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.

True to its name “Pausa” encourages you to take a break. To begin with, tastefully hued lighting has been used to great effect (note: not rainbow-colored neon!) creating the laid-back ambiance of a chill bar. The music may be energetic, but it’s always conversation-friendly, and a world away from the hyperactive house you get in some joints. Also, there is plenty of seating available allowing you the option of taking a load off and chatting with friends.

The back end of the restaurant offers more seating which is easy to miss, and, nearly hidden, is the downstairs chillout room. To find it look for the stairs that are underneath the DJ booth. This lower-level space is even more removed from the fast-paced streets of the city, and, although it’s usually open to the public, can also be rented for private parties.

The crowd is a mixed and there is no particular scene. The bar maintains a friendly environment of people who seem to be looking for a lively but relaxing night out.

Pausa

C/ Infantas 19
Café by day, bar by night
Mon to Fri noon to 2, Sat 16:00 to 2, Sun closed