El Tigre – Tapas Bar

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 several days or, conversely, you could get in touch with your animal side and gorge yourself on ham, sausage, cheese and beer for next to nothing. If you’re tending toward the second option, then El Tigre is the place for you.

El Tigre is located a short walk away from Gran Via and they promise two things: the cheapest tapas in town and crushing crowds to prove it. This locale is somewhat of an institution and it’s worth doing at least once.

A comfortably antiquated lodge-like mood is struck by the presence of various dead animals protruding from the walls – you know, the usual, things with large fangs or horns. There were no stuffed tigers as the name might imply, but perhaps the name stems from the fact that you have to fight like a tiger to make it to the bar. However, once you do this, you will be rewarded with cañas for 1.50 euro accompanied by a small, but very full, plate of traditional tapas.

Although the amount of tapas served may vary a bit – ordering in groups of two or more seemed to be advantageous – it looked as though three rounds would be enough to fill your hungry gut. In strict money terms this means dinner and drink for 4.50 euro per person – not bad. If this is beyond your budget, start gearing up for that fast because it simply doesn’t get any cheaper.

El Tigre
Calle Infantas, 30
Metro: Gran Via

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Andrew Poole