BARS IN MADRID: Doña Antonia

Doña Antonia
Address: Calle de las Huertas, 4
Neighborhood: Anton Martin
Metro: Anton Martin, Tirso de Molina, Sol
Telephone: 911 568 208
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Saturday-Sunday 1:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Closed Monday

Light and laughter spill out from a row of taverns onto the narrow, pub-filled Calle de las Huertas; yet it is the bar on the first corner where the street begins that initially lures passersby with gentle jazz and soft candlelight. Enticement grows with the inviting ambience: elegant black and cream checkered floors, wicker lounge chairs and plush cushions, bright artwork, and lush green palm trees. The final element of satisfaction is a full and mouthwatering menu, completely revamped in September of this year to include an array of teas, wine and cocktails, tapas, entrées, and—certainly not to be missed—the world’s best chocolate tart. Speaking to all levels of contentment, Doña Antonia allures people beginning a casual stroll down Huertas, as well as a regular neighborhood crowd that has come to appreciate delicious food, a good drink, and the juxtaposition of sophisticated elegance with pleasant coziness.

Stepping inside this bar and restaurant is akin to entering a private, tastefully decorated beach residence. Soft lighting from low-hanging wicker lamps falls on the elegant checkered floors, colorful paintings, and plush palm trees and ferns that adorn the space. Simple, whitewashed walls are decorated with painted gold palms and ornate silver mirrors, while small windows near the ceiling are nearly fully covered by winding vines. Although elegant, the space of the bar also evokes a comfortable, homey ambience. A red-cherry wooden cabinet rests in a corner, hosting a large vase bursting with snowy blossoms. Wicker armchairs and thick cushions surround casual wooden tables, which hold berry stems and dancing flames in flower-shaped candles. Several high booths, nestled in quiet nooks, offer cozy lounging spots, while shelves around these booths and on the walls provide an eclectic collection of books, ideal for passing a rainy day over a cup of steaming tea.

It is here, in these cozy and secluded booths or lounging in wicker armchairs, that many locals come to enjoy a pleasant afternoon, which carelessly drifts into evening. Calm during the afternoons and early evenings, the larger crowd sweeps in at night and on weekends.  Doña Antonia generally sees sophisticated groups, content to relax and discuss the theatre, art, and culture scenes in Madrid over a bottle of wine or cocktails. The friendliness of the small staff also adds to the local feel. With two or three waiters, clients are warmly greeted and carefully attended to.

Beyond a unique ambience, Doña Antonia also offers a diverse and sophisticated menu, improved last month to include new delectable options. For quieter evenings, the bar offers a colorful array of hot teas (2.50 euros). Flavors include black cherry, green tea, apple with spiced cinnamon, or black truffle tea—a warm, sweet mixture that captures that melt-in-your-mouth quality of rich chocolate, without overpowering the taste buds. For those seeking a buzz, alcoholic options range from cañas (1 to 4 euros) to a jar of sangria (12 euros), to more dangerous mojitos and capirinhas (7.50, or 5 euro specialty until 3 a.m. on the weekends). Of course an assortment of flavorful Spanish wines are also available (9-16 euros per bottle). For a bite, the menu presents several tapas—including croquettes, Portuguese codfish, and potatoes a la Doña (3-10 euros). Or make it a complete, and deluxe, meal. The fancy entrées include pasta, pork with pepper sauce, and beef with blue cheese (13-17.50 euros).

To round out a meal or accompany drinks, try one of Doña Antonia’s homemade tarts (4.50 euros). A variety of flavors are available, yet the bar is particularly known for one—“The best chocolate tart in the world.” This Portuguese recipe, born in Lisbon 20 years ago, combines the concept of a rich and crunchy tart mixed with a brownie. Incorporating 70 percent cocoa, the tart has a crisp interior complimented by suave cream, and is dressed in pure and decadent chocolate. Chocolate lovers, beware: the risk of becoming an addicted is high, especially among those who, like the neighborhood locals, are drawn to this charming and homey bar with increased frequency.

PRICES:

Juices-2.50 euros
Teas-2.50 euros
Coffee-1.20-1.50 euros
Beer-1-4 euros
Wine (glass)-1.50-2 euros
Wine (bottle)-9-16 euros
Sangria (jug)-12 euros
Tinto de Verano-3 euros
Liquors-3 euros
Mixed drinks-6-8 euros
Mojito or Capirinha-7.50 euros
Tapas-3-10 euros
Dishes-13-17.50 euros
Cakes and Tarts-4.50 euros

By Jane Caffrey

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