What's your drink? Mine's vermouth, and so I was delighted when I stumbled upon La Violeta, a bar that has more than 25 varieties of vermouth from all over Spain. Most bars in Madrid sell vermouth (vermut in Spanish). The Spanish version is cheaper than its famous branded Italian cousin, and many places sell it on tap now that its popularity is rising after years of being out of fashion.
I love the atmosphere; inside rock music is always playing, and the super-friendly owners always seem to be having a great time. There is a good-sized terraza, which is where it's at in the summer here in Madrid.
Enjoy your vermut like a true Madrileño, with ice, a slice of orange and a squirt of "sifón" (soda water), accompanied by a "gilda" or "bandarilla", which are little tapas featuring anchovies, olives, and pickled chilis, onions or gherkins speared onto a stick. If you want something more substantial, they make delicious "tostas" topped with things like cheese, smoked salmon or anchovies.
Just thinking about going there takes me to a happy place; the aperitivo hour means the weekend, friends and La Violeta.
Find your way with 255 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
VETA is the biggest contemporary art gallery in the city, so once you’ve had your fill of the Old Masters at the Prado, why not get off the beaten track?
by
Don’t worry about collecting and counting plates - there’s an “all you can eat” lunchtime menu, you can fill your boots for a very reasonable fixed price.
by
His favourite time seemed to be that magic hour when the sun is sinking low in the West and turns everything a golden pinky hue.
by
Each covered market has its own flavour; Chamberí I would say is high quality and traditional but also one that has adapted successfully to the times.
by
Sip a cold beer in Casa Julio, share plates, and feel like part of the city. Come hungry, curious and patient, it fills up fast!
by
"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...
by
"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!
by
"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.
by
"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.
by
"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...
by
"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!
by
"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'...
by
255 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 255 Insider Tips