Madrid Dishes We Dare You to Try

You’ve landed in Madrid and you’re ready to explore its narrow streets, bustling plazas, historical sites, and  try traditional dishes, but for those thrill-seekers out there is that enough?  When it comes to food there’s plenty of tasty yet strange, actually some would possibly say disgusting, dishes you should surely try if you want to feel like a “real” Madrileno.  All these dishes will have any vegetarian running for the hills. Here are four plates we dare you to try and if you have any complaints, well, we double dog dare you to raise that to your waiter as well!

Morcilla – Sausage stuffed with pig’s blood, onions, and rice
The wonderful news about Morcilla (black pudding) is, well, you can find it pretty much everywhere. Walk in to any tapas bar in the La Latina neighborhood and you’re bound to see people eating it by the mouth full.  Although it looks gross (black, almost purple-lish in color, and thick), it’s actually really sweet tasting and addictive. Depending on where you go they may stuff it with different spices, but the main ingredient, pig and pig’s blood, well, you can’t really swap that for something else. I’d definitely recommend eating it with lots of bread on the first try … it’s an acquired taste.

Cochinillo – Suckling pig
The best Cochinillo in Madrid is served at Botin (Calle de los Cuchilleros, 17, Metro: Tirso de Molina / Sol, Telephone: 91 366 42 17). Botin is noted in the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest restaurant in the world, and has been mentioned in many famous literary texts (the owner, Carlos, says that Hemmingway finished the last page of The Sun Also Rises at an upstairs table). The current owners’ grandparents bought the establishment over ninety years ago,  and they’ve used the same oven since 1725, which is maybe why their suckling pig is the best in the city. The restaurant has strict rules for the little piggies before they arrive at the restaurant. They cannot be over four kilos or twenty days in age, and the must have only been fed mother’s milk. Once the piglets arrive at the restaurant they are put into the oven for two and a half hours. To get a glimpse of the little ones waiting to be placed in the oven – walk straight back from the entrance and look in to see the shelves of piglets and the ancient oven.

Oreja de Cerdo = Pig ears
I’d say if you don’t know how make pig ears (do you fry or boil them?) then head to Bodegas de la Ardosa (Calle Colon, 13, Metro: Chueca, 91 521 4979). Founded in 1892 and known as the seventh oldest tavern in Madrid, here is where you can enjoy a succulent pig ear all for yourself. Lucky for you, they serve this Spanish delicacy with Salsa Brava (red sauce).

Gallinejas, Entresijos and Mollejas – All parts of a lamb fried in its own fat!
One of the fattiest and almost gut wrenching (not only when it goes down but also the smell) must try foods are the Gallinejas, Entresijos and Mollejas. The best place, and one of the few places that still serves them, is  Gallinejas Embajadores (Calle Embajadores, 84, Metro: Embajadores). The large plate shows off the loveliest fatty fried pieces of lamb and they top it off with some french fries. Yep, you’re all set for a great night owt on the town, or on the toilet.

Complain or Change of order
You’ve decided to try one of the foods mentioned above and you don’t like your meal, or after you’ve ordered you’ve changed your mind. Well, we dare you to ask the waiter to change your order, or complain that the food is too salty, fatty, or the fish is not fresh, the meat is not cooked enough. In Madrid the service at restaurants is not like in other parts of the world … But if you’re up for a heckle and big-to-do it’s a great way to entertain yourself and the people you’re with.

Traditional Tapas in Sol

Located just off of Puerta del Sol, Taberna La Soberbia is the perfect place for anyone trying to experience traditional Madrid dining.  Its affordable but high-quality tapas, “raciones” and delicious sangria make it an ideal place to take visitors.  It’s nearly always packed so if you like an earlier dinner, try getting there around 21:00 or 21:30 p.m.  Its proximity to the central hub of the city makes it a convenient and popular stop for tourists, but inside you will always find its fair share of locals.

Every time you walk in or out the waiters will greet you in unison.  It’s quite nice actually, and you are almost always shown to a table immediately.  I have found Taberna La Soberbia to be the most affordable place to go for good “jamón serrano” in Madrid.  While other places often charge about 15€ for a ration of ham, the tavern offers a half ration for 8€, which is plenty for up to four people, providing you order other things. Other favorites include the “albóndigas” (meatballs in sauce) and, best of all, the “pimientos rellenos de bacalao” (peppers stuffed with cod), which are absolutely divine.  Also delicious are the Cogollos con ahumados (little lettuce hearts with smoked fish) and the Morcilla (although, if you get a chance to travel to Burgos, you should definitely taste this traditional blood sausage there as well).

The establishment actually served as a traditional little tavern under the first republic.  It was renovated in 2000 with prized Adolfo Montes Tiles.  The inside is quite beautiful, with lovely tiles and dark wood paneling.  Flamenco music supposedly plays in the background, if you can hear over the chattering buzz.

Come here on a night with friends to enjoy a long Spanish dinner, complete with the after-dinner “sobremesa”.  Just to make you feel extra special, your waiter will bring you a “chupito de la casa” (a little shot of the house digestive liqueur) after your meal. After being wined and dined here in the heart of Madrid, you’re set to head off to any of the surrounding bars and clubs.

In terms of delicious traditional food at a reasonable price, it’s hard to beat Taverna La Soberbia in the immediate Sol area.  Drop by for breakfast or dinner and see for yourself!

A warning for girls: the waiters can be flirtatious, but never to excess.

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Taberna La Soberbia
Calle Espoz y Mina, 1
Phone: 91 531 05 76
Price: Dinner: 15-20 euros per person with drinks
Hours:  Breakfasts: 9 a.m.- 12 p.m. Monday- Saturday.  Dinner: 21:00 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Monday- Wednesday, 21:00 p.m.- 2:00 a.m. Thursday, 21:00 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. Friday, Saturday, 21:00 p.m.- 1:30 a.m. Sunday.
Metro: Sol

By Chloé Rousseau

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Olé Lola: Cocktails and Culinary Delights

A fairly recent addition to the funky chic cocktail gang in Madrid, Olé Lola, is definitely giving its existing competition a run for their money. From the minute you walk in the door you can’t help but feel just a little more glamorous than you did before. The black furniture, dim lighting and colourful bar all help to create an awesomely rich and cocktail-inducing feel. The joy of Lola is that there’s no posh attitude, which can be found in some of the swanky cocktail bars, and anyone is free to come and enjoy the sumptuous servings of both food and drink. Take your pick from the seating options of high tables, low tables, regular soft benches or low-lying lounging because Ole Lola has all of the above. What better way to enjoy a great cocktail than lying back on a soft padded sofa bench and sipping away your worries with one of the many concoctions that the bar staff knock together.

The cocktails aren’t the cheapest in town but they are no doubt some of the best that you’ll savour, and it’s obvious that the house cocktail master, Miguel Setién, designed the menu to satisfy. Perfectly complimented by such cool and comfy surroundings, you’ll find it hard to get up and go – so be prepared for an extended stay once you’ve settled down. Add to this the fact that there is a quirkily wonderful menu to get your teeth into; it’s just too tempting to resist. The list includes: mini chicken and foie burgers, grandma’s croquettes, and fried aubergine with salmorejo. And it doesn’t just stop at sounding and tasting good, head chef Jesús Pedraza takes massive pride in the presentation of his creations and each dish will have you and your friends cooing when it arrives at your table. Now whether it’s cooing, cocktails, cuisine or comfortable couches that you’re questing for, you know where to go.

Cocktails: 7-14€
Hours: Sun-Thurs 12:00 p.m. -02:00 a.m., Fri & Sat 12:00 p.m.-02:30 a.m.
Metro: Tribunal, Alonso Martínez, Bilbao

Olé Lola
Calle de San Mateo, 28
28010 Madrid, España
Tel: 913 106 695

By Tom Burgess

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A Clandestine Hangout with Some Darn Fine Hummus!

Hidden off the beaten track, on a quiet side street of Alonso Martínez, you will find one of those rare treasures that even the Goonies would be going crazy for. La Vaquería Suiza (The Swiss Dairy) is simple in décor, with high ceilings, white wood and comfortable furniture. The atmosphere inside is generally pretty relaxed. Weekday evenings it is perfect for an after-work drink or to catch up with friends. During lunchtime it can get a little crowded so to avoid fighting for your food I suggest arriving before 14:00 p.m. to ensure getting a table. In the evenings it’s not a problem to dine without a reservation but if there’s a group of you going on a Friday or Saturday then ring ahead first just to make sure. The staff are relentlessly friendly and helpful, and during the quieter times they’re more than happy to chat. In a city not known for its servicio al cliente, this is one place that will put a smile on your face with the service they give.

On the menu you’ll find a variety of dishes and there appears to be no apparent ‘theme’, but that’s fine by me because I’ve tried nearly everything on the menu and liked it all. The quality and size of the portions are pretty decent and for me there are 2 particular stars on the menu. The first being the hummus, which is a great sharing dish and is absolutely delicious (especially if you’re a garlic fan like I am). Coming from a nation of hummus lovers, I’ve had my fair share of garbanzo experiences and La Vaquería Suiza is up there near the top of my list. The other culinary treat comes in the form of the mushroom crepes that are a delight for any fungophiles out there – scrumptastic! Also not to be ignored are the range of salads on offer for those of you wanting a lighter and healthier option. If you often find it hard to agree on a place for you and a group of friends then make your way to La Vaquería because the menu is varied enough to sort you all out with a happy belly.

Plates: 7-12€
Hours: Mon-Sat 09:00 a.m.-00:00 a.m. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Metro: Alonso Martínez

La Vaquería Suiza
Calle de Blanca de Navarra, 8
28010 Madrid, España
Tel: 913 106 242

By Tom Burgess

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Alternative Ambience at Bar Marimba

Founded by three “non-Madrileños”, you can tell Bar Marimba is new the second you walk through the door.  Not because it’s a bit quiet or because everything still seems clean and the toilets lock (although all of those are also true), but because you feel like a valuable customer from the moment you sit down.  Lydia, one of the co-owners and a native of Italy, carefully crafts a Mojito and a Caipiroska before sitting down to chat. Their drink specialties include Mojitos, Caipirinhas and their more innovative Caipiroskas, which they make with fresh seasonal fruits including strawberries, melon, kiwi and mango. The three friends (the other two are from Mallorca and Paraguay) finally opened the bar about two months ago.  The name simply comes from the South American name for an instrument resembling a xylophone.  The international worldliness of the owners carries over to more than just the name.  Everything from the music to the decor to the menu reflects the bar’s identity as a sort of alternatively trendy hangout spot for anyone passing through.

The space itself feels a bit “taverny”, with warm rust-coloured walls cut away to reveal the original stone.  The locale actually dates from the early 1800s. Little round tables are placed around the front room, each with a candle flickering on it.  The back room has a more rustic feel, with big wooden tables and chairs.  On one wall is a photo exhibit by a young photographer, Shihaya Buisán.  Lydia explains that they discovered the old granite walls when they began renovation.  But between then and now the space has served many a purpose.  Most recently it was a rather famous Electronica bar.  When it closed down two years ago, the space remained empty until this daring trio decided to buy it and re-do it completely.  “The renovation wasn’t just about painting and re-furnishing”, explains Lydia, “we had to change the whole identity of the space”.  That’s quite clear, there’s nothing left that even hints ‘screaming rave’. When I ask Lydia about the music, she describes it as “diverse”.   “We try and play calmer music in the mornings, while people have breakfast and work, and then at night we try and put on something a bit more lively”.  Even with the more energetic music, the bar is much more of a sit-and-talk place than a crazy dance venue.

Bar Marimba is more than a nocturnal niche, they are open for breakfast and serve snacks, coffees, teas and drinks all day.  “Our ‘thing’ is pita breads”, explains Lydia.  They top them loads of different ways.  “We also try and have one main ‘dish’ every day and a dessert.”  The daily specials are advertised on a blackboard:  hummus and pita bread, cold tomato/ avocado soup, chocolate tart with dulce de leche, tiramisu, and a pear and peach mousse.  Everything costs a reasonable 3-4 euros.  They also provide free Wifi to customers, which combined with the tables and endless supply of coffee make it a perfect study spot.  It is sometimes difficult to find places in Madrid (other than a Starbucks) to take your books and spread out with a coffee, but Bar Marimba fills that void.

Bar Marimba
Calle de Lavapiés, 11
Phone: 915 392 711
Hours:  Monday – Thursday – 10:30 a.m. – 2 :00 a.m., Friday – Sunday – 11 :00 a.m. – 3 :00 a.m.
Metro: Tirso De Molina
Price: 2-6 euros.

By Chloé Rousseau

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Top 10 restaurants in Madrid under 15€

For being a large, modern European capital, Madrid manages to provide many options for reasonably priced meals and though everyone has their own definition of what’s “cheap” anytime the bill comes in at under 15€ per diner it’s safe to say that most of us can find a way to cover it. Check out MAP’s Top 10 restaurants under 15€ in madrid, with special attention paid to providing you with a variety of different types of food from all around the world.

1. Alfredo’s Barbacoa – While I will admit there is a certain amount of expat bias in writing this, for pure value there is not much more bang-for-your-buck than the burger at Alfredo’s. Starting at a tick under 6€ the burger uses some of the highest quality beef available and the authentic charcoal grilling seals in the juices and leaves you thinking only about the next time you can come back.
2. El Rey de Tallerines – The highlight of all the ethnic restaurants that fill C/ San Bernardino, when you need a noodle-fix this is Madrid’s go-to location. As the name suggests the noodles rule the menu but even when adding a few of their appetizers you can still keep your bill well within reason.
3. Maoz – When looking for cheap options, the falafel automatically comes to my mind. While Madrid’s choices are seriously lacking (in quality not quantity), Maoz is the exception in a sea of bland, soggy, re-heated falafels that you will find around the city. So next time you want a freshly prepared falafel, head to one of their two locations in Madrid and get one with all of fixings, fries and a drink for well under 10€.
4. La Musa – Madrid has had a seemingly exponential explosion of modern/fusion-style tapas restaurants spring up in recent years, but La Musa is one of the originals and still one of the best. For a combination of vibe, variety and a great price-to-quality ratio in their food, it is one of the best options Madrid has to offer. Where else can you sample fried green tomatoes, wild boar, sushi and then wash it down with a German-import house caña and still keep it under 15€ per diner?
5. Casa Julio – What more of a recommendation do you need than from U2 and MAP’s founder? Casa Julio is a Malasaña staple and has been serving-up their renowned croquetas for years now to the delight of many a diner. This place is typical Spanish tapas at its best; shared plates that fill you up and don’t put too much of a dent in your wallet.
6. Hare Krishna center – While it is not formally a restaurant this cultural center puts out a buffet that is a dream come true for vegetarians on a budget. Healthful and tasty veggies, salads, rice, tofu and desserts are what fill your belly but the place also provides a unique dining experience that you won’t find anywhere else.
7. Taberna Griega – Just how do you pronounce the word ‘Gyro’? We may never know, but we’ll keep eating them as long as they taste good, come wrapped in a pita and slathered with tzatziki sauce. But wait the Greeks offer even more delicious food, so head down Taberna Griega to sample all of the delightful little treats Greece has to offer and at the same time keeping it very affordable.
8. La Vita É Bella – Another standard bearer in the hunt for cheap food is the slice of pizza and Madrid has a surprising amount of options when it comes to this pocket book savior. By far the most renowned of these is La Vita E Bella, whose take-out Italian posts number three and spread through the Malasaña and Chueca neighborhoods. The thick, cheesy, square slice can be an entire meal for some and when it comes in at 2.50€ per slice, who can complain?
9. Creperie Ma Bretagne – While some only think of the sweet variety when you mention the crepe, the savory version allows you to enjoy a crepe as part of a meal instead of only as a desert. Ma Bretagne is a cozy little restaurant that provides a different option when it comes to dining out in Madrid and the authentic taste of their crepes makes it well worth a stop next time you’re looking to mix-up your dining ritual.
10. La Bardemcilla – While this restaurant can’t properly be called cheap, if you show some restraint you can keep it under 15€ per person. However, for bearing the name of a celebrity, it is as cheap as you will find and this is where the real value comes in. The name refers to Javier Bardem who burst on to the Hollywood scene after his role in No Country for Old Men and who is now a household name. The place offers a fun dining experience by naming the menu items after his movies and gives you something to tell your friends about, not to mention the food is delicious.

Cheap dining in Madrid isn’t too hard to find if you know the right places, not to mention Madrid
also provides you with many different varieties of food and in restaurants so as to keep your palette from getting dull. Check out MAP’s complete list of restaurants for more great recommendations.

By Coleman File

Café Diurno: Coffee, Cake and Cultural Movies

I was in search of a place to chill out, read the paper and do a bit of studying so I went wandering through the streets of Chueca. In Madrid the cafés are 10 a penny and every street will offer you a café con leche somewhere along the way, but I wanted something a bit more. And so when I stumbled across Diurno I knew that I’d found my new haven.

On the corner of C/Libertad and C/San Marcos, this is a spacious café with plenty of room and I’ve always been able to get a table (or even sofa if I’m lucky). Not only is it a café but also a video rental club where you can hire your favorite movies or try new ones. Diurno describes itself as a “gourmet video club or cultural drugstore” and I would agree that this place really feels like a happening hub of locals and visitors alike sharing some time chilling out and catching up. Open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, it’s also a great place to people watch for hours as the hodge-podge of customers come and go and offer glimpses of friendships, first dates and last dates!

What caught my eye from the first visit was the impossible-to-resist range of freshly baked cakes on offer at the counter, including the amazing dulce de leche chocolate cake, which is the perfect partner for your coffee. The chocolate brownies and carrot cake are so delicious that they’ll have Betty Crocker running for the recipe. There is also a great range of sandwiches, salads, pasta and soups (as well as more desserts on offer) that makes Diurno an option for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or for sweets. And to quench your thirst there is everything that you could want from teas, coffees, smoothies, juices, soft drinks, beers, wines, copas and cocktails. The caipirinhas are well worth a try and feature as one of the favourites amongst the clientele, obviously popular as you’ll see the sugar and lime-filled caipirinha glasses lined up along the bar ready to go. If you are looking to quench your thirst, satisfy your appetite or looking for the latest blockbuster then Diurno is your one-stop café to suit your needs.

Hours: Mon-Thurs 10:00 a.m. – 0:00 a.m., Fri 10:00 a.m. -01:00 a.m. , Sat 11:00 a.m. -01:00 a.m. , Sun/Hols 11:00 a.m. -0:00 a.m.

Beverage: Coffee 2 euros, cocktails 6 euros.

Movie rental: 3-3,50 euros

Café Diurno
Calle de San Marcos, 37
Tel: 91 522 00 09

By Tom Burgess

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Alfredo’s Barbacoa: Salamanca’s Stupendous Bargain BBQ Scene

29 years ago, in 1981, a New Yorker with a passion for good hearty food opened the doors to what would become one of the most popular eateries in Madrid. Alfredo’s Barbacoa now has 2 restaurants, both in the Salamanca neighbourhood and they continue to pack in the crowds at dinner times. If you’re there at the peak periods it can resemble sharks at feeding time with a frenzy of hungry diners packing out the place. And to be honest, even Jaws would be satisfied with what comes out of the kitchen and the BBQ smell in the air will get more than just Pavlov’s dog salivating. Both venues are unglamorous in appearance and relatively small, but when you’re getting good food at good prices then there is no need for fancy decoration. The walls host a stream of American paraphernalia that could have you believing that you’re dining on Route 66, and the red and white checked tablecloths finish off the traditional diner feel to a tee.

The food itself is exactly what you’d expect from a good BBQ joint; burgers, ribs, steaks, hot dogs, corn on the cob, etc. The Super Alfredo’s Burger con queso y bacon (bacon cheeseburger with bbq sauce, fries and coleslaw) is one of the top sellers and is a tasty choice, though the ribs are also finger-licking lovely. Alfredo himself admits that the menu has changed very little since the beginning and that the burgers, coleslaw and famous house BBQ sauce were all featured on the original menu. There has been no need to play with a recipe that works and only a few new dishes and desserts have been added over the years to compliment the quality meat that Alfredo serves.

Alfredo’s is somewhere that I would recommend to call ahead and reserve a table in order to avoid the disappointment of being turned away empty-bellied and sad-faced – this place gets super busy at popular times.

Hours: Lunch: 13:00 p.m.-16:30 p.m. Mon-Sat. Dinner: 20:30 p.m. -0:00 a.m. Mon-Thurs, 20:30 p.m. -01:00 a.m. Fri & Sat
Plate: 6-10 euros

Alfredo’s Barbacoa
C/Lagasca, 5
Metro: Retiro
Tel: 91 576 62 71

C/Juan Hurtado de Mendoza, 11
Metro: Cuzco
Tel: 91 345 16 39

By  Tom Burgess

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Mamá Francisca: More Than Just Mojitos

Go to Mamá Francisca enough times and you begin to be treated like family.  As I walk in, Tarek, the bartender and staff manager, yells my name, blows a kiss and gets started on our Mojitos. They say that when you’re new to Madrid, you should try your best to become a “conocido” (or “regular”) somewhere—anywhere—and what better place than this delightful little Cuban corner.

Cuban owner Luisa María named the bar after her mother, Nena Francisca, who now reads fortunes at a competing larger Cuban bar, La Negra Tomasa.  What Mamá Francisca lacks in size and fancy exterior, it more than makes up for in its lively atmosphere, delicious food and drinks, unbeatable prices and charming staff.  Every now and then Regla, the restaurant Chef, will pop out of the kitchen with a dazzling smile and an impressive set of salsa moves.  “I like to dance to add some atmosphere,” she says, “sometimes people here can be a bit dry, so I try and bring what I know from my culture.”

I ask Regla about the food and as she starts explaining it becomes quite clear that the menu boasts more or less every Cuban dish on the face of the earth. Regla jokes that I had better not steal her recipes as she disappears into the kitchen and quickly brings back a steaming plate of “arroz con gris”, a deliciously spiced-up mix of white and brown rice with beans.  They are also known for their “Ropa Vieja”, or old clothes.  Which, despite its name, is supposed to be a sumptuous saucy dish.  The name comes from the way the meat is pulled and shredded before it is mixed with its typical sauce.  “We make everything!” she laughs, “can you imagine? Everything! Ribs, tamales—do you know what tamales are?”

Over at the bar, Tarek practically flies back and forth, making drinks, running tabs and switching music.  Saturday nights are always busy but he always makes time to stop, smile and say hello when anyone comes in.  The drinks here are delicious.  Try their signature Mojitos or choose from their vast tropical cocktail list.  This list boasts the classic “daiquiris” and “piña coladas” but also has more adventurous choices such as the “passion colada”, the “green demon” and “Mamá Francisca’s Special”.

The tropical decor mixed with Cuban pop and salsa hits makes for a festive atmosphere. Tarek keeps the music flowing, occasionally showing series of Cuban music videos or a big football game on the television.  The Salsa music makes it hard not to dance, or at least wiggle on your barstool.  There isn’t a large dance floor, per se, but people always make room, especially when Regla busts out her moves.

The clientele is diverse and often changing, due to its location right in the heart of Madrid’s nightlife.  Tourists often wander in, lured by the prospect of a free fruity shot.  You will also see your fair share of regulars and of people stopping by for their Friday night Mojito.  That’s probably where you’ll find me, at least.

Located just a couple of blocks from Puerta del Sol, Mamá Francisca is a perfect place for a meal or a couple of drinks with friends, or for a fun and tropical barhop stop around Sol. Even better, with “copas” at just 5 euro and cocktails between 5 and 7, you really can’t get any cheaper than Mamá Francisca. So next time you’re about to pay 12 euro for a mass-produced cocktail that tastes like fruity lip-gloss, stop yourself and head over to Mamá Francisca’s for a little taste of Cuba.  You won’t regret it, I’m sure.

Mamá Francisca
Calle Alvarez Gato, 9
Metro: Sol
Phone: 91 532 33 24
Hours: From 13:00 p.m. to 2 :30 a.m. Tuesday to Sunday.  Closed Monday.
Prices:  Restaurant: Menu for 9 euro, Bar: 5-7 euro

By Chloé Rousseau

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La Mantequería: Tea, Tostas and a Touch of the Big Apple

Nestled in the backstreets near Plaza de España, you could be forgiven for not having heard of La Mantequería before. But for those that have already discovered this little treat, they certainly make it one of their regulars. It’s a very simple affair, but there’s something so warm and inviting about this corner plot that it gives me a little smile each time I’m there. Although fairly small, La Mantequeria is rarely overcrowded, which makes it a perfect place if you’re looking for somewhere quiet to go with guaranteed available tables.

The first time I went I was with a friend in search for a place to chat the afternoon away. Having heard of this place from another friend we made our way to the corner of C/San Bernadino and C/San Leonardo, and I was certainly glad we did. With a large range of drinks, both alcoholic and not, including an array of posh teas, the Englishman in me was ecstatic. Though rather than opting for a classic cuppa, I went for the White Pear tea which hit the spot better than Robin Hood and his trusty bow.

It was only once sitting back, sipping my tea and taking in the café/restaurant that I really noticed my surroundings. Originally an old creamery and now converted into the café it is today, the décor features a combination of exposed brick, white walls and wrought iron furniture. Looking around, I suddenly felt like I’d been transported across the Atlantic and could easily have been in an East Village café in New York. There is no pretense in the appearance or ambience and although I didn’t bump into any A-list clientele such as those that grace the sofas of Central Perk, I did get to relax and hang with my friends.

There is also a downstairs restaurant area where you can enjoy some of the delights off the menu. Although it’s not a menu that boasts the biggest selection in town, the food they serve is pretty good. Some of the highlights on the list being the salmorejo, the tostas (the goats cheese and blackcurrant jam tosta is my particular fave) and the quiche. If you’re thinking of dinner options then perhaps head elsewhere and save La Mantequería for a ‘snack’ rather than a full meal. It’s a perfect place for small bites and  a cuppa, copa, cocktail or cana.

La Mantequería
C/San Bernardino, 7
Metro: Plaza de España / Noviciado / Ventura Rodríguez
Beverage: Teas 2-3 euros / Copas 6 euros
Plates: 7 – 12 euros
Opening: Monday to Thursday 12:00 p.m.- 2:00 a.m., Fridays & Saturdays 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m., Sundays 11:00 a.m. -1:00 a.m.
Tel: 91 541 75 43

By Tom Burgess

1 places are mentioned in this post!

1. Calle de San Bernardino, 9

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