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On this page we'll continue on from Part 1 on some popular bars in Madrid. Whether you're looking for good wine, tapas, a hot drink or something more traditional. You'll also see details of the nearest metro and the address of each bar.

Bars In The Centre

There are more than enough Madrid bars in the centre to keep you busy for weeks. There are bars clustered around the street of Las Huertas that are good for going out to paint the town red. Nearby, there's the Plaza Santa Ana, that offers outdoor terraces in the summer, and bars that serve tapas. More excellent tapas and red wines can be found on the street of Cava Baja, just a couple of minutes walk from the Plaza Mayor.

A typical wine bar in the centre of Madrid

Typical Opening Hours For A Madrid Bar

People in Madrid go out late. If you're going to a tapas bar, the peak time to go is between 21:00 and midnight. Most bars will still serve you tapas after midnight. In terms of going out just for drinks, the bars are open until (officially) 03:00, although they usually remain open a little longer if they are busy.

Popular Bars

Vinoteca Barbechura
Plaza Santa Ana
28012 Madrid, España.
Metro: Sol (Red Line, L2) Plus 10 minutes walk

Vinoteca in the Plaza Santa Ana

I dived into this bar to avoid the rain one day, and have been going back every week since. They have a superb array of red wines, friendly and efficient waiter service, and possibly the most delicious tapas I have ever tasted.

You'll find a mixed crowd from late 20s and upwards. It's always busy, so you may have to wait for a table or stand at the bar, but you'll still get served quickly.

The famous and delicious Chocolateria San Gines

Chocoholics must seek out this bar. It is tucked down a quaint passageway just off Calle Arenal (near Puerta del Sol). They serve famous thick hot chocolate and sticks called 'churros' or 'porras' that you are supposed to dip into the chocolate. It is an addictive and delicious combination, and only costs a couple of euros for a cup and a plate of churros.

This bar has been established for over 100 years, and is popular around 18:00 - 19:00 and again in the early hours of the morning with the 'after club' crowds. You have to pay at the till first and then take your ticket to the main counter.

Museo del Jamón
Calle Mayor, 7
28012 Madrid, España.
Metro: Sol (Red Line, L2) Plus 2 minutes walk

Spain is well known for its jamon Serrano (ham). This comes in the form an enormous leg, that has been left to cure in salt and hung from the ceiling. The best cuts can be expensive, but the Spanish swear they couldn't live without their ham.

The Museo de Jamon is actually a bar that specialises in Serrano ham. There is every type imaginable, and they also serves drinks. It's a place to experience traditional Spanish food. They're open all day, and evenings, as they also serve meals from their menu.

You can also find them at Gran Via, 72; Alcalá, 155; and Atocha, 54.

Diaz y Larrouy
Calle Cava Baja, 6
28005 Madrid, España.
Metro: La Latina (Green Line, L5) Plus 5 minutes walk

This bar is delightfully inviting. It is small, but serves an excellent selection of tapas and 'tostas' (small pieces of toast with various toppings). They have a fabulous choice of red wines, and there's a pleasant ambiance, and reasonable prices.

This bar is at the start of the Cava Baja street, which is packed with equally seductive bars. It makes a good starting point. Cava Baja street is most popular on weekends, both during the day and all night until around 03:00.

Summary

There are a wide variety of Madrid bars to choose from. It is quite normal to eat tapas along with your drinks during your night out, and many bars offer tasty snacks to accompany your drink (sometimes free, sometimes not).

Here the link for Part 1 of our Madrid Bar guide if you have not seen it yet. We also have another page on Irish bars in Madrid which may be of interest to you. Cheers!