La Mina Madrid

Family tradition in Chamberi

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...
"La Mina Madrid is a bar I've been visiting since 1990 for its speciality — grilled prawns. It's a spot to enjoy a caña and a chat with the locals..."

La Mina opened in Madrid in 1949, and some years ago the first owner's grandson took it over and renovated it while remaining true to the original spirit of the place. It was looking a little tired; now it’s stunning! Shiny black and white tiles and bare brick walls, vermouth barrels and retro touches, as well as a beautiful terraza on the tree-lined street in front.

The very first word I learned in Madrid was "caña", which is a small glass of tap beer. I was so shy speaking Spanish when I first got here, but I managed that word - can-ya! It's such a good word to know in Madrid, especially in the summer, when what you really want is a nice cold beer! They have excellent cañas in La Mina, wine by the glass from a good selection, as well as the ubiquitous vermut.

Back in 1990 I used to come to La Mina for their speciality - grilled prawns. I was delighted to see after the re-opening that prawns are still on the menu, as well as pincho morunos (grilled marinated pork on a skewer), tostas and conserved seafood. So make sure you don’t miss this Madrid old-school classic!

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

Buy one, Give one!

Share your 💚 this December

*on all products

Madrid Spotter Andrea

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 spots in Madrid but am never happier than when I am discovering new gems. Why Madrid Madrid seduced me when I first visited, with its untamed and unapologetic Spanishness. We came ...

About this spot

Calle Alvarez de Castro, 8

5 prawns:

3

914461356

Nov 24, 2025

Our Madrid City Guide

Find your way with 266 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

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

Loved it? Join us!

Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

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

Discover all other hidden gems in Madrid

Konnichiwa

Japanese street food

"Konnichiwa" is a Japanese street food restaurant in Madrid. Their specialty is the ramen with the egg, which they cook with a blowtorch at your table!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

María José

Morr

Dec 14, 2025

La Hummuseria

For hummus lovers

"La Hummuseria" is a vegetarian restaurant in Madrid made for hummus fans like me! My favourite's the one with mushrooms. Protip: say yes to the egg...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Elena

Quintero

Dec 14, 2025

Sala de Despiece

Unique gastronomique experience

"Sala de Despiece" Madrid defines itself as "a bar with a kitchen and a great tasting of raw materials". Once I was there I understood.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Elena

Quintero

Dec 14, 2025

Harvey's Cocktail Bar

Welcome to the '50s

"Harvey's Cocktail Bar" in Madrid makes me feel as if I've entered an American vintage speakeasy. Unlike new hip retro chains, this one feels authentic...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Elena

Quintero

Dec 14, 2025

Bosco de Lobos

The architects' refuge

"Bosco de Lobos" in Madrid is 'a bar that serves Italian food in a garden. It's a brunch and meeting place...' My favorite though, is their 'library'...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Elena

Quintero

Dec 14, 2025

Quesería Cultivo

You're welcome cheese lovers

"Quesería Cultivo" is a cheese shop in Madrid where you can find a wide artisanal selection. My protip: do get some bread from two numbers down the street.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Elena

Quintero

Dec 14, 2025

Tapería La Pequeña Graná

Granada in Madrid

"Tapería La Pequeña Graná" in Madrid is still holding on to the proper tradition of tapas -- more and more difficult to find. Also, they have great beer!

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

by

Daniel

Ramirez-Escudero

Dec 14, 2025

Bodega de la Ardosa

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!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Daniel

Ramirez-Escudero

Dec 14, 2025

Fellina

True Italian

"Fellina" in Madrid's Chamberí is an Italian restaurant that's really exceptional. Everything tastes like 'nonna' cuisine. Oh, the burrata with tomato...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

María José

Morr

Dec 14, 2025

Banibanoo

Persian food

"Banibanoo" Madrid is an Iranian restaurant that's just fabulous if you like new & exotic sorts of flavors. I like their combination dishes and desserts.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

María José

Morr

Dec 14, 2025

Mama Campo

Recipes like your grandma's

"Mama Campo" in Madrid is one of my favourite places to have lunch: top ingredients, amazing desserts and a very nice location on Plaza Olavide...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

María José

Morr

Dec 14, 2025

Tepic

Mexican dishes

"Tepic" in Madrid is a Mexican restaurant with Oaxacan delicacies! I love the chicken tingas, the panuchos yucatecos and the guacamole!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

María José

Morr

Dec 14, 2025

Heading to Madrid?

266 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Madrid app Home
Madrid app Home
Madrid app Map
Madrid app Home

Heading to Madrid?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

266 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 498 Spotters.
Filters