RESTAURANTS IN MADRID: Bourbon Cafe

International / Fusion — By admin on July 8, 2009 12:00 am

If you’re seeking an evening of comedy, dancing, shows, and gloriously gaudy entertainment, there is no restaurant more energetic and extravagant than the Bourbon Café. The name says it all: El loco restaurante de Rose Bourbon (Rose Bourbon’s Crazy Restaurant). Located next to the Puerta del Sol, this lavishly and theatrically decorated site offers international cuisine, theatric sketches and shows, and an undeniably lively ambience.

Entering the swank, urban-chic restaurant is akin to stepping into a theatre. Black wood floors and ceilings contrast with vibrant tangerine walls; flashing lights cast a rainbow of hues across the scene; and black and white tables are adorned with orange square plates for a contemporary touch. For added extravagance, white-vintage chandeliers hang from the ceiling, ornate mirrors are draped with fuchsia feather boas, and the full bar is set to a backsplash of black and white cowhide print. Yet more dramatic than the ambience are the performers. All of the waiters are actors, singers, and dancers, decked out in elaborate costumes and full makeup. These entertainers serve tables, but also strike elaborate poses and later hit the stage for a round songs and energetic dancing.

Shows at the Bourbon Café begin around 10:30 in the evening, and while the dining ambience may seem sophisticated and posh initially, the performances instantly transform the scene into a clapping, animated, madhouse. Shows include sketches, singing, dancing, drag, and comedy. The lead actress—playing Rose Bourbon herself—draws energy from the crowd with jokes and musical numbers. Diners can purchase special menus that include the price of the show. On Crazy Thursdays, for example, a menu for two includes appetizers, entrees, drinks, dessert and the show for a 39 euros per pair. Beyond these deals, the extensive menu features entrees between 10-20 euros from nationalities around the world, including Spanish, Greek, Italian, German, Brazilian, North American, English, Mexican, and Thai. Savor a spicy Brazilian meet dish on Brazilian Night (Sunday evening). Or enjoy a margarita pizza, chicken fajitas, Iberic ham, or Greek salad any day of the week—the variety, color, and flavor of this restaurant extends to the menu as well. Around 2 a.m., carry on the partying with 10 euro specialty cocktails, when the restaurant converts into a stylish, yet uniquely raucous, nightclub.

PRICES:
Specialty Menus (show included)- 30-38 euros per person
Crazy Thursday Menu for Two (show included)- 39 euros per pair
Entrees- 10-18 euros

Bourbon Cafe
Carrera de San Jerónimo, 5
Neighborhood: Sol
Metro: Sol, Sevilla
Telephone: 91 532 58 57
International cuisine, live music, shows
Hours: 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Wednesday-Sunday
(Dinner served 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., nightclub 2 to 6 a.m.)

By Jane Caffrey

To go to the main Food and Tapas page click here