More than an Irish pub, this huge place actually looks like a small Irish village, with its own little flea market in the main square surrounded by balconies and washing out to dry on the line. The pub is oozing with Irish charm and character and its well-to-do patrons can probably be credited with keeping a good part of the beer industry afloat. Regular free Celtic music concerts mid-week. The clientele is usually well-off.
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.
Alipio Ramos is a blue-collar, no-nonsense tapas bar, one of those hidden gems where you can still get a free tapa with every cerveza you buy. Highlights of their extensive and very inexpensive tapas menu include croquettas, giant tortilla, patatas bravas, and chopitos (deep-fried squid). Try a tinto de verano as a light, fruity alternative to a cerveza, and you’ll be impressed with the gigantic glass they’ll bring over. No need to dress up for Alipio Ramos, as the environment is very casual. Crowds gather after the work day, so be prepared to eat, drink and be merry while standing and shouting out your orders. That said, a dining area is available inside if you insist on being seated. -Veronica Lo
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
A refuge for bohemians and locals who love the tapas, this place has been in business forever and it retains its old-world Andalusian charm. The clientele are a mixed bunch who come from all parts of the globe. Enjoy a dry sherry or traditional manzanilla wine at the old-fashioned bar where the waiters keep track of your bill with chalk marks on the counter.
A refuge for bohemians and locals who love the tapas, this place has been in business forever and it retains its old-world Andalusian charm. The clientele are a mixed bunch who come from all parts of the globe. Enjoy a dry sherry or traditional manzanilla wine at the old-fashioned bar where the waiters keep track of your bill with chalk marks on the counter.
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
Microteatro Por Dinero literally translated means micro theater for money. This is a small theater encouraging Performing Arts and is a platform where budding directors, writers and actors can exhibit their talents in the company of like-minded patrons. Each act lasts for about 15 minutes and patrons are required to pay for one play at a time. A computer screen lets you browse through the performances of the evening and, every month, performances revolve around newer themes. Once you've bought your ticket, you can linger around in their bar area and wait for the show to start. As the performance begins, patrons are asked to move into their small basement. The intimate nature of the setting gives an illusion of being a part of the act. An absolutely unique concept in itself, Microteatro Por Dinero is definitely a must-visit place when in downtown, Madrid.
If you wish to enjoy authentic Tapas but prices of popular restaurants are shying your wallet away then Casa Toni is just the right place for you. In a humble setting of wooden tables and simple stools the place lets its food do all the talking. From shrimp-and-anchovies infused tapas dishes, crispy calamari to the delectable mussels, and the honey-drizzled eggplant everything here is cooked using authentic techniques and plays a medley with your palate. Chilled beers and local wines quench your thirst and they pair perfectly with the food.
Located in Madrid's LGBT friendly neighborhood of Chueca, Mercado San Antón is a wonderful mix of traditional farmer's market and modern food court. Open every day till late, this place is famous for its shopping and nightlife. Inside you will find everything from fresh local produce, prime cuts of meats, cheeses and other regional delicacies. The variety in flavors and cooked specialties is sure to tempt any palate, and if you'd like to kick back and hang out with friends, the restaurant on the top floor offers spectacular views of Madrid from the terrace.
Popular and famous primarily amongst university students, this music venue puts on regular live concerts and has a great dance floor. The music consists mostly of rock & roll, pop and a little bit of country. The interior decor has a nautical theme, complete with fishing nets hanging from the walls. There's no admission charge except on live concert nights when the price varies depending on the band. You can park easily in the vicinity and there are lots of other bars nearby to visit if you're out in the town.