If you’re on the lookout for wine, tapas and flamenco, you’ll love La Solera. Everything in here is designed to whet your appetite as you wet your whistle, from the jamón iberíco on the bar to the skillfully crafted tapas and extensive wine list. It’s possible that once you’ve eaten here, you’ll never cook at home again.
Sara In-Madrid discovered this service :-)
The dueños of this bar have a mafia fixation -- there’s a life-size, cigar-chomping Al Capone in the upstairs bar -- but the real killer is the beer menu, which includes some of Belgium’s finest ales and imported US and UK brews, complemented by a selection of traditional Spanish tostadas and raciones at a price that suits non-connected pockets.
Sara In-Madrid discovered this service :-)
La Metralleta
+34 915 325 224
Whether you’re after some classic vinyl or you just want to avoid fnac, this is the zona that will keep your toes tapping. La Metralleta has a huge stock of second-hand records, CDs, cassettes and videos. The shop is located next to an underground car park accessed from Plaza de las Descalzas, a stone’s throw from the Puerta del Sol. There is a great selection of collectors’ LPs and many CDs starting at just €1.
Sara In-Madrid discovered this service :-)
Veggie Food
Located steps from the Plaza Mayor, it promotes “high vegetarian kitchen”, but don’t let the translation scare you: the food is fresh and visually appealing. It’s strong on salads, and its menú del día (€10) won’t leave you hungry an hour later.
Relive la Movida
If you haven't been here, you really must go. A Madrid institution, La Sala Sol has been going since the movida, without losing any of its edge (or changing its decoration). Expect a crowd from every walk of life, crammed against each other till seven in the morning. Bands are rarely international, but really, being cool isn’t the point
This Club Rocks
Costello is great on Thursdays, try the upstairs lounge part for a chiller atmosphere and pretty people watching. Drinks aren't too expensive, and the music is good without being too loud. Downstairs, however, is another story. You feel a bit trapped in the dark, cavelike club, but get a few drinks in you and you'll be fine. The music is great: Britpop that gets even the shyest dancing. Check the website for live shows, it's a great place to see up-and-coming indie bands.
Tortilla Tortilla!
Set on the hill between Sol and Plaza Santa Ana, La Tía Cebolla serves fantastic tortilla española (€4) and generous slabs of homemade empanada (tuna- or mincemeat-filled pie) for just €2.50. Plus, the friendly waiters bring fresh bread, chorizo and cheese free with each drink.