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MAC Madrid - Dining & Drinking
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Good food and drink are central to life in Madrid, and there's no shortage of either anywhere in the city.

Tapas

The bars are full of people having tapas along with a drink. Two of the most popular tapas are boquerones en vinagre (marinated anchovies) and empanada (pastry filled with tuna and tomato). Or you might find people sharing raciones, larger versions of tapas, such as plates of chorizo (sausage), jamón serrano (cured ham), tortilla de patata (potato omelette) and champiñones con ajos y jamón (mushrooms with garlic and ham). Bars usually have both tapas and raciones menus to choose from.

History of the Tapas

Tapas have an interesting history dating back to the 13th century when stagecoach drivers used to stop off in taverns to take a break and have a glass of wine after an exhausting journey transporting merchandise. They would get so drunk and become such a menace on the highways that the government introduced a law forcing them to eat something while they drank. They would usually be given a piece of bread and ham placed on top of their glass or jar. These tapas (tops or lids) become a sensible and healthy custom that continues today.

The Spanish Way

Spaniards in general, and the people of Madrid in particular, are proud not to be bound by the rigid timetables that other nationalities follow. They're happy to sit down to a three-course lunch with wine and coffee at three o'clock in the afternoon before returning to work. Many foreigners see it as "wasting" two whole hours when they could have been working, and they wonder how anyone could eat and drink so much and then continue to do any constructive work. Visitors are also often surprised, and a little alarmed, at the sight of everyone in the bar throwing used toothpicks, rolled-up napkins, cigarette ends, peanut shells and prawn heads on to the floor. No Spaniard will be offended at seeing a bar full of rubbish, but that custom, like hanging a leg of ham from the ceiling to slice jamÓn ibrico from, sometimes has a profound impact--and not a very pleasant one--on the visitor.

Tapas Destinations

The area around Plaza de Santa Ana is a popular place to tapear (have tapas in one or more places). The Cervecera Alemana is located here, and it's usually full of tourists. The Plaza de la Cebada has lots of good tapas bars as well, for example El Almendro. Plaza de Alonso Martínez and Calle Conde Duque are both recommended for a tapas crawl. The Moncloa and Cristo Rey neighbourhoods, Calle Arenal and Calle Mayor all have their fair share of tapas bars too. La Dolores is at the end of Calle Huertas just before it joins the Paseo del Prado, and it offers a great range of delicious tapas. There are four other bars on the same street that are just as good.

Local Dishes

After you've toured a few bars and tried their tapas, it's time for lunch or dinner. You'll find the best local dishes in Casa Lucio, El Shotis on Calle Cava Baja, La Bola and Botín near the Plaza Mayor. The Madrid specialty is cocido madrileno, a stew with noodles, chickpeas, meat and vegetables. It's perfect for a cold winter afternoon. Another Madrid favourite is callos Madrilenos, tripe with chickpeas, chorizo, morcilla (blood sausage) and bacon fat in a slightly spicy sauce. You'll love it or hate it. The best callos is served in Botillera Maxi on Calle Cava Alta, and the best wines to accompany it are reds from Rioja and Ribera del Duero, although good wines from the Madrid area are becoming increasingly popular. Other popular dishes include: caracoles (snails), tortilla de patata and sopa de ajo (garlic soup). Fish is brought fresh to the capital from the coast daily.

Other Options

There aren't many really good foreign restaurants here. The Italian, Argentine, Mexican and US restaurants are acceptable, the Chinese are not very good (except for Tse Yang, which is excellent but prohibitively expensive for most) and there are few affordable "exotic" restaurants.

The Weekend Starts on Thursday

Madrid likes to party, but perhaps without quite the same level of enthusiasm that it partied in the 1980s during the movida madrilena (the period after 35 years of dictatorship when artistic, intellectual and social life exploded with newfound freedom). The weekend starts on Thursday evening when people head for their favourite bars. At weekends, crowds from the suburbs and surrounding towns join the party.

Exploring the Neighborhoods

The best way to discover Madrid's nightlife is to explore the neighbourhoods. There are people on the streets all weekend long. Moncloa tends to attract students; Malasaña has teenagers and the 18-30 crowd; Huertas is normally full of people in their 20s and 30s; Bilbao and Alonso Martínez cater to all age groups; Chueca is the most progressive neighbourhood, home to the gay community; and the neighbourhood around Salamanca has lots of quiet (and expensive) bars for yuppies.

Discos and Clubs

Discos and clubs stay open very late, many of them past 6am. After a night out at Joy Madrid, for example, it's a Madrid tradition to go for early morning fritters and hot chocolate next door, at Chocolatera San Gins. Other clubs worth visiting are Palacio de Gaviria and Kapital.







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Almendro


When the bell tolls, great tapas appear
Calle del Almendro 13
Madrid, Madrid 28005
Spain
+34 91 365 4252
Get here early in the evening because there are not many tables and you will not want to stand all night waiting for the delicious tapas to arrive. You probably will not want to share the tapas either because they're so good. Shout your order through the kitchen window and the bell will sound when the food is ready. Try the wild boar blood pudding, the savoury toasted bagels, Roscas, or their famous fried egg dishes, and wash them down with a glass of beer or Fino sherry. You will find this bar in the lively nightlife district of La Latina, not far from the Rastro (Flea Market). The old-fashioned interior was recently restored in a simple but attractive combination of plaster, brick and woodwork.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Almendro photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Barrio Salamanca


Madrid
Spain
Ever since Madrid's city walls came down in the 1860s, the Salamanca district in the north has been one of the most fashionable areas to live in Madrid. The western border is marked by Calle Serrano, a street with ample international shops, stores and boutiques. Now, the US Embassy is located in this area, close to the magnificent Lazaro Galdiano Museum. The neighborhood is also home to the world's most important bullfighting ring, the 25,000 seat Las Ventas, offering a taste of a true Spanish tradition.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Barrio Salamanca photo by Steven Wong
Photo: Steven Wong
Barrio Salamanca photo by jemotilla
Photo: jemotilla
 

 
Bola Taberna


Famous for its Madrid stew
Calle De La Bola 9
Madrid, Madrid 28013
Spain
+1 34 91 547 6930
This is one of those restaurants that has been around forever and, fortunately, does not seem to have changed over the years. It maintains its old-fashioned interior and continues to prepare traditional dishes the way it always has. Although it is famous for its version of Cocido Madrileño (a popular Madrid two-course soup/stew, EUR 12), it is also worth trying the delicately grilled sole or any of the other popular stews. The wine list has an acceptable range of varieties to choose from.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Bola Taberna photo by Marc-Albert
Photo: Marc-Albert
Bola Taberna photo by alfonso buenavista
Photo: alfonso buenavista
 

 
Botillería de Maxi


An unusual bottle museum
Calle Cava Alta 4
Madrid, Madrid 28005
Spain
+34 91 365 1249
It is named after its curious interior decor: a collection of soda syphons and all sorts of other bottles on display. It is a welcoming bar, open since the 1930s, which still serves up traditional tapas. Try the house specials: Callos (spicy tripe stew) and Rabo de Toro (oxtail stew). You can choose from a wide selection of wines and draught beer. It attracts a wide cross-section of the local population and enjoys an excellent reputation for good service.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Botillería de Maxi photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Cervecería Alemana


Chat, eat and meet the world
Plaza de Santa Ana, 6
Madrid, Madrid 28012
Spain
+1 34 91 429 7033
One of the best known bars in Madrid, it has catered for world famous celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner in its time. It hasn't changed much since then and still offers a charming combination of old-fashioned decor - marble-topped tables, dark-paneled walls - old-fashioned waiters and good food at reasonable prices. The best time to come and get a real sense of the place is in the morning or early afternoon before all the tourists flood in. It's a trip back in time and you'll find it in attractive Plaza Santa Ana.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Cervecería Alemana photo by Gabriella Alu'
Photo: Gabriella Alu'
Cervecería Alemana photo by Margarita Haruspex
Photo: Margarita Haruspex
Cervecería Alemana photo by Francisco P. Alvarez
Photo: Francisco P. Alvarez
Cervecería Alemana photo by Joanna Holowenko
Photo: Joanna Holowenko
 

 
Dolores


Classic spot for tapas
Plaza de Jesús, 4
Madrid, Madrid 28014
Spain
+1 34 91 429 2243
You will not want to miss this classic tapas bar in your tour of the town. You will recognize it by the beautiful mosaic façade. It serves a selection of elaborately prepared canapés and great draught beer to the heaving masses that congregate at the bar every day. The interior is decorated like an old rustic tavern with lots of dark wood and earthenware jars on the shelves. If you are hungry, order a generous portion, or ración, of fish (anchovies, marinated anchovies, or bonito, fresh tuna) for around EUR 6.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Dolores photo by Lucia Mate
Photo: Lucia Mate
Dolores photo by Gerry Naughton
Photo: Gerry Naughton
Dolores photo by Hector Cenador
Photo: Hector Cenador
 

 
Huertas & Plaza Santa Ana


Madrid
Spain
This is yet another lively spot for cafés, bars and nightlife action. It is centred around Plaza de Santa Ana. Located close to Madrid de los Austrias, this is also the place to go to see live music. The crowds here are 20 to 30-somethings. Typical bars here include Viva Madrid and Los Gabrieles, decorated with beautiful tiles and serving great cocktails and sangría. Or go to the traditional Cervecería Alemana for crowds, beer and tapas. Café Central is a perfect stop for coffee during the day or live jazz at night.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Huertas & Plaza Santa Ana photo by Martin Hapl
Photo: Martin Hapl
Huertas & Plaza Santa Ana photo by estrelas e limóns
Photo: estrelas e limóns
Huertas & Plaza Santa Ana photo by Åsmund Ødegård, Norway
Photo: Åsmund Ødegård, Norway
Huertas & Plaza Santa Ana photo by GABURU
Photo: GABURU
Huertas & Plaza Santa Ana photo by Juan Sarasua
Photo: Juan Sarasua
Huertas & Plaza Santa Ana photo by Michele Checchia
Photo: Michele Checchia
Huertas & Plaza Santa Ana photo by Johan Cloete
Photo: Johan Cloete
Huertas & Plaza Santa Ana photo by Doug McGovern
Photo: Doug McGovern
Huertas & Plaza Santa Ana photo by Matteo Balzani
Photo: Matteo Balzani
Huertas & Plaza Santa Ana photo by Alex Ledin
Photo: Alex Ledin
Huertas & Plaza Santa Ana photo by ubichan
Photo: ubichan
Huertas & Plaza Santa Ana photo by Alfonso Morcuende
Photo: Alfonso Morcuende
Huertas & Plaza Santa Ana photo by EL_ETER
Photo: EL_ETER
Huertas & Plaza Santa Ana photo by Alfonso Gangutia O.
Photo: Alfonso Gangutia O.
 

 
Joy Madrid


The best of the best
Calle del Arenal 11
Madrid 28013
Spain
+34 91 366 3733
http://www.joy-eslava.com
This is without a doubt Madrid's most famous nightclub which attracts the rich and famous from all over the world as well as a faithful local crowd. It changed its name from Joy Eslava after a fire and consequent renovation work in 1998, but most people still call it by its original name. The building was originally a theatre and dates from the 1870s.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Kapital


Seven floors of fun
Calle De Atocha 125
Madrid, Madrid 28012
Spain
+34 91 420 2906
A night out here does not come cheap, but you are sure to have an unforgettable experience. There are seven floors of entertainment to choose from, including provocative go-go dancers, a karaoke bar, a cinema, and numerous dance floors with all sorts of music. You will have great fun with your friends up on the rooftop terrace among the palm trees in summer. There are special early sessions for young dance music fans before the older party animals come out to play. This place is always full. Car parking is available.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Malasaña & Chueca


Madrid
Spain
This is a fairly quiet area during the day, with winding streets and 19th-century architecture. At night it's transformed into a busy nightlife spot as young and old mix in the many bars, discos and cafés. Malasaña is dominated by Plaza Dos de Mayo, while Chueca is the epicentre for the city's gay population. Discos like Black & White are great places to dance or take in a drag show!

Review © 2007, Wcities
Malasaña & Chueca photo by Zheileman
Photo: Zheileman
Malasaña & Chueca photo by Zheileman
Photo: Zheileman
Malasaña & Chueca photo by José María Mateos
Photo: José María Mateos
Malasaña & Chueca photo by dieguez
Photo: dieguez
Malasaña & Chueca photo by Giselle Klatic
Photo: Giselle Klatic
Malasaña & Chueca photo by GingerJelly
Photo: GingerJelly
Malasaña & Chueca photo by Christian Criscuolo
Photo: Christian Criscuolo
Malasaña & Chueca photo by Leonardonomurio
Photo: Leonardonomurio
Malasaña & Chueca photo by Rosa (rosa_rusa)
Photo: Rosa (rosa_rusa)
Malasaña & Chueca photo by Matritensis
Photo: Matritensis
 

 
Moncloa & Argüelles


Madrid
Spain
Nightlife, nightlife and more nightlife! This area is dominated by great tapas bars that don't even open until 9pm or later. Alternatively, try out Al Pil Pil for good Basque food; Gaudí for a mainly vegetarian menu; and the Sports Café if you want to watch the football on TV whilst enjoying typical American or Catalan food. A student enclave, come prepared to encounter a lot of enthusiasm.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Moncloa & Argüelles photo by jorge
Photo: jorge
Moncloa & Argüelles photo by Twisted Sisto
Photo: Twisted Sisto
Moncloa & Argüelles photo by leen.snoek
Photo: leen.snoek
Moncloa & Argüelles photo by Tiago.Cardoso
Photo: Tiago.Cardoso
 

 
Palacio de Gaviria


Combine sightseeing with disco dancing
Calle del Arenal 9
Madrid, Madrid 28013
Spain
+34 91 526 6069
http://www.palaciogaviria.com/
Once a mid-19th century meeting place for Madrid's high society, this beautiful palace is now a luxurious disco, open to the general public. There is a different special theme every night: Tuesday nights it is salsa, Wednesdays are for tango, and Thursday nights you can enjoy the International Fiesta. Manuel Gaviria, a prominent banker, hired an Italian architect to create the Renaissance-style palace in 1846. Sadly, the neon signs and tacky shops and bars on the busy street level detract more than a little from what must have been a magnificent external appearance. Admission: Su-Th EUR 10, F-Sa EUR 15.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Palacio de Gaviria photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Plaza de Santa Ana


A favourite meeting place
Puerta del Sol
Madrid, Madrid 28012
Spain
Come here any weekend night and you'll find the place buzzing. It's a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike as it's close to Puerta del Sol and surrounded by nightlife venues. It has a statue of playwright Calderón de la Barca in the centre and garden areas round about. The neoclassical Teatro Español building and the art deco Hotel Victoria (a favourite with bullfighters) are both here. As for drinks, the Cervecería Alemana is a good place for a relaxing chat, and then there's the Villarosa (which featured in Pedro Almodóvar's movie High Heels), once a flamenco dance hall, it's now a trendy bar. The history of the square dates back to the times of Joseph Bonaparte who demolished Santa Ana Convent to open up this space.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Plaza de Santa Ana photo by mallol
Photo: mallol
Plaza de Santa Ana photo by Desiree Onievas Lopez
Photo: Desiree Onievas Lopez
Plaza de Santa Ana photo by Josangel_ap
Photo: Josangel_ap
Plaza de Santa Ana photo by Mariana Miranda
Photo: Mariana Miranda
Plaza de Santa Ana photo by Roger Wong
Photo: Roger Wong
Plaza de Santa Ana photo by Marco Palumbo
Photo: Marco Palumbo
 

 
Plaza de la Cebada


Trendy bars and restaurants
Plaza de la Cebada
Madrid, Madrid 28005
Spain
This square has become one of the most picturesque and trendy venues in the city over the last few years. It's surrounded by popular tapas bars, pubs and restaurants. There's a great fresh produce market on one side and if you head along Calle Cava Baja, you'll find some excellent restaurants. Look out for Almendro and the famous tavern with the same name. It's not far from Plaza de Cascorro, heart of the popular Sunday street market, or Rastro.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Plaza de la Cebada photo by caribb
Photo: caribb
Plaza de la Cebada photo by marisa rechenberg
Photo: marisa rechenberg
 

 
Tse Yang


Authentic Chinese in deluxe hotel
Paseo de la Castellana, 22
Hotel Villa Magna
Madrid 28046
Spain
+34 91 587 1234
You will find the most luxurious and expensive Chinese restaurant in Madrid located in the Hotel Villa Magna (scheduled to reopen in October 2008). The house specialty is Lacquered Duck. Everything is good here, even the spring rolls, which come wrapped in mint leaves and are accompanied by a sweet sauce. Ask the waiter's advice because you will come across many dishes that most ordinary Chinese restaurants don't serve. If you are coming as a couple, book well in advance. It is often easier to get a table for six than a table for two.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Madrid - Dining & Drinking"
Madrid
Madrid - Historical Background
Madrid - Neighborhood Guide
Madrid - Where to Stay
Madrid - Art & Entertainment

Other nearby cities:
Toledo (81 miles)
Salamanca (160 miles)
Zaragoza (274 miles)
Bilbao (315 miles)
Valencia (325 miles)
Seville (403 miles)
Barcelona (509 miles)
Bordeaux (540 miles)
Montpellier (720 miles)
Marseille (826 miles)

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