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 Try the authentic flavour |
Manuela Malasaña, 15 Madrid, Madrid 28004 Spain +34 91 594 2733 |
Come here for good, hearty, wholesome country cooking and you will not be disappointed. Try the Morcilla de León (a type of black pudding served in an earthenware dish), Cabrales (a tangy goat cheese), Migas (breadcrumbs fried in olive oil with bits of chorizo sausage and raisins), and the generous platters of mixed cheese and cold meats. The set meal of the day is an excellent value at EUR10 for three courses with wine. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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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 |
 Photo: wcities |
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Great wine and delicious tapas |
Torrecilla del Leal, 20 Madrid, Madrid 28012 Spain +34 91 528 3662 |
The wine list in this pleasant and popular bar has more than 300 varieties to choose from, mainly Spanish but with some French and Australian labels as well. Order them by the glass or bottle with something tasty from the tapas menu that features homemade specials and exotic treats like Pepper Steak, Cod Canapés, and Cecina de Astorga (smoked beef) for EUR2.10 each. The staff are friendly and well informed, and the bar also runs wine tasting sessions and courses. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Good wine & tasty sweets |
Calle de Bailén 19 Madrid, Madrid 28013 Spain +34 91 559 5332 |
This is the largest of a chain of bars with the same name. It opened in 1909 and has retained many of its charming original interior features, such as the high ceilings and interesting photos of old Madrid. A predominantly young clientele come here to enjoy the unique range of tapas. It is a great place to savor a glass of fine wine or vermouth accompanied by a choice of traditional sweets like torrijas (pastry) or pestiños (honey and pine nuts), or even imaginative canapés. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Amalia Sanchez Valle |
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Authentic Irish pub |
Calle De Alonso Cano 22 Madrid, Madrid 28003 Spain +34 91 316 4220 |
This is a combination Irish pub and Spanish tapas bar, where the ubiquitous pints of Guinness are sold alongside a wide selection of typical snacks, like Boquerones (marinated anchovy fillets), Potato Omelette, Pickled Pork, and toasted savouries. There is not much room, but the shape of the venue has been used to great effect to create cosy little corners where you can relax. They usually play Celt music. Prices are very reasonable: beer and omelette for around EUR2.40; gazpacho tomato soup for EUR2.25, other tapas cost around EUR2.40. Paella is the tapa of the day on Wednesdays. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Good wine, tapas & service |
Vallehermoso 94 Madrid, Madrid 28003 Spain +34 91 533 5947 |
You'll love the hospitable atmosphere in this wine bar as soon as you enter the door. You can choose from a long and varied wine list to accompany the delicious traditional dishes on offer from Asturias in the north of Spain. Stand at the bar or sit at a table and try Fabes (white beans) with Chicken or Seafood, Fillets of Venison or Egg Noodles covered with delicious Goat's Cheese followed by a selection of country cheeses for dessert. In summer, head directly for the outdoor terrace. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Like being well fed on the high seas |
Santiago 10 Madrid, Madrid 28013 Spain +34 91 559 6422 |
Artfully designed to resemble the hull of an old sailing ship, you will find this bar-restaurant offers an excellent range of food and wine. The wine list has over 60 different varieties to choose from and you will be served in high-quality glassware. As for the food, it is imaginatively conceived and elaborately prepared. Try the Salt Cod Deep-Fried In Sugar-Coated Fritters or the Duck Paté With Red Currants. The atmosphere at tapas time is both lively and pleasant. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Good music, food & scene |
Calle De Argumosa 17 Madrid, Madrid 28012 Spain +34 91 530 9921 |
Don't miss this place if you're in Lavapiés district. It has a great terrace in summer, a friendly atmosphere and it's open all weekend for lunch, early evening cocktails or serious drinking at night. It serves traditional staples like migas (fried breadcrumbs with garlic, suasage and raisins), homemade croquettes and Black Pudding, not to mention sheep's and goat's milk cheeses and homemade pates. The prices are reasonable, the food is good, the people are nice, the walls are decorated with attractive paintings and there's great jazz music in the background. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Finger-licking good |
Toledo 106 Madrid, Madrid 28005 Spain +34 91 366 4246 |
An atmospheric and traditional old tavern with a lovely zinc bar counter—that is famous for serving delicious portions of snails. The secret is the accompanying spicy sauce that leaves you begging for something to drink. A Ración served in large portions costs the same as a wonderful portion of Boquerones (marinated anchovies). Beer, wine, vermouth and soft drinks are available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Good wine, cheese & salads |
Independencia 2 Madrid, Madrid 28013 Spain +34 91 541 1133 |
Hidden away in a quiet corner of the old town, this simple and elegantly decorated tapas bar is an ideal place to relax over some good food and wine. For snacks, try tapas of Morcilla (blood sausage) or salmon, and Tender Pork Loin. Or for something more substantial, try Raciones(larger helpings). You can also choose from colourful salads and tempting platters of cold meats and cheeses. As for drinks, the wine list offers over 40 different quality wines. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The food is the star |
Calle De Augusto Figueroa 47 Madrid, Madrid 28004 Spain +34 91 521 4256 |
This place is run by Mónica Bardem who has named the dishes on the menu after movies that members of her clan—Pilar, Javier, and Carlos Bardem - have starred in. The house speciality is cod and ham croquettes. The house wine is reasonably priced, and the rest of the wines on offer come from Spain's most famous wine-growing regions: Ribera del Duero, Valdepeñas, Rioja and Penedés. There is a set menu of the day, and you can choose from two starters and two main courses. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Bullfighting bar with an Andalusian feel |
Calle de la Libertad 4-6 Madrid, Madrid 28004 Spain +34 91 532 1219 http://www.bocaito.com/ |
Bullfight fans will feel at home in this friendly and welcoming restaurant-bar that is decorated with fading yellow posters advertising fights gone by. You can choose from a wide variety of tapas with an emphasis on Andalusian specialties like prawn canapes and mixed fried fish from Málaga. The restaurant's sampler menu offers a selection of the best of Andalusian and Castilian cuisines for EUR24.04 per person. On the drinks list, there is a good selection of Spanish wines. If you are looking for privacy, reserve one of the private dining rooms that accommodates up to 30 people. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Aragonese-style tapas |
Jesús del Valle, 1 Madrid, Madrid 28004 Spain |
An old-fashioned tavern decorated with the huge earthenware jars that were used to store wine in the olden days. It's always full and tends to attract a mixture of the alternative and intellectual crowds. You can choose from their range of canapés that include Camembert with ham and Cabrales goat cheese with salmon for EUR1.80. Outstanding raciones (larger portions) include Marinated Duck and Aragonese-style potatoes. Try a glass of Cariñena wine. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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So much choice |
Hortaleza, 11 Madrid, Madrid 28004 Spain +34 91 5315284 |
A typical old-fashioned Madrid tavern that serves a wide range of home-produced and imported beers, along with over 100 different varieties of wine. All the usual tapas and raciones (larger portion) feature on the menu. A pork loin tapa costs EUR3.60, and a ración of cured Iberian ham is EUR10.81. The interior is all decorated in aged wood, but the clientele are mainly youngsters. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Try the speciality cheese |
Plaza del Humilladero, 4 Madrid, Madrid 28005 Spain +34 91 366 6886 http://www.elbonanno.com/ |
A small modern bar with a youthful atmosphere located in one of Madrid's best areas for tapas. You can try the speciality goat's cheese preserved in olive oil from La Adrada in Ávila. It won the prize for Europe's best cheese in 1996. The bar also serves excellent cold meats and a good selection of wines. It is a favourite with local residents who have become part of the family here, enjoying the friendly service and agreeable atmosphere. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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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 |
 Photo: wcities |
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Serving a famous spicy sauce |
Calle De Álvarez Gato 3 Madrid, Madrid 28012 Spain +34 91 532 2620 |
A chain of bars that specialises in patatas bravas (fried potatoes with a spicy paprika sauce), it has actually taken the trouble to patent its own spicy sauce. It's normally full of youngsters and tourists as is always the case in Puerta del Sol. All of the chain's bars are decorated with wood-panelled walls and mirrors: some have tables and chairs, some are standing room only. A portion of their famous potatoes sells at EUR1.98. If don't like potatoes, you can order other items from the menu like fried squid, Spanish omelette or chicken wings. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sofie Kelly |
 Photo: robez.net |
 Photo: Enrico Strocchi  |
 Photo: alberto vajrabukka |
 The art of eating well |
Segovia, 15 Madrid, Madrid 28005 Spain +34 91 364 5423 |
A cozy little bar that serves hearty raciones (large portions) of revueltos (scrambled eggs mixed with vegetables), salads, tostas (toasted canapes) and peppers stuffed with beef or cod to a heterogenous clientele. Tostas cost around (EUR 2.25) and raciones cost from (EUR 6.01-9.01). Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Good wine & traditional tapas |
Latoneros 10 Madrid, Madrid 28005 Spain +34 91 366 6336 |
Try sharing one of this place's tasty homemade snacks, choose something like the ham croquettes from a long list of specials and wash them down with one of the many wines on offer (40 different labels). It is a 100-year-old bar that was recently refurbished and opened its doors to the public again in 1994. The owners wisely preserved the lovely zinc bar and the decorative Arabesque ceramic tiles that give the place a delightful, old-world Andalusian feel. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Historic bar serving great cod fritters |
Calle de Tetuán 12 Madrid, Madrid 28013 Spain +34 91 531 0081 http://www.casalabra.es/ |
A typical traditional Madrid bar since it opened in 1860, it's famous for being the birthplace of the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) in 1879. It's also famous for serving delicious deep-fried cod fritters in batter along with fresh draught beer. You'll have to take your drinks and tapas standing up at the bar amongst the good-humoured multitude doing the same. Or you could sit down to a full meal in the restaurant, where you can expect to pay EUR21.03 a head on average. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Miguel Pereira |
 Photo: Daniel Lobo |
 Photo: Christian Gonzalez |
 Photo: Miquel Beltran |
 Photo: Steve Cheung |
 Photo: brauncafe |
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Good tapas & hot soup |
Calle Cava Baja 30 Madrid, Madrid 28005 Spain +34 91 365 0804 |
You'll find a unique and interesting selection of tapas on offer at the bar. Try the Setas Empanadas (breaded and fried wild mushrooms) or mollejas (sweetbreads) prepared in small clay pots. During the cold winter months it's worth ordering one of the homemade soups of the day along with a glass of wine. It's located in the heart of traditional old Madrid, has an outstanding 18th-century façade and a bright orange interior. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Good wine & good snacks |
Puerta Cerrada 11 Madrid, Madrid Sol Spain +34 91 366 3166 http://www.amerc.es/CASAPACO |
You'll find a wide selection of excellent tapas on offer, especially the Roquefort cheese and pork sausages. If you prefer a sit-down meal, head upstairs where you'll find traditional fare on the menu with outstanding red meats in particular. Open since 1933, it specializes in serving the best wines available from the Valdepeñas region. The bar is downstairs, the restaurant upstairs, and both are decorated with photos of famous matadors. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gideon |
 Photo: Helena Ribera Ponsa |
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Complete caterer |
Jorge Juan, 12 Madrid, Madrid 28001 Spain +34 91 577 1607 |
This is a spacious place that can cater for almost all your refreshment needs: you can come for a beer and a tapa, a sit-down meal, a hot chocolate, or tea and cakes. You can come with friends, or feel equally comfortable on your own reading the newspapers by the big front windows. Choose from the snacks of cured ham for EUR2.10, sausage, or cheese or a more substantial Racion of squid, prawns, or potato omelette starting at EUR6.10. You will find the restaurant located in an attractive upmarket area of the city. Its desserts and meat dishes are especially recommended. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Recuerdos Desconcert |
 Photo: Gonzalo Alzamora |
 Photo: setapro |
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Catalan food & wine |
Calle de Don Pedro 4 Madrid, Madrid 28005 Spain +34 91 366 7804 |
This place is decorated like an old Pyrenean mountain tavern, with exposed wooden roof beams, open brickwork, chunky oak tables, and stools. It serves a great range of Catalan specialities from the mountain provinces. Try the tapas of grilled salmon, and cured ham or peppers on torradas (large slices of toasted country-style bread spread with tomatoes, garlic and olive oil). If you're still hungry, order a portion of snails, an assortment of canapes or some charcoal-grilled meat and wash it down with wine from Penedés. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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World's largest variety of beers |
Calle de Alburquerque 13 Madrid, Madrid 28010 Spain +34 91 447 4274 |
Famous for having won a mention in the Guinness Book of Records, this tiny pub claims to offer the largest selection of beers per square metre in the world (163 choices in total). If you have trouble making up your mind, just order the beer of the month. Sit on one of the stools at the bar and try one of the delicious canapés or order a platter of cheese and paté to accompany your choice. You are surrounded by beer bottles and beer-related memorabilia on the walls and shelves. You will hear an eclectic variety of music and mix with a crowd in their mid-20s to 30s. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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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 |
 Photo: Gabriella Alu' |
 Photo: Margarita Haruspex |
 Photo: Francisco P. Alvarez |
 Photo: Joanna Holowenko |
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Students, beer & tapas |
Calle de Gaztambide 50 Madrid, Madrid 28015 Spain +34 91 543 3113 |
Choose from a range of homemade specials, including cold meat and cheese platters and herb pies, to accompany your beer. The decor is functional, the clientele are mainly students and there is a nice outdoor terrace in summer. In winter, a pleasant way to pass a cold, dark evening is to order a plate of their delicious steamed mussels with a glass of vermouth. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Bullfighting bar serving fried fish |
Calle de Moratín 2 Madrid, Madrid 28014 Spain +34 91 429 0245 |
Stand at the bar, surrounded by bull's heads, posters recording historic bullfights and photos of famous matadors, and order a beer with a tapa. As its name suggests, the little fried fish called chanquetes are the star of the tapas menu. If you're hungry, order Raciones (large portions) of chanquetes for EUR 5.40 or Fabadas(white bean stew from Asturias) at EUR 6.61. The bar attracts a varied crowd and it's always pretty lively. The dining room holds up to 30 people. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Great tapas at great prices |
Calle Cava Baja 24 Madrid, Madrid 28005 Spain +34 91 366 1458 |
The ground floor is reserved for drinks and tapas, which are excellent and reasonably priced. Try the delicious Stuffed Onions and Spicy Stuffed Peppers. You'll find the more formal restaurant downstairs in the cellar. The decor reflects popular culture in Madrid, consisting of tiled walls painted with football and bullfighting images. The price of tapas is moderate. Try the Revueltos (scrambled eggs with vegetables) or the delicious cured ham from Jabugo. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sandra Andreu |
 Photo: Josean Molina |
 Photo: gsummerville7 |
 Photo: Steve Cheung |
 Photo: Más bello que el silencio |
 Photo: Merche Gutiérrez |
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Mushroomed affair |
Calle de Gravina 19 Madrid, Madrid 28004 Spain +34 (0)91 521 3799 |
This quaint place is well-known for creating magic with mushrooms. Fresh Spanish dishes feature shitake, chanterelles, and other varieties of the fungi. What's more, baskets of mushrooms are stacked inside the joint. Boletus with garlic and a fried egg is highly recommended. So, if you decide to gorge on mushroom tapas you know where to go. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Creative Mediterranean Cuisine |
18 Calle de Castello Madrid, Madrid 28001 Spain +34 915 752 866 |
Citra, winner of New York Time's Best New Restaurant of Madrid, is an unforgettable dinning experience with acclaimed chef Elias Murciano. It is located between the hip barrios of Salamanca and Retiro. Although the menu only features seven dishes, it has been dubbed the "Star Menu" by Citra patrons who enjoy the creative flavors and colors of Murciano's Mediterranean revival. If you eat nowhere else while in Madrid try Citra. It is the best new restaurant in Madrid, featuring a world famous chef and located in a building designed by renowned architect Ignacio Garcia de Vinuesa. It is undoubtedly the total Madrid experience. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Spanish treat |
Calle Almendro, 22 Madrid, ES Spain +34 (0)91 366 5783 http://www.corazonloco.com/ind... |
A short walk away from La Latina metro is Cava Baja street, where if you take a right you will see this bar. This place serves drinks which are pretty cheap in comparison to the other bars around. The setting of this place is pretty warm though some might find it almost bare. It's a good place if you are in the mood for tapas, mind you, they do get finished pretty early though! Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Classic tapas bar and shop |
Goya, 70 Madrid, Madrid 28001 Spain +34 91 575 0052 |
A bar-cum-fishmonger's that has been serving excellent seafood and beer for over 60 years, you are sure to want to try a snack of prawns or anchovies with a refreshment when you are out buying the groceries. Stand at the bar, sit upstairs, or sit on the terrace outside in summer. The service is fast and friendly. If you can get near it, have a look at the fish counter and you will be dazzled by the choices available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: richard winchell |
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Dedicated to legendary local outlaw |
Calle de los Cuchilleros 1 Madrid, Madrid 28005 Spain +34 91 366 5428 http://www.lascuevasdeluiscand... |
You can't miss the doorman here, elaborately dressed to imitate 19th-century local outlaw, Luis Candelas. The tavern is under one of the archway entrances to Plaza Mayor. The interior is a faithful representation of an old country inn and it is always full of tourists who cannot resist the temptation of entering a real time capsule. The bar serves excellent Pinchos (canapés) and the restaurant serves up typically hearty Castilian fare. It specializes in roasts from a wood-fired oven, such as Suckling Pig or Tender Lamb. The Callos (tripe) will fill you up sufficiently. There's a good selection of fine Spanish wines to choose from as well. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Boaz Dovev |
 Photo: mnemorino |
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Adventurous flair with tapas |
Plaza San Miguel Madrid, Madrid 28005 Spain |
The menu is full of imaginative, quirky, and constantly changing dishes like Paté de Cabracho (goat paté), Picadillo de Jabalí (wild boar mincemeat) and Lomos de Atún a la Cereza (tuna steaks with cherry sauce). There are more than 40 varieties of wine to choose from and the prices are very reasonable. The interior is attractively decorated in art deco style with green being the predominant colour. This place comes highly recommended. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Beer, seafood and crowds |
Ponzano, 58 Madrid, Madrid 28003 Spain +34 91 441 4718 |
Always packed with a lively crowd of locals, this bar's claim to fame is the invention of the double beer -essentially a larger-sized glass. Try one of them along with some delicious shellfish and tostas (toasted country-style bread with tasty toppings), the house specialities. The cramped interior is decorated with painted ceramic tiles, with blue tones predominating. It has lots of charm and has become a very popular tapas bar. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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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 |
 Photo: Lucia Mate |
 Photo: Gerry Naughton |
 Photo: Hector Cenador |
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Famous bar with good tapas |
Calle Cava Baja 6 Madrid, Madrid 28005 Spain +34 91 366 7089 |
You are sure to enjoy the delicious range of savoury snacks on offer in this cosy, welcoming little bar with its distinguished art deco interior. You can choose from a selection of elaborately prepared canapés of pork, salmon, and patés, or simpler tapas of cold meats and cheeses. If you are hungry, it is worth ordering a few Raciones to share among friends. Cured Iberian ham is also served. The bar does not serve soft drinks, only fresh fruit juices, beer, and fine wines by the glass or bottle. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Good beer and delicious canapés |
Plaza de la Marina Espana, 1 Madrid, Madrid 28048 Spain +34 91 541 3041 |
You will not get better homemade tapas, canapés, or raciones than the ones served in here. Order a cold beer and you might get a free tapa of delicious Sbrinz cheese from Switzerland. If you are still hungry, you can order the hot or cold canapés individually or as an assortment with Patatas Pajas (home fries). Or try one of the tasty Tostas (heated canapés), like Gulas (baby eels) with Mushrooms or Pepper Pork Chops. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Upmarket shop and tearoom |
Paseo de la Castellana, 12 Madrid, Madrid 28046 Spain +34 91 435 9480 |
A well-known resting place for the wealthy upper-middle classes when out shopping. You can choose to refresh yourself in the elegant tearoom or the more functional cafeteria before or after buying your luxury groceries in the delicatessen and some household goods in the shop. The opening hours are long, so you never need to rush. The cafeteria serves all sorts of hot and cold snacks as well as more substantial hot dishes, breakfasts, ice-creams and refreshing drinks. Prices are reasonable. The shop sells home decor and practical goods like trays, glasses, fruit bowls, teapots and magazine racks. Prices for these household products range from EUR90 to EUR180. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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More Than Just a Restaurant |
C/ Nuncio 19 Madrid 28005 Spain +34 91 366 25 91 http://www.enerestaurante.com/ |
Ene is a restaurant, but also a nice place to meet your friends while taking a good cocktail and, something rather new in Spain, it's a place where you can have brunch on Sundays, lying on a tatami and surrounded by live music thanks to their great DJs. This place is divided in two floors: the first one includes the bar and the second one the restaurant, both decorated in a minimalist, Japanese way. From tapas to a select "a la cart" dishes, their cuisine is a mixture of Mediterranean, Japanese, American and Catalonian influences, and the result is always incredible. -Angeles Fernández Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Good imported & Spanish wines |
Calle de Ferraz 36 Madrid, Madrid 28008 Spain +34 91 548 3114 |
Here you can choose between generous portions of elaborately prepared salads and cold meat platters and wash them down with Spanish or imported wines. Try the Wild Mushrooms With Melted Cheese, the Mixed Cheese Platter or Cream of Cod Soup. The Spanish labels in stock include some of the best from Ribera del Duero, Rioja, Penedés, and Valdepeñas. The interior decor is a playful mix of the rustic past and modern design, and the clientele tend to be in their 30s. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Good cheese & cold meats |
Puerta Cerrada 6 Madrid, Madrid 28005 Spain +34 91 36 5919 |
This is a tiny tavern that is always crammed with people both at the bar and in the two little caves at the back. The atmosphere is pure rock 'n' roll, with alternative or world beat music blasting out of the stereo all the time. It attracts a good humoured clientele in their 30s and over. Order some cold meats and cheeses from the counter display and share them with friends over a glass of wine or beer. The specialities are cockle pastries and Cocido Madrileño (stew). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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You won't know what to choose |
Hermosilla, 46 Madrid, Madrid 28001 Spain +34 91 578 0470 |
With over 80 different raciones (large portions) on the menu, you will not know which to choose. There is also a tempting range of bar snacks (pinchos) to whet your appetite. Try the Courgette Stuffed With Shrimp And Cuttlefish or the Wild Mushrooms and King Prawn Vol-au-vents. If you want to sit down to enjoy a more relaxed meal, head upstairs to the modern restaurant and try the set meal of the day. There is an extensive wine list and you will be served by friendly staff. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Andalusian specialities |
Calle de Claudio Coello 24 Madrid, Madrid 28001 Spain +34 (0)91 576 4069 |
Walk in here and you'll find yourself transported to a typical bar in southern Spain with its wrought-iron bars on the windows, ceramic tiles, legs of cured ham and bottles of sherry on the counter. The kitchen serves up pure Andalusian specialities like rice soup, oxtail stew and fried Mediterranean fish. There are four branches in total. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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You'll love the toasted sandwiches |
Lavapiés, 9 Madrid, Madrid 28012 Spain +34 91 530 2281 |
A good choice if you're really hungry as it serves generous portions of toasted country-style bread with toppings for just (EUR 3.01). Firstly the toasted bread is lathered with tomato paste and olive oil and then covered with cured ham and cheese, marinated anchovies, mackerel and more. You can order a cool beer, a glass of wine or a soft drink to wash it down. It's open in the early afternoon for coffe and cake when you might have time to look at the photos on the walls. The bar is owned and run by two photographers who also use the premises to display their prints and slides. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ken Peace |
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Luxury tapas and more |
Rafael Salgado, 11 Madrid, Madrid 28006 Spain +34 91 457 5036 / +34 91 458 0183 http://www.joseluis.es/ |
In this temple for the luxury tapas, you can either eat standing up (more likely) or at one of the tables (if you come early enough). The star tapas are Spanish omelette and grilled pork loin. However, the list is endless and other good options include crab, Boquerones En Vinagre (marinated anchovies), croquettes, tuna and more for EUR1.20. As for drinks, you can choose from cider, wines, or beer. They also offer a range of traditional dishes. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Restaurant & bar with class |
Carrera de San Jerónimo 8 Madrid, Madrid 28014 Spain +34 (0)91 522 2207 / +34 (0)91 521 3385 http://www.lhardy.com/ |
This is one of the city's best known and most stylish restaurants, and has been since 1839. The bar serves delicious croquettes each and warming soups in winter. The old-fashioned dining room has a varied menu. One of the house specials is cocido madrileño (a hearty stew of broth, chickpeas and various meats) for EUR 24.04. You can also choose from a good selection of fish, meats and soufflés. Five private rooms are available for more intimate meals. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: www.deramaenrama.net |
 Photo: juan-mora |
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Wines from around the world |
Calle Cava Alta 17 Madrid, Madrid 28005 Spain +34 91 365 8237 |
You just need to look at the paintings on the walls to see that this is a place where wine is appreciated. You can order it by the glass or the bottle from a selection that includes Spanish, Italian, French, Chilean, German, and Australian varieties. There are Cavas (sparkling wine) and sweet wines as well. Try the Flamenco-style Meatballs. In addition, there are salads, canapes, Chipirones Encebollados (baby squid with onions), and homemade pastries and cakes to round off your meal. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: mynameisjoanna |
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Where ham is supreme |
Serrano, 118 Madrid, Madrid 28008 Spain +34 91 563 2710 http://www.mesoncincojotas.com/# |
Meson Cinco Jotas is one of five branches in Madrid of this chain of taverns that specialises in cured Iberian ham and tapas. You can order tapas like Ham and Potato Croquettes, Fried Potatoes Povered in Creamy Onion Sauce and Scrambled Eggs mixed with vegetables from the tapas menu or hunks of grilled meat from the main menu. The interior decor is pure Andalusian. This branch is the oldest and smallest. The other four locations: Padre Damián, 42 (+34 91 350 3173); San Francisco de Sales, 27 (+34 91 544 0189); Callejón de Puigcerdá (+34 91 575 4125) and Avenida de Europa, 16 (+34 91 651 6669). The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Designer bar with a young clientele |
Plaza Santa Ana, 12 Madrid, Madrid 28012 Spain +34 91 4201582 |
You'll find a stylish bar and dining room full of a young and lively crowd of locals and tourists. There are lots of tables where you can sit and eat in a relaxed setting. Choose from a huge variety of canapes (around 15 different varieties) at EUR2.70) per portion and wash them down with a glass of beer or wine. The snacks are pricey, but you're also paying for the central location and the trendy atmosphere. A ración (large portion) of cured Iberian ham costs EUR9.01, a cheese platter is EUR8.4 and a selection of canapes will set you back EUR13.22. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Micro-brewery & tapas |
Plaza Santa Ana, 9 Madrid, Madrid 28014 Spain +34 91 429 5583 / +34 91 429 3918 |
One of its main attractions is the chance to see a functioning microbrewery on-site with the vats and stills visible. Its outdoor terrace and downstairs basement fill up quickly on weekends. If you're hungry, try the platters of cold meats, cheeses and canapes. The interior is an attractive combination of varnished wood on the ground floor and exposed brickwork in the basement. It's located in a popular square and attracts a varied clientele from all over the world. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Christiaan Klein Lebbink |
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Artsy crowd and good grub |
Pez, 6 Madrid 28004 Spain +34 91 5223208 |
This bar attracts an interesting mix of youthful locals and artsy intellectuals who are connected to the nearby alternative theatre venue, Alfil. The best time to visit is during the summer street party on Calle Pez when the place is humming with life. Check out the large blackboards inside that describe the range of tapas on offer. House specials include a cheese board featuring varieties from the wet, northern region of Cantabria and exotic migas (garlic breadcrumbs with chorizo sausage) from hot, dry Almer in the south of Spain. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Good wine & nice terrace |
Moratín, 49 Madrid, Madrid 28014 Spain +34 91 429 1722 |
If you are a stickler for quality wine and care how it is served, you will like this place. It is a traditional wine bar that offers over 50 different varieties of fine wines and the barman will pour your choice into the best glassware. If you are hungry, try their Sheep's Cheese or a Tapa of Cured Ham. It was once an old grocery store and its interior still retains that colonial-style decor with abundant use of wood, glass, brick and marble. This place is highly recommended. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jaime Miller |
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Youthful crowd |
Princesa, 80 Madrid, Madrid 28008 Spain +34 91 543 3047 |
A typical cheap and cheerful student bar that serves good tapas. If you're looking for something more substantial, head for the dining room at the back, behind the usual zinc bar, and order a racion (larger portion) of tuna pasty, Fabada (bean stew from Asturias) or opt for the economical set meal of the day at EUR6.61. Wash it down with their excellent draught cider. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Good tapas and not too many tourists |
Plaza Mayor, 10 Madrid, Madrid 28012 Spain +34 91 366 2188 |
Despite its location in the popular Plaza Mayor, this place is not swarming with tourists: you will be able to relax in a friendly local atmosphere and enjoy the homemade treats. Order some raciones (large tapas) of Patatas Bravas (fried chunks of potato in a spicy sauce), Callos (tripe) and Albóndigas (meatballs) at around EUR5.40 each to share among friends. This tradition of trying portions of various dishes allows the gourmets to get to know regional recipes from all over the country in a single night. During summer, you can sit outside on its terrace and watch the world go by. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Best wines from around the world |
Hernani, 48 Madrid, Madrid 28020 Spain +34 91 553 6600 |
This wine bar has a reputation for serving some of the best wines from all over the world. There are two rooms where you can sit or stand at the bar and try these excellent wines accompanied by tasty portions of the house specials, like the homemade croquettes, the anchovies or the cured ham. Sit down at one of the little wooden tables and try the generous portions of Huevos Estrellados (fried eggs with chips and pieces of ham) and Pisto Con Escabeche (tangy vegetable stew) at around EUR6.01 each. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Tasty fried fish |
Don Ramón de la Cruz, 28 Madrid, Madrid 28001 Spain +34 91 431 2445 |
A spacious and busy restaurant that serves tasty tapas with your drinks at the bar. It specializes in Pescaíto Frito (fried Mediterranea fish), although the rice dishes and the cured ham from Jabugo are worth trying too. The set meal of the day (EUR10.81) is a good value, offering a choice of starters like Gazpacho or Fresh Asparagus followed by squid or steak, and then dessert for just EUR11. The interior is decorated in traditional Andalusian style, with whitewashed walls, green-painted tables and chairs, and tiled floors. It's popular with business people at lunchtime. Large parties are well catered for and there is a car-parking service available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Lively Basque cider house |
Eloy Gonzalo, 26 Madrid, Madrid 28000 Spain +34 91 446 2588 |
A spectacularly successful Basque restaurant whose speciality dish is the horribly ugly but wonderfully tasty fish called txitxarro. Everything else on the menu is excellent as well, like the Cod Omelette, the Red Pepper Salad with Anchovies, the Grilled Cheese with Raspberry Sauce, the Monkfish cooked with Garlic and the huge chuletón (T-bone steak). There's a good selection of wines on offer in addition to draught cider straight from the barrel. It's a spacious place spread over two floors with a lively bar on the ground floor that serves great tapas. It's normally busy and bustling but you can always make yourself heard if you want to make serious conversation. This two-story restaurant is really spacious, and has an independent bar available for those who are enjoying some tapas. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ignacio Gutierrez |
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Homemade delights and good wine |
Calle De Alfonso VI 6 Madrid, Madrid 28005 Spain +34 91 366 0515 |
La Salamandra is a good choice if you are looking for traditional Spanish food and hospitality. Its kitchen produces homemade specialties like Grilled Sirloins of Acorn-Fed Pork, succulent veal covered with cheese and raspberries, ventresca a la Bilbaina (Bilbao-style tuna steak) or pork in a wild mushroom sauce. These mouth-watering dishes are best accompanied by one of the over 60 different varieties of wines available. It is a cosy and welcoming restaurant-bar with a rustic decor. If you choose to eat from the range of tapas, you will pay between EUR2.40-EUR3.30 per portion. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Always busy |
Plaza de Santa Bárbara, 8 Madrid, Madrid 28004 Spain +34 91 319 0449 |
This is one place where you do not need to agonize over what to drink. There is no choice. The bar only serves beer, and good quality beer it is. You are in a huge room with wooden tables on one side of a never-ending zinc bar where you can sit in peace to enjoy the delicious tapas. Try the tasty berberechos (cockles), prawns, tuna, or anchovies with tomato. Service is fast and friendly, and there is always a good atmosphere among the busy crowd who come in before lunch and dinner. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: e. quintana (soul33) |
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Hundreds of tapas to take-away |
Calle De Augusto Figueroa 25 Madrid, Madrid 28004 Spain +34 91 522 4910 |
Try and find a space at the bar to order from a huge range of over 100 different tapas of all shapes, sizes, colours and flavours. This bar is always full, probably because the prices are incredibly low. If you want to sit down and eat, head for the small dining room at the back. If there's no room, you can take-away or order a home delivery of treats like tortilla (omelette) and empanada (meat pie). The house specialities are choux de langostinos (king prawn appetizer) at EUR1.12 and cod brandada at EUR3. They go really well with a cool glass of beer at EUR0.84. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Above all, a fun atmosphere |
Calle Cava Baja 27 Madrid, Madrid 28005 Spain +34 91 365 5264 |
Two of this place's three rooms are set aside for flamenco music and you are encouraged to sing along as if it were karaoke. The other room is for jazz and blues music and for occasional live concerts. If you are hungry, you can order platters of cold meats. The interior is all exposed brick, ceramic tiles, Moorish arches, and photos of famous clients like Julio Iglesias and Paco de Lucía. There is a cellar dating from the 14th century that you can reserve for atmospheric private parties. No admission charge. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Economical taste treats |
Plaza de Isabel II, 8 Madrid, Madrid 28013 Spain +34 91 559 6922 |
A spacious and elegantly furnished tavern that offers high-quality food at reasonable prices, the highlights include white shrimp fresh from the coast at Huelva, lamb sweetbreads and portions of homemade croquettes at EUR5. The canaps range in price from EUR2-3 for cured ham. The various stews on the menu are exceptionally good and they include Rape Al Ajillo (garlic monkfish) for EUR11, Arroz Con Bogavante (rice with lobster) for two people at EUR29 and Rabo de Toro (oxtail) for EUR10. Wash it all down with draught beer, vermouth from the barrel or house wine. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: maris blanco |
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100 years serving tapas and beer |
Mesón de Paredes, 13 Madrid, Madrid 28012 Spain +1 34 91 539 7826 |
Take a step back in time to visit this charming old-fashioned tavern dating from 1830. The original decor has hardly changed since it opened. The beer and wines are good and it is worth trying the tortilla de San Isidro (onion and cod omelette), the morcilla (black pudding with raisins) and the rabo de buey (oxtail stew). Order a whole Spanish omelette to share with friends for just EUR4.20. All the prices are reasonable: for example, a caña (small glass of beer) costs EUR1.05 and a tubo (tall glass of beer) costs EUR1.65. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Old Inquisition dungeons |
Lavapiés, 5 Madrid, Madrid 28012 Spain +34 91 539 2650 |
The best things on the menu are the bacalao Al Ajoarriero (cod in garlic sauce) for EUR4.50 and the delicious cold meats. You can stand at the long bar that's full of tempting snacks or sit at one of the tables or booths at the back for more comfort. Talk about history. Beneath the floor of this typical Madrid tavern are 400-year-old dungeons used by the Inquisition. Nowadays, the bar is full of innocent tapa lovers. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Home-style cooking in a medieval setting |
Toledo, 28 Madrid, Madrid 28005 Spain +34 91 366 4000 |
Taberna la Percha is divided in two dining areas: one's a traditional tapas bar and the other is a more formal but still relaxed dining room in which homemade specials are offered. Specials include dishes like Huevos Rotos with Ham (basically, fried eggs with ham) and Migas (bread crumbs fried in olive oil with peppers and chunks of spicy sausage). The building itself features a domed 14th-century ceiling and the remains of an old Moorish wall, but the restaurant only dates from 1998. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Traditional bullfighting bar |
Carrera de San Jerónimo 5 Madrid, Madrid 28014 Spain +34 91 531 3969 |
A huge bar whose interior decor is dedicated to the national fiesta - bullfighting. If eating alongside and underneath rows of stuffed bull's heads turns your stomach, try somewhere else. It's especially busy at weekends when it closes later than usual. There's a lot of room to stand at the long bar and any number of tables to sit at. Try the toasted bread canapes with hot or cold toppings at EUR2.10 or the delicious croquettes. The small, earthenware dishes of stewed vegetables, meat or fish are good value for money and the house special - Rabo de Toro (oxtail stew) - is a bargain at EUR6.01. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jose Maria. |
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Distinguished wine bar with lots of choice |
Calle Cava Baja 7 Madrid, Madrid 28005 Spain +34 91 364 1532 |
You will find this long-established and distinguished wine bar in the heart of the old town. Its wine list offers more than 160 varieties of the best Spanish wines. As for food, the house specialty is a wild mushroom and egg dish. Head down to the basement for the decor of stone, exposed brick and hundreds of wine bottles adorning every corner of the room. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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A mixture of Madrid and Andalusian styles |
Profesor Waksman, 14 Madrid, Madrid 28036 Spain +34 91 458 2910 |
The interior is an attractive combination of Andalusian patio and Castilian mansion. You can wolf down a portion of tortilla (potato omelette) for just EUR1.20 or a small fillet of pork for EUR2.40. The bar also serves traditional staples from La Mancha (home of Don Quijote and Pedro Almodóvar), like migas (fried bread crumbs with garlic, raisins and chorizo) and gachas (a type of porridge). If you're a barley fan, you've come to the right place - the beer is great. Apart from the decor and the prices, the other good thing about this place is that it's open all day. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Kitschy Andalusian & bullfighting bar |
Plaza Mayor 26 Madrid, Madrid 28012 Spain +34 91 366 5016 |
A bullfight bar decorated in kitsch Andalusian style that serves Fried Chicken Wings, Mixed Fried Mediterranean Fish and Ham Stock Soup, and Sherry as tapas to accompany your drinks. You'll have to stand along with everyone else, as there are no tables. Have a look at the photos on the walls under the bull's heads and other memorabilia and you'll see that sometimes the bull wins the contest. It's a popular place with tourists and locals alike. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Scott McMillan |
 Photo: Mary Correa |
 Photo: Mary Griffen M.D. |
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Homemade food in an authentic tavern |
Santo Tomé, 5 Madrid, Madrid 28004 Spain +34 91 310 1503 |
Come here for first-rate homecooking that a traditional village housewife would be proud of. Try the outstanding spicy tripe and chickpea stew, the Spanish omelette or meatballs in tomato sauce, in particular. It's a spacious tavern that occupies a whole street corner with seven different balconies. The interior is all rustic-style dark wood around a huge bar. As for prices, raciones (large tapas) range from (EUR 2-9) and there's a set price gourmet menu at just (EUR 15) for three courses. You can choose from fine Spanish wines, vermouth on tap or draught beer. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The best of Andalusia |
Manuel Fernández y González, 3 Madrid, Madrid 28014 Spain +34 91 429 5833 |
There are two Sevilla taverns in Madrid (the other is located on Núñez de Arce, 6. tel. +34 91 532 0882);each offers an authentic taste of Andalusia. You are surrounded by the typical coloured ceramic tiles and wrought-iron window grilles. As for the food, you´ll find all the favourite southern tapas on offer along with the house specialty, fresh trout. Don´t miss the mixed fried Mediterranean fish, or Pescaíto at EUR12.02 for a large portion or the Asparagus Omelette or the selection of canapés. The clientele is an interesting combination of tourists, bullfighters, footballers, and TV personalities in here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mike Gebert |
