Originally, Madrid was a small town on a strategic crossroad. This historic characteristic has had a big influence in the Madrid's openness. Food is also affected by this and la Tapería La Pequeña Graná is one example.
"Graná" is the Andalusian phonetical name for Granada. Granada is a beautiful town in the south of Spain know for many things, one of them is their beer and tapas. All bars in Spain used to provide a free tapa when you ordered a drink. Unfortunately this tradition is slowly disappearing throughout Spain, due to the capitalist mentality. For example, lately in Madrid generally they only give chips or olives. This is a reminiscence of what used to be quality or varied tapas served by only asking for a drink. Now you must know which places to go to for this.
Granada and Tapería La Pequeña Graná, on the another hand, is still a stronghold for this traditional concept. When you ask for drinks, they even provide you with a menu from which you can choose your own tapa! Beautiful! I still haven't had the chance to go through all the menu, but I liked the breaded eggplant a lot.
Another great plus is the beer they offer. They have different variants of the beer Alhambra, one of the top favourite beers of Spanish people. If you like to eat and drink good beer, this is definitely your place!
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The tomatoes are so delicious they make you question everything you knew before; the wine flows and don’t get me started on the cheese…
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The largest piece represents the “Liberty Gate”; 3 large columns, inscribed with the names of all the deportees, are “the trees of dreams.”
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Pastelería La Maravilla is one of the best bakeries in Madrid. Its cookies, cakes, breads and pastries have personality! I can never resist them...
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"Mercato Italiano" in Madrid is in the city's Little Italy in Rios Rosas. Great bruschetta and salads, and I recommend getting a wine, spritz or Campari...
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"Toma Café 2" in Madrid have not only created art out of coffee (I'm sipping a jasmine/white peach brew right now), I love their sandwiches & peacefulness.
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"Taverna Sacromonte" is an Andaluz tavern in Usera, Madrid. It feels village-y. Their tapas are great here -- I recommend going there and then for Chinese!
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"Caramelos Paco" in Madrid sells sweets - its window display leaves no doubt about that. I love old shops like this, the opposites of one-stop shopping!
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"CaixaForum Madrid" is a good alternative to the nearby, more touristy Prado and Reina Sofia. It's beautiful, cool and quite small if you have limited time
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"Casa Gonzalez" is a lovely little delicatessen in Madrid and a great place for some great wine, cheese & tostas! My favorite is the 'azul picón de hojas'.
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Calle Redondilla (bottom of the square to the left) has maybe the oldest standing building in Madrid at Number 10 - it's from the 15th century,
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"Museo Geominero" Madrid is quite the hidden gem. Even locals don't know about it, and its collections of things unearthed is astonishing. It's also free!
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241 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 241 Insider Tips from our local Spotters