El Tigre is one of the most turbulent and noisy tapas bars in all of Madrid, it is especially popular with students and young folk that attend the nearby Erasmus school. Open late, visitors can find all types of tapas and pinchos along with the typical sangria and beer. El Tigre is almost always busy, and as such it can be hard sometimes to fit in the door, however there will always be someone to meet, since you can hardly find room for yourself. It is also a great place if you want to stretch the Euro, because you can always fill up for a great price.

Tucked away in a quiet corner of the Centro district, Cafe de la Luz is the ideal place to stop for a cold beer and snack after a busy afternoon of sightseeing in downtown Madrid. The cozy interior is reminiscent of a country cottage, with comfy sofas, armchairs, soft lamps and knobby teapots. You'll find a great election of tostas (little toasts with a variety of toppings), the perfect accompaniment to one of their many house wines. -Veronica Lo

Casa Patillas is a fine example of a traditional Spanish bar and restaurant, where you'll find the yuppie crowd enjoying happy hour in wicker chairs over a bustling city intersection. The menu and decor are most traditional as well - you can enjoy flavorful gazpacho, calamari, croquettas, morcilla (blood sausage) and huevos revueltos (fries topped with cracked eggs) while gazing upon photos of toreros (bull fighters). The environment is casual and relaxed, with attentive service, affordable prices and a variety of drinks to enjoy with your tapas. -Veronica Lo