24 Hour Restaurant in Madrid: Chocolatería San Ginés

Chocolatería San Ginés

Pasadizo de San Ginés, 5
Neighborhood: Sol
Metro: Sol
Telephone: 365 65 46
Hours: Open 24 hours daily

During the earliest hours of the morning, that transitory period when a soft haze of sunlight is just starting to fall over Madrid’s quiet neighborhoods, you will find warmth and laughter if you know where to look. On a narrow, cobblestone street behind San Ginés church in Sol, the glow of yellow light and the happy hum of chatting Madridleños trickles out of Chocolatería San Ginés. A destination spot for Spaniards after evenings out at the nightclubs, this well-known chocolatería is busiest around 6 a.m. on weekend mornings. But even if you’re not the party-goer type, head to San Ginés any time of the day to enjoy hot, fresh churros and Madrid’s thickest and most succulent hot chocolate.

Famous citywide, the chocolate and churros at San Ginés is the secret that draws crowds to this cheery site. Guaranteed to be a combination that will melt in your mouth, this snack the most commonly requested item on the menu. Enjoy the generously sized portion of crisp, freshly baked churros, perfect when dipped in rich, luxuriously thick and flavorful hot chocolate (3.70 euros for a portion of churros and a hot chocolate). For the same price, substitute churros for their chubbier cousins; plump and steaming porras. Or switch the hot chocolate for a coffee (although its not recommendable to miss out the divine chocolate here!). The menu also offers an array of specialty coffees, teas, shakes, juices, beer, and liquors to sip on.

Built in 1894, Chocolatería San Ginés has preserved the historic ambience that has defined this chocolate shop as a staple in central Madrid for more than a century. Upon entering the forest green chocolatería, you are transported to an era of old-fashioned grace. Panels of classy mirrors are set against dark green wood paneling, expanding the space and reflecting the soft, golden glow cast by turn-of-the-century bulb lamps. White marble tables rest on the elegant emerald and cream marble floors, and the plush, olive-green velvet booths offer an ideal resting spot with a magazine or a group of friends. At the central bar, a bright bronze coffee maker shines, a tribute to cafes of other eras. To further enhance the old-fashioned ambience, reminiscent of an elegant, early 1900s café, the wait staff adorns black dress pants, crisp white button up shirts, and bow ties.

Chocolate lovers, rejoice. A rainy day, a good book, a group of friends, or the end of a big night out are all good excuses to seek out San Ginés and a steamy cup of decadent hot chocolate.

PRICES:
Hot chocolate- 2.30-3.70 euros
Chocolate with churros or porras- 3.50-3.70 euros
Coffee and tea- 2-4.20 euros
Ration of churros or porras- 1.20 euros
Cake- 2.10 euros
Juices- 2.50-3 euros
Soda- 3 euros
Chocolate or vanilla shake- 2.50-3 euros
Horchata- 3 euros
Beer- 2.30-4 euros
Brandy and liquors- 3 euros
Mixed drinks- 6 euros

By Jane Caffrey

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