Where to go for an aperitif in Madrid
If you like going for an aperitif and appetiser whatever time of year it might be and you’re planning to be in Madrid sometime soon… read on! We’ll show you some of the best bars for aperitifs and appetisers in the Spanish capital. Coming?
Tapas, raciones, pinchos, embutidos… Get to know the best appetisers!
There’s no point in heading out to a bar for an aperitif if they don’t serve decent appetisers too. Here are some of the most authentic bars in Madrid serving the perfect tapas, raciones, montaditos and anything else you could dream of. Once you’ve read this post you’ll be an expert on where to go, although deciding which one to pick won’t be quite so easy…
• La hora del Vermut (Mercado de San Miguel, plaza de San Miguel)
Right in the centre of Madrid, very close to Plaza Mayor, is a veritable temple to vermouth, with over 80 different varieties! But that’s not all: you’ll also find plenty of delicious tapas and appetisers to go with them. From original gildas and banderillas to all kinds of encurtidos, as well as different kinds of olives in over 20 different dressings. And then there are their bombas… which no-one should leave without trying! And they’ve just opened a new joint in Calle Fernán González, 48, with an even more extensive menu. You can sip vermouth accompanied by freshly prepared tapas and montados, as well as preserves, smoked delights and fresh produce. The brandade and brie montadito and the homemade cod toast are to die for!
• La Violeta (Calle de Vallehermoso, 62)
If you’re looking for a great vermouth in Chamberí, this is the place, with over 20 different types and plenty of encurtidos, raciones, gildas and olives to go with them. The best thing about this recently renewed establishment is its young feel and great music. The perfect place to unwind and forget about all your troubles!
• Taberna La Carmencita (Calle de la Libertad, 16)
One of the oldest taverns in Madrid, in the heart of Chueca. Here you’ll find the top vermouth brands: Zarro, Nordesía, Perucchi, De Luna, Arlini and Miró, among others, and the best the city has to offer in appetisers. Madrid through and through, this tavern also boasts some 75 recipes of traditional Spanish dishes, with plenty of Madrid specialities. Great for breakfast, pre-lunch appetisers, lunch, afternoon pick-you-up or dinner!
• La Gusa Gastrobar (Calle Príncipe de Vergara, 83)
Madrid has lots of restaurants, but few like Gusa Gastrobar. This welcoming restaurant in the Salamanca neighbourhood specialises in cuisine from La Rioja and serves the very best Spanish vermouths, including the Amillo, from Andalusia, Guerra, from León, and plenty of top-quality wines… A temple to good food and drink, where you can wash down tasty tapas, raciones and pinchos with the best Spanish wine.
• Taberna de Ángel Sierra (Calle de Gravina, 11)
Another gem in the Chueca neighbourhood. Over 100 years old, it takes you back to another age. It was renovated with tiles from the Cartuja in Seville and genuine Cuban wood to create a wonderful setting for sipping what is officially the best vermouth in Madrid, poured straight from the tap. To go with it, you can choose from empanadas, mackerel, ham, cheese and anchovy montados, top-class preserves and salmon and Roquefort canapés. Simply mouthwatering.
• Casa Camacho (Calle de San Andrés, 4)
In the heart of Malasaña you’ll find this totally authentic bar, which has created its own delicious vermouth-based cocktail: Yayo. It’s made with vermouth, gin and soda water and goes perfectly with a selection of tapas.
• Alipio Ramos (Calle de Ponzano, 30)
Before Calle Ponzano made a name for itself as the place to go for an after-work drink in Madrid, Alipio Ramos was already a firm favourite with locals. Not only because of its draught vermouth Zarro, but also thanks to its tasty, generously sized tapas. The menu changes daily. Delicious 100% homemade cooking you won’t forget in a while.
• La Colmada (Calle Espíritu Santo 19)
This shop selling gourmet preserves in the Malasaña neighbourhood is perfect for sipping a good vermouth accompanied by embutidos, raciones, pinchos and preserves. Sobrasada with Brie, smoked sardines with salmorejo and roast ham with olive oil and paprika are just some of its delights. And you can finish off your meal with something sweet: try its tejas de Tolosa! You can also buy tasty morsels to take home instead of enjoying them there, if you prefer. They have five different kinds of vermouths, although the star is the Catalan vermouth Espinaler. In its inner courtyard, time flies by!
