La Coquette – Blues Bar

Bar reviews, latest articles & reviews — By admin on April 12, 2007 12:00 am

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

This establishment has the advantages of never charging a cover as well as keeping the prices of drinks very modest. The cavernous bodega setting is an ideal place to pack in, have a seat and sway to the blues. Please note that the phrase “pack in” wasn’t used lightly. The woman next to me, who was practically forced to sit on my lap, said, we were all sitting, “con amor (with love)”. Call it what you will, but if you don’t like crowds, you won’t make it five minutes. Others less concerned with person space issues or not minding an occasional stranger in the lap will be delighted by the twangin’ groovin’ blues they serve up.

And a final comment, in the tradition of Spanish culture and Blues, this is a smokers joint, so steer clear if you are smoke sensitive.

Planning a night out at the Coquette is a little difficult as the friendly bartenders let me know that they are way too tough for silly novelties such as telephones and websites. Strangely enough, their line-ups were also not listed in the weekly guides so perhaps it is just a “swing by and take your chances” sort of place.

I did exactly that and have become a fan.

La Coquette Blues Bar
Calle de Las Hileras at Calle del Arenal
Metro: Sol, Opera
Nightly 20:00 to 3:00
Live music Tues, Wed, Thurs 22:00 to 00:30

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Photo credit: Ken Peace