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