Bars in Lavapies Madrid: Nietzsche Bar

That Which does not Kill You…

So you’re on your way out for the evening and you think you’ve seen the range of entertainment that Madrid has to offer: a never-ending series of bars in which herds of people stand crammed together ankle deep in wadded napkins and discarded sunflower seed shells.

Although the prospects seem a bit dim, the call of the Marcha is more than you can resist. In futile resignation, you mutter those famous words of Nietzsche, “That which does not kill me makes me stronger” and tragically stumble toward the door.

But, fear not, life doesn’t have to be this punishing.

As improbable as it may seem, nestled on a side street in Lavapiès an artist oasis exists: Nietzsche Art and Drink.

A new concept in bars, especially for this barrio, Nietzsche seeks to up the cultural ante. Whereas bohemian art bars are a dime a dozen in Lavapiès, this space takes a more fine-arts approach. Vaulted ceilings and walls saturated in royal red align this space more with the Museo de Reina Sofia down the street than with the surrounding neighborhood.

Here, the art changes monthly and other cultural activities are held as well – book signings, dance performances, etc.

On your average night, however, it’s just a lovely place to have a drink and talk with friends. And, one more thing, this review would simply not be complete if we didn’t mention that they have the most comfortable sofas in Madrid. Seriously, if there was a Nobel Prize awarded for “comfy couches” this place would be a real contender. The best part is the walls are lined with them!

One last unique feature of this bar is that it doesn’t seem to attract a consistent crowd – the scene changes with the art and other activities – sometimes it’s full to the brim other times it’s just you, your friends, and 20 cushy sofas.

Nietzsche Art & Drink

Calle Doctor Fourquet, 12

(watch out this street discontinues and turns)

Metro: Atocha / Lavapies

91 506 1141

Sun to Thurs, noon to 1:30;
Fri & Sat, noon to 2:30

To go to the main Music Venues and Clubs page click here