since 1860. According to Wikipedia, it is famous for being the site for the foundation of the Spanish Socialist Worker's Party on May 2, 1879. Delicious food AND history!

Have a beer, wine, sherry or (my favourite) vermut de grifo, and a couple of their famous "croquetas de bacalao" (salt-cod croquettes) and a "tajada de bacalao" (a chunk of battered salt-cod). Nothing lasts forever but some places are worth fighting for, and Casa Labra is one of them, so don’t miss it!

 

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About this spot

Calle Tetuán, 12

Croqueta:

1.30

915310081

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