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Travel in Spain: The Feria de Sevilla (Seville)
Travel in Spain: The Feria de Sevilla (Seville)
by Sean McNamara
The six-hour southbound bus ride passed quickly, as my anticipation for Sevilla’s famous spring Feria (Fair) grew and the monumental silhouettes of Andalusian bulls floated over the hills. Socibus, the company that shuttles travelers...
Photo of the Day
Preparing for the Feria
Preparing for La Feria de Sevilla - dance, drink, food, horses and more. See for more article info. Photo and story by Sean McNamara.
Terrazas in Madrid: Argumosa, "Café Street"
Terrazas in Madrid: Argumosa, "Café Street"
In Madrid, when does spring officially begin? For optimists it’s the budding of delicate leaves, for pessimists it’s the banging of annual construction. For the vast majority, however, spring is the beginning of terrazas (sidewalk cafes)...
Photo of the Day
Argumosa, the Street of Many Cafés
Calle Argumosa is lined with terrazas cafes serving juice, coffee, beer, wine and sangria. A couple of hours on this magical street will cure whatever ails you.
photo of the Day
The Intercultural Spring Market in Madrid
Roberto Wonka and the Chocolate Facory? Yes, that is a fountain of chocolate you are looking at. If you're seeking a quick lunchtime or evening escape in Madrid, try the current market in the Plaza de la Luna just off Gran Via. Roberto and his molten chocolate are waiting for you. For more information on Roberto's company, Chocolate Fondue (weddings, parties, conferences...), call 619 928 242.
Lesbian Bar in Madrid: Friendly, Cheap and Fun
El Truco Lesbian Bar in Madrid: Friendly, Cheap and Fun
This girl bar on the corner of La Plaza de Chueca rates remarkably high on the friendly factor. Truco (trick) has craftily avoided the typical pitfalls of gay culture--don’t bristle, darling, all cultures have their downsides—that is, the...
Tapas and Raciones - Spain's Little Dishes
Tapas and Raciones: La Poza
When you're roaming the streets of Madrid late at night and looking for some cheap bar food, kebabs are often your only option. Well, not anymore, my fellow MAPistas! A drunken staple of the...
Bars and Cafes with Terrazas in Madrid
Jazz Bar: A Terraza AND Cocktails with a Dose of Magical Realism!
by Andrew Poole
It's only natural that my experience in Jazz Bar starts off on a great note, “Wow, 5.50 for a cocktail! Que Bueno!”
“That’s not all,” continues the bartender, “Since I’m from Colombia, I mix every...
Bars - beer, tapas and raciones
Palentino - In U2 & Manu Chao's Favorite Madrid Barrio - Cheap Food and Drink
“You’re in for another type of experience,” says Ana. These were the last words I heard before I entered the mythic Bar El Palentino . Ana is...
photo of the day
The Cheapest Tapas in Town at Casa Tortilla
Casa Tortilla, with it's unlimited food and alcohol, is a magnet for merry-makers like those pictured. After sufficient sangria, you too might be inspired to reappropriate that checked table cloth and use it as a fashionable headband. See review.
food - Cheap Tapas in Madrid
Another Madrid Secret: Casa Tortilla, Unlimited tapas and drinks for 12 Euros!!!
by Andrew Poole
Believe it or not, tackiness is actually an admirable quality at Casa Tortilla. In a world...
cafes/bars
Pepe Botella: King of the Drunks - God of Coffee
by Phil Stark
The Pepe Botella café takes its name from Napoleon’s alcoholic brother, José Bonaparte, who was King of Spain during the French Occupation. Nicknamed “Pepe Botella” by the Spanish...
Bars and Pubs - Belgium
Devil Dogs and Bitter Belgian Beer - Are You up for the Challenge?
by Ben Dornan
Tucked away behind the imposing Plaza Mayor on calle Cuchilleros you can find the Belgian Beer Café. If you're a fan of the arts of the Flemish master brewers then this place has to be a regular stopping-off point. They have an excellent selection of beers on tap and in bottles...
politics - Super Tuesday
Election 2008: How do I Vote from Abroad?
Are you a left-leaning, politically involved American expat living in Madrid? Are you all hyped up about this year's presidential election? Have you been following the debates on Youtube? Reading all the pundits' analyses? Jabbering about...
cafes in Madrid
Cafe Estrella - One Star that Keeps it Real
El Café de las Estrellas Calle Martín De Los Heros, 5. Don’t let the name fool ya. El Café de las Estellas (Café of the Stars) isn’t the place of Hollywood pomp. It does happen to be located in Banco de España, the cinema neighborhood, but, in spite of this, it maintains a humble presence: relaxed and arty. This small café sits beneath the street level, and, with “not-too-dark-not-too-bright”...
Clubs - Space of Sound
Sunday DJ Worship
For some people Sundays are a day of rest and going to church, but for the legions of club-heads here in Madrid it’s prime party time. Every Sunday afternoon, a faithful congregation of party enthusiasts comes to Macumba to experience the revered Space of Sound....
Bars - Chill out
Time to Chill at the Underwood
"Understated savvy" are the words that might best sum up this little bar that straddles the Chueca/Gran Via divide. Most bars fail by trying too hard or, conversely, hardly trying - the Underwood takes the middle ground. They don’t impose "sophistication" via exotic themes, nor do they leave you squinting under florescent lights ankle deep in wadded napkins. The bar simply creates a comfortable environment...
music - Jazz Festival
Jazz Therapy
A very wise man once said, “Never underestimate the restorative powers of jazz and cocktails”. OK, maybe no one has ever uttered exactly those words in exactly that order, but the point is - they should have. If you don’t know what I am talking about, get yourself to the The XXIV Festival de Jazz de Madrid. With over 14 clubs and countless performers participating, there is no reason to miss out. This year the festival is dedicated to the memory of...
gay - sexy boys and decent drinks
Liquid or Ice - It's All in Your Attitude
Liquid is yet another institution on that whirl-around circuit known as Chueca. Dubbed a “Video Bar”, this modern venue sports up to seven flat-screens per room – music always booming and videos always rolling. The drinks are very reasonably priced – beer(4.80), cocktails (8), and copas (7.50). The bar has a very good-looking clientele – attracting a mix of ages with....
Our Suggestions
Let the (MAP) Force Guide You!
The following will read like a crash course in Madrid culture. No matter what your concerns, questions or proclivities, we think you’ll be able to find something to suit your lifestyle in our medley of suggestions. As you read through the items, if you don't find what you need, check the search box at the right. If you still can't find what you are looking for, go ahead and drop us a line and we’ll try to help you out.
cafe/bookstore
Bacchus International Bookstore: Snug, Simple and Sociable
Named after a wine, there is nothing…umm… to whine about at Bacchus. A second hand bookstore and coffee shop, the place is warm, friendly and just plain comfortable. With its earth tones, cozy sofas, dim lights, great coffee and home-made (vegetarian) tostadas, its one of those places you just...
history - Tertulias (conversation cafes)
The Art of Talking - Tertulias in Old Madrid
Between the end of the 19th century and the middle of the 20th, Madrid’s favorite pastime - talking, talking, talking - was taken even more seriously than usual. Part of a proper bohemian life was engaging in tertulias, informal gatherings to chat about, of course, everything counter-cultural. The newly developed tradition of sitting down at a marble table...
cafes - N. del T.
N. del T.: A Good Café Deserves a Footnote
Nicely tucked away from the busiest streets in La Latina lies N. del T., a quiet and relaxed get-away from the neighborhood’s castizos. Good coffee (with a chocolate, hurray!), homemade cakes or a nice caipirísima will recharge your batteries and enable you to deal with any further exploration of this bustling part of Madrid. Somehow, N. Del T. just oozes tranquility and calmness. Is it the brick walls that are painted white? Perhaps the alternative, scarce furniture gives...
Bars - Trying to be Rock 'n' Roll
La Buena: Rock ‘n’ Roll with A Glass of Wine?
Located on Calle Espiritu Santo 38 in barrio Malasaña, La Buena is a new, slightly confused, rock’n’ roll-y bar. I say confused because chandeliers, leaf wallpaper, and (what looks like) the Virgin Mary on their business cards, don’t exactly go hand in hand with the rock’n’roll groove...
clubs - the 80s
Garage Sónico: The Darker Side of the 80s
Although this week the magazine is full of “flamenco summits” and elegant evening art events, make no mistake about it - Madrid gets just as low brow as the next town. Malasaña is the “barrio” of all things uncivilized and “Garage Sónico” is the perfect point of entry...
Cafes - Historical Teterias
La Teteria de Tu Abuela: The Teahouse of Your (Revolutionary) Grandmother
Here is reason 5,212 to fear the Starbuck’s revolution – beautifully authentic and genuinely historic cafes like this one could easily be driven to extinction. La Teteria de tu Abuela, started in the 1950s...
cafes - chill out
The Unwind Underground
So as summer is officially out and autumn is on its way in, you may be heading out to look for warm and cozy cafés. Our suggestion? Check out ‘Alqamaru – El Café De La Luna.’ If you’re in the Malasaña neighborhood, you’ll spot what looks like old sofas thrown around this Alqamaru place. Enter and you might feel like you are in a locale where everyone has left behind their laziness and moved on to bigger and brighter and places. The venue has the potential to be that groovy hang out that you all want to frequent deep down inside, but there is a rare staleness in the air that will probably turn you off – UNTIL...
Night clubs
Ananda: The Best Club in a Metro Station!
Swinging beds suspended from the ceiling, an enormous well-furnished terraza, physically flawless go-go dancers, distinctive dance floors bumpin’ to diverse DJs… Ananda has everything you’d expect from a big-name Madrid club plus a few surprises...
Rock 'n' Roll Bars
Via Láctea: Never Judge a Bar by Its…
Never judge a man by his shadow, a ship by its paint, or a book by its cover - words of wisdom. In the case of “Via Láctea” (Milky Way), we might add: “…and don’t judge this joint by its entrance sign!” The airbrushed Disney-looking ode to tackiness hanging above the door features two vaguely alien-like sex kittens lying on a purple cloud gazing into the Milky Way. And what awaits you inside?...
cafe, bar, club
Marula Café: Get Punked In Style
Marula Café, named after an African fruit commonly eaten by elephants, has one of the best terrazas in Madrid - particularly because of its view. Situated on a corner right under the bridge of Calle Bailen (for the moment, we will ignore the fact that people commit suicide from this bridge), you get a view of gardens and the magnificent arch structure that supports the bridge...See other interesting links such as: Technorati Profile
After-hour Bars
The Mercurio is Rising
So, when was the last time you heard someone spinning Steve Miller non-ironically? On the original vinyl? By the light of lava lamps? Been a long time? Maybe too long? Perhaps it’s time to get back in touch with your inner 70s groovster? Are you ready to blast to the past?
Cafes
Cocktails Just Like Mom Used to Make!
Entering the Anti Café, you might assume that its name stems from heartily rebelling against any conventional concept of café...
Clubs
On Blood Drives and Discos
As the searing heat of summer makes a ghost town of the ordinarily kinetic capital, the nightlife scene suffers. Cut off from their constant stream of club kids, many venues are on par with the Red Cross Blood Drives in terms of pulling a crowd.
Sala El Sol
Dancing till you see the sun
It’s the end of a hard week and you are desperate to understand some more of the illustrious past of your favorite city...
Mexican Food and Drink
La Catrina: Where Christ Comes Face to Face with Zorro and Godzilla
La Catrina restaurant in Malasaña is living proof that Mexican culture has officially perfected the art of clutter. This cozy space boasts more objects per square centimeter than any other establishment in the neighborhood!
Clubs
Brit-pop Your Pants off!!!
Super sonic, a cozy space tastefully plastered with icons including David Bowie, The Libertines, Blondie and The Killers, strikes a perfect balance between a festive club and your best friend’s living room. Luis and Nacho a.k.a. “DJs Liquid Boy” and “Sweet Vicious”, the young, hipster owners, capitalize on this hominess by taking time to chat with people, learn their names and find out what they're into.
Festivals
Block Party – Not the Band, The annual Street Fiestas
For the next nine days the streets in the center will be turned into three separate party zones celebrating the Fiestas de San Cayetano, San Lorenzo and la Virgen de la Paloma thus making the world once again safe for “Botellon” a.k.a street drinking.
Gaudemus Café
A Heavenly Hole in the Wall
Like some appalling vision from the evening news, the large, church-like structure looks like it has been heavily shelled in some war-torn region of the world. The roof, for example, is missing and many windows are simply absent.
Serrano 41
Finally, A Hip Hop Club Kofi Annan Can Be Proud of! Huh?
For those who like to go out in Madrid, your know the two best nights are Thursdays and Sundays, and the best hip hop/R&B party in Madrid, is at Serrano 41, Sunday night. The DJs spin the hottest R&B, hip-hop, and reggaeton that easily rivals any club stateside.
Nightlife
Boogie Down Amid Metro Map Projections and Plane Crash Dioramas
If Sala Siroco were shoes, it’d be a pair of converse: not the newest or most prestigious, but, without a doubt, a standard-setting underground classic. Like converse, the space is nice but not remarkable; however, it has an understated yet palpable hip-ness.
Café de las Indias
India tea house
Stumbling around the neighborhoods of Madrid seldom let’s me down. The sheer quantity of side streets and the speed with which the establishments on them change keep me in a never-ending state of discovery. Gems are to be found. Such a find is the Teteria de las Indias Number Two - curious space if ever there was one.
From our former site
Roof DJ Sessions - The Casa Encendida. Buy Tickets in Advance (Ticket sales start at 4)!!!
Because some bad stupid person recently stole my camera, today we have a drawing in place of a photo. Notice the DJs at Casa Encendid are so good that it inspires people to grow tall and cars to float. Seriously, check it out!
Madrid Cafes
A Little Bit of Amsterdam in Madrid - Underblue, R&B Café
Photo by Justin Metz Underblue Calle de Las Minas, 1 Metro: Noviciado If you have a hankerin’ for Amersterdam (sorry kids, the vibe not the drugs) Underblue is the tetería coctelería (tea and cocktail bar) for you. Located in the city center but ...
Madrid Nightlife
Kapital Mega Club in Madrid!
Kapitol Calle de Atocha, 125 Thurs,Fri,Sat 12:00 - until Metro: Atocha 91 420 29 06 www.grupo-kapital.com Shaquina Blake Flip Flop Alert Kapital is one of the biggest and most well know clubs in Madrid . It is where hip young euro crowd mix wit...
From our former site
The Pool At Lago - Where the Boys Are!
Daily - 11:00 to 20:45 Entrance: 4.10 euros The Pool at Lago Relax On The Soft Grass, Take A Dip In The Cool Pool... So your nights are reckless and wild, but what about your days? Add some balance to your life and make them relaxing and refresh...
Clubs - Supermartxe
Supermartxe - One More Party on Pride Weekend!
Hey, although there are NO shortage of parties this weekend, if you want one more, plan on this: Supermartxe. Sunday this huge venue will be thumpin’ bumpin’ giving you one last blow out before the weekend official ends.
fiestas - Gay Pride
Gay Pride - European Headquarters, Madrid
If you are reading this article outside of Madrid City, my first recommendation is to get on the Internet right know and buy a ticket: You MUST come! From Wednesday...
From our former site
Spank - Madrid’s New Favorite Gay Club
Right now Spank is one of the hottest clubs on the gay scene. Everyone wants to be at Spank a...
From our former site
Infinita 2007 - The Biggest Gay Party In Madrid!
Thus begins Orgullo Gay Week (Pride). For the next week Madrid, the European center of the celebration, will run amuck with proud people from every country imaginable. The biggest party, as is true every year, will be held in the Casa de Campo – Metro Lago. DJs include Bob Sinclair, Miguel Picasso, Ismael Rivas, Javier Gonzalez, and David Berna. The party is rumored to be a bit over the top, but that is what Pride is all about, no?
From our former site
Salsa For the Serious - Azùcar!
Before embarking down the salsa road, you might want to ask yourself "how much do I actually want to learn salsa?" The answer should help you determine which place to go. If the answer is "yeah... learn salsa... whatever... I just wanna meet girls/boys and have a bit of a laugh", you'll want a more easy-going lesson, like Cats, for example. If your answer is "Salsa! Gimme more Salsa! I wanna learn everything! Saaaaalsa! Watch me sweat blood for salsa!" you may well want to consider Azúcar...
clubs - Juglar
El Juglar - Where the Soul, Funk and Hip-Hop Happens!
If you are ready to leave the city-slicker side of Madrid and delve a little deeper into the barrios, Juglar could be the place for you – especially if you like your music on the soulful, funky, hip-hop side. Down in Lavapìes, the hotly disputed neighborhood (cool or dangerous?), El Juglar doesn’t immediately attract a lot of attention. The only thing that may catch your eye is the late-night crowds that gather in front of the bar on Friday and Saturday nights...
Clubs - Gay
Sunrise - An Institution on the Gay Scene
Sunrise is somewhat of an institution on the gay club circuit and deservedly so. The entrance is 8 euros with one free drink included. This tastefully decorated establishment hosts a long bar which divides the chatting area from the dancing area, and, of course, the dance area comes complete with a stage, large screen, and gyrating go-go boys...
Club - Reina Bruja
Reina Bruja Night Club - Representing Big-City Madrid
If you’ve ever been so bored that you've found yourself staring at your aquarium wondering what it would be like to be inside, you may want to check out the new late-night discoteca in town, the Reina Bruja. In the best way possible, it may actually give you some insight into that aquarium...
music - festival at Boca del Lobo
Starting Today, Tenth Anniversary Celebration -Three Days of Concerts at La Boca del Lobo!
Funk It Up, Baby! If you are ready for three days of music that spans the spectrum from blues to flamenco to funk, look no further . La Boca Del Lobo is celebrating its 10th anniversary and has put together a week of boomin’ bands. Whatever night you choose, remember that all bands are followed by DJs...
Bars - Old Madrid and the Jerez (Sherry) experience
La Venencia Bar - Jerez (Sherry), the Old-School Way!
A Spanish living room, 70 years ago. There is no beer, no cappuccino, no hip minimalist interior, no music, and the bartenders are middle aged brothers. The first layer of presumably white paint, which was applied more than 80 years ago, was also the last. And yet there’s every reason to include La Venencia, on Calle de Echegaray, on your list of favourite hang-outs. Life in this memorable Spanish bar, where time has apparently stood still, is all about sherry. This is also the only drink you’ll be able to get - apart from the odd glass of water...
Madrid Cafés: Arts scene at Nietzsche
DJs and Visual DJs at Nietzsche
If you are looking to spice up your Thursday night, but want to keep it easy and cheap consider Nietzsche, which you may have read about on this very site (see May 8th). This bar and art space is relatively young and still, it seems, experimenting with its exceptionally beautiful venue...
bars - Begin the Beguine
Begin the Beguine - A Bar for Super Special People
Standing on the empty streets outside the bar, Begin the Beguine, the ethereal sounds of Jane Birkin accompanied by Moroccan musicians lure me in. I pause to contemplate the strangely-angled door – was it under construction? Broken? No, it was designed this way...
Hole in the Wall Bar
Aguja Taberna - Hole in the Wall Bar
Here is a prime example of "Hole in the wall". Rushing here and there, I’ve passed the Aguja on several occasions – I ‘ve always noted, almost subconsciously, that it seems to bustle just a little more crowded than other places on the block; however, I was always in too much of a hurry to stop by and check it out...
Health - swimming pools
Outdoor Pools in Madrid Are Open!!!
Hey Kids! It’s officially summertime in Madrid – the pools open tomorrow! Even if you don’t consider yourself a “pool person”, you might want to check this out. In place of the typical concrete and deck chairs, many offer grass, trees, music and alcoholic beverages. Trust us, it can make for a perfectly lovely day...
From our former site
Ladinamo - Underground Cafe
Ladinamo Calle Mira el Sol, 2 Metro: Lavapiés, La Latina or Puerta de Toledo Tues-Thurs 17.00 to midnight, and Fri to Sun noon-midnight www.ladinamo.org The Pirate Network! Ladinamo is a cooperative cafe and cultural center that attracts the s...
From our former site
Feria de la Tapa 2007 - Really cheap Tapas!
Feria de Tapa, 2007 Thurs, May 31 to Sunday, June 3 noon to 16:30 and from 19h to 23h Avenida de Felipe II (no number) or Jorge Juan, 99 Expand Your Cultural Horizons! Hyper-Extend Your Stomach! Drink Lots of Little Beers! All While Saving Money! ...
From our former site
Six Simple Steps To More Harmonious Drinking
Resident Weekend Warrior Finally Returns From San Isidro Weekend With Words of Wisdom! One thing is true: The Spanish like to have alcoholic picnics. They all sit around in a street or park, and drink. It’s like a great big, organic house party on...
From our former site
The Retiro - Best Park in Madrid
image by Ilana Panich-Linsman Retiro Park Enjoy the Park, Beware of the Bushes... As nice as the water looks, you can’t jump in. For that you have to wait until the 28th of May when all of the municipal pools open – we’ll keep you posted. Until ...
From our former site
Restaurante Boñar de Leon - CHEAP tapas!
Restaurante Boñar de Leon Cruz Verde, 16 Metro: San Bernardo T. 91 531 00 30 or 91 521 26 02 Daily 9 AM – 2AM The Hallowed ground of Humungous Tapas Just when you thought tapas couldn’t get any bigger, any cheaper or any yummier… We bring you – Re...
From our former site
Calle de Argumosa - The Street of Sidewalk Cafes
Calle de Argumosa The Best Way to “Sunday” So, it's been another strenuous weekend of socializing in Spain’s topsy-turvy capital. After all the activity of the weekend subsides, there's no better place to recuperate and relax than Calle de Argumo...
From our former site
Cultura Urbana Hip Hop Festival
Cultura Urbana Hip Hop Festival Thank God For Hip Hop Saints! Big weekend coming up! San Isidro, Madrid’s largest street festival, has somehow transformed from a religious event to a hip-hop free-for-all - strange, I don’t hear anyone complain...
From our former site
La Escalera de Jacob - Bar/Venue
T. 915 391 044 La Escalera de Jacob Metro: Lavapiès Bigger, Better and Blurrier Than Ever! Last year amidst a blurry night of cheap drinks and high-octane music, this joint was officially deemed one of the best “Rock ‘n’ Roll” bars in Madrid. Who...
Nietzsche Bar Madrid
Nietzsche Art & drink - Super Classy Bar
Nietzsche Art & Drink Calle Doctor Fourquet, 12 (watch out this street discontinues and turns) T. 91 506 1141 Sun to Thurs, noon to 1:30; Fri & Sat, noon to 2:30 That Which does not Kill You… So you’re on your way out for the evening and ...
From our former site
El Perro en La Parte Atras Del Coche - Underground music Venue/ Bar
El Perro de la Parte Atras del Coche Calle Puebla, 15 T. 618 783 055 Metro: Callao www.myspace.com/elperroclub You Know What They Say About Bars With Long Names? El Perro de la Parte Atras del Coche is a picture perfect example of an underground...
Dance Clubs in Madrid: SuperMartxe
SuperMartxe - Sunday Night Mega-Club
SuperMartxe (monthly Sunday party) Venue: La Riviera Paseo Bajo de La Virgin del Puerto, 3 Entrance : 15 (free before 20:00 with flyer) Drinks : 9 a cocktail Intrepid journalist Risks Life and Limb Among Gold Thongs and Bold Make Up to Deliver the...
Madrid Cafés and bars: Las Horas Cafes
Las Horas Café - A Clandestined Café
Las Horas Café Calle Magdalena, 32 Metro: Antón Martin While some cafes in Madrid give you the feeling of being seen, Las Horas Café provides you with the opposite sensation – that of being pleasantly clandestine. Lanterns and candles on the wall...
From our former site
Jose Alfredo’s - Lounge/Bar
Jose Alfredo’s Calle de Silva, 22 Tues-Thurs 21:00-2:30; Fri-Sat 21:00 to 3; Sun-Mon closed (hours may change according to season) The Lounge-iest Bar in the City Have you been desperately searching for a bar that looks like a 1920s speak-easy, so...
Rock bars in Madrid: The Wurlitzer ballroom
The Wurlitzer - An Afterhours Club
WURLITZER BALLROOM C/Tres cruces 12 28013 Madrid So you're walking up the Gran Via at around three or four in the morning when your buddy asks you, "Is there any place open with good music?" You give him the “I know a place” look, buy some beer i...
Jazz clubs in Madrid
Café El Despertar - Jazz Club
Café El Despertar Torrecilla Del Leal, 18 Metro: Antón Martin and Lavapies Daily except Tues: 19:00 to 2:30 El Despertar (the wake up) looks as though it has done just that – woken up Rip Van Winkle style after having slumbered for decades. It ...
From our former site
Bambalam! A Soul & Funk Bar
Bambalam Calle de la Villa, 3 Wed to Fri 18:30 to 2:30 Sat & Sun 15:00 to 2:30 Metro: La Latina Bambalam is a bar as groovy as its name. With soul and funk as a theme, you can hardly go wrong and the owners haven’t held back one iota. ...
Spanish wine: Wines from Madrid
Spanish Wine from your very own barrio!
So obviously yo’ mama told you to never arrive empty handed. Whether you are dashing to a friend’s for dinner or making the long trek back to your country or city of origin, here is a tip: wines dedicated to your very own barrio here in Madrid. It’...
La Pausa Chill Out Bar Madrid
Pausa - Chillout Bar
Pausa is a welcome addition to the Chueca neighborhood. Although there are scads of hiply decorated bars and restaurants, there are also plenty of places with piña-colada-scented fog and Gloria Gainer remixes. Any bar that displaces one of the latter-mentioned abominations is a winner in my book. Of course, Pausa does just this...
Bes Tostas in Madrid
Taberna Casa de Las Tostas
I won’t even post this as a review, it’s a downright challenge: if you can find a better tostas bar than Taberna La Casa de Las Tostas, send us the address...
Tapas in Madrid: Casa Julio
Casa Julio
Let’s face it, tourists love celebrity allure. As a result, a lot of bars in Madrid claim Ernest Hemingway as a former patron; after all, it’s a great way to turn a pub into a tourist attraction–and even if there’s no physical...
Tapas bars in Madrid: El Tigre, young international crowd and great tapas!
El Tigre - Tapas Bar
El Tigre Calle Infantas, 30 Metro: Gran Via Everybody knows that budgets can get rather tight at the end of a Madrid month. This predicament could send you down one of two paths: you could get more in touch with your spiritual side and fast for ...
Madrid blues bars: La Coquette
La Coquette - Blues Bar
If the general merriment of Spanish culture has gotten a bit monotonous, perhaps a little get-grounded, old fashioned, tear-in-the-beer blues is in order. La Coquette, one of Madrid’s veteran blues venues, has been hosting bands, both local and international, for 25 years
Bars in Madrid: El Matador
El Matador: Small bar
Located in the very center of the city, between Sol and Tirso de Molina, El Matador is possibly one of the cutest bars in Madrid. Consisting of one extremely irregularly-shaped room, its rustic benches, amb...
Bars and cafes Madrid: Bodega del Águilera:
Bodega del Águilera: Bar and Restaurant
The newest addition to the La Latina scene looks very promising weighing in wonderfully balanced on all criteria: space - not too small; not too big; lighting – not too dark, not too bright; and music – not too ...
Cafés in Madrid: Café Barbieri: Cafe/Venue
Café Barbieri: Cafe/Venue
Entering Café Barbieri transports you back to a time of high, baroque-detailed ceilings, red velvet curtains, and old-style jazz. Its dilapidated state assures you that it isn’t one of those new-...
Cafés in Madrid: Café De Los Signos
Café De Los Signos
The most unique café to hit the scene in recent years, Café De Los Signos, caused a stir in Madrid by being the first café to cater to and be run by the deaf. However, it should be noted that all people regardless of their hearing status are more than welcome.
Klubbers Day Madrid, April 2007
Klubbers Day Madrid - DJ Festival
If you’re going to be in Madrid this Semana Santa, don’t fret there’s plenty to do with Klubber’s Day in town. The festival, back again this year, is stocked to the rafters with DJs showcasing nearly forty acts per day including Luismi F, Carlos Ho...
Cool bars in Madrid: Areia Colonial Chillout
Areia Colonial Chillout
Areia Colonial Chillout Hortaleza, 92 Open all week: 21:00 – 03:00 T: 913 100 307 http://www.areiachillout.com/ (Editor’s note: This review covers the nocturnal aspects of Areia, but it is also a wonderful café/restaurant by day. Stay tuned for t...
Cafés in Madrid Lavartebar
Lavartebar: cafe/bar
Lavartebar is a must-know for anyone living in Lava Pies. It looks small from the street, but entering ...
Cafes in Madrid: Jelly Fish Cafe
Jelly Fish Cafe
Jelly Fish Cafe Calle Pelayo, 60 Metro: Chueca T: 91 308 59 38 WEB: www.jellyfish-cafe.com Open every day noon – 2:00, closed Sun and Mon nights OK, promise that when I say “Ocean theme” your mind won’t conjure hideous images of Little Mermaid m...