Blessed bar counters that get us out of more than one pinch at any hour of the day. That’s the advantage of the ones in Madrid—no matter when you go, they always have something to offer: a well-poured beer, a draft vermouth, a tortilla pincho, or a delicious dish to share. These not only meet that condition, but also pride themselves on being some of the best in the center of the capital, in the Gran Vía area and the Barrio de las Letras. Can you ask for anything more? Yes, another round, please.
Mercado de la Reina
It's not a gastro market, but it feels like one because they place so much emphasis on seasonal products, making it seem like what you're eating off the menu is something you're choosing directly from the market stand. This is one of those places worth noting for several reasons: first, because it stays open non-stop throughout the day; and second, because of its unbeatable location, close to the main attractions of the city. That’s why it’s perfect both for a breakfast stop and for settling in at the bar for some tapas. Among its pinchos, the Russian salad gets all the praise. And, if the mood strikes, on its lower floor, there’s a genuine gin club for spirit lovers. Gran Vía, 12.
Celso y Manolo
‘Viejoven’ (old-young) at its finest, the name of this spot in Chueca is a tribute to the owners who ran the place since the 70s. It has now been fully renovated, although the tavern's aesthetic that it’s had for all these years is still preserved, with the bar as the main feature. There are also a few small tables with stools to sit and enjoy some tapas. The best time to visit is undoubtedly during aperitif hour: squid sandwich, the legendary beef pepito, or incredibly fresh seafood are among the most requested to accompany their special vermouth, the star of the menu. Libertad, 1
Bocablo Lounge
From the windows of Bocablo Lounge, located on the ground floor of the Iberostar Las Letras hotel, you get the feeling of being on street level, but with the comfort of being away from the hustle and bustle of the always-busy Gran Vía. It's just as pleasant to sit at the bar for a drink as it is to relax in its seating area with low tables, with the added advantage of knowing that their kitchen stays open throughout the day, from breakfast to tapas, lunch, and the lounge in the evening. Gran Vía, 11
La Carmencita
La Carmencita. It’s the second oldest tavern in Madrid -opened in 1854- and prides itself on having been a place of recreation and leisure for Lorca -a resident of the building- and his contemporaries from the Generation of '27 during their student years. Since 2013, it has been fully renovated, though original elements like the polychrome tiles, wooden tables, and the pewter bar that greets you as soon as you cross the threshold have been preserved. And if the aesthetics are traditional, the menu is even more so; however, with a clear Cantabrian influence -squid fritters, anchovies from Santoña- thanks to its current owner. It’s unforgivable to leave the city without having a few beers or trying their weekend brunch. Libertad, 16.
Museo Chicote
Museo Chicote. A living history of Madrid’s ‘canalleo’ (maverick culture) and another example that the true classics never die. Open non-stop since 1931, this legendary cocktail bar has hosted everyone from Ava Gardner to Rita Hayworth, Frank Sinatra, Pedro Almodóvar… Today, it remains a hotspot and meeting point for the city’s trendy crowd: its over 50 classic cocktails and signature drinks are complemented by a more than tempting snack menu – Thai chicken with mustard sauce, wild bass tartare, or oxtail burger – along with many other surprises to the beat of DJ sessions. To discover them, the best time to visit is Sunday until closing time. Gran Vía, 12
Mercado de San Miguel
Mercado de San Miguel. A pioneer in transforming a traditional neighborhood market into a more gourmet concept, Mercado de San Miguel is one of the must-visits in the city. Getting a spot at its bars is almost an impossible mission, but it’s worth trying, if only to leisurely taste some of its offerings: draft vermouth, well-poured beers, incredibly fresh oysters, cheeses and cured meats with DO, caviar, croquettes, sushi… The best part is that its style has set a trend and opened the door to the rise of gastromarkets in the capital. And they all deserve a visit, from San Antón in Chueca, to Mercado de San Ildefonso in Malasaña, or the newest one, Yatay Market, very close to Puerta del Sol. Plaza de San Miguel, s/n
La Primera
La Primera. The first floor of number 1 on Gran Vía – you can’t miss it – houses this new restaurant, one of the last newcomers to the neighborhood, though it’s already on everyone’s lips. Its menu, inspired by northern Spanish cuisine – cod fritters, lard and boiled egg croquettes – is partly to blame. However, we wouldn’t be wrong if we said that its views are the real reason. From its impressive square bar, you get magnificent panoramic views of the city’s main artery, and that’s incomparable. Gran Vía, 1.
Atlantik Corner
Atlantik Corner. The gastronomic scene in the city’s most literary area is rapidly evolving, welcoming new places that focus entirely on high-quality products. And Atlantik Corner is a prime example: Atlantic cuisine (or, more precisely, Galician-Portuguese) that puts all the spotlight on premium fish and meats (marinated bass, roasted carabinero shrimp, the classic bacalhau à brás, or lamb chops). The best part is that you don’t need to sit at a table to enjoy it; check out their bar area, more than comfortable for enjoying tapas and sampling much of their menu in half portions, which is the trend. Ventura de la Vega, 11-13
Tándem
Tándem. Getting a spot at its bar is not as easy as riding a bike, but it's worth trying. The little brother of Triciclo – just a few numbers up the street – has earned its well-deserved fame with a seasonal menu so perfectly crafted that it manages to take you on a journey around the world without messing up your hair. But you will get your hands dirty, because let’s not forget that here, you come to enjoy eating: from China, steamed baos; from Mexico, quesadillas; from Peru, ceviche; from Italy, truffled mortadella; and from Spain, Iberian meats and the classic squid sandwich. Santa María, 39
Bistronomika
Bistronomika. If you love seafood and want to try something new, step into this small restaurant, another newcomer in the Barrio de Las Letras, where wild fish rules the menu. They specialize in the lesser-known varieties, such as black seabream, coruxo, rubio, maragota, borriquete, sama roqueta, and red pargo, all cooked with a light fusion twist and designed for a true treat. For something quicker, try one of their shareable tapas options at the bar, like shrimp croquettes with collard greens and plankton, grilled octopus with black garlic cream and ají, or a rib-filled bao. To accompany, artisan beer and wines from small Galician and Madrid producers. Santa María, 39
Lamian by Soy Kitchen
Lamian by Soy Kitchen. What started as a Chinese ‘bareto’ (small bar) with slot machines has become one of the leading examples of affordable fusion cuisine in the capital. Julio – that’s the name of the owner in Spanish – became famous in Plaza de los Mostenses for his ‘Lamian,’ a typical Chinese noodle dish with meat that he dared to make with oxtail and yearling sirloin, and that’s what gave Soy Kitchen its fame, the name of his first location. Another hit is the nori and anchovy dim sum in vinegar – 100% homemade, he even makes the dough – or the satay-style eggplants, which can be enjoyed even at the bar. By the way, there’s no trace of the slot machines in the place anymore. Plaza de los Mostenses, 4
