The tapas scene in Madrid is not merely a dining experience - it's a way of life that brings people together over small plates bursting with flavor. And forget sitting down; the real action happens standing at the counter of bustling taverns, soaking up the lively atmosphere. There’s hundreds, if not thousands, of tapas bars dispersed throughout Madrid, so we put together a list of our favorites (with recommended items to order at each one). Try a few, or try them all, and check out the map at the bottom so you can put together your own DIY tapas crawl!
Our Favorite Tapas Bars in Madrid
This is our all around favorite tapas bar in Madrid. It's super simple and to-the-point, it's always busy, and it's consistently delicious! They have two locations across the street from each other. We prefer the original one here because of it's energy (no seats, just counters and high top standing tables), but if you prefer to sit down, you can also go to their 2nd location which has tables inside and a few tables outside.
Must Order: Cod fritter (pincho de bacalao) & a gilda (pickled skewer with olives, peppers, and anchovies)
Neighborhood: La Latina
La Colmada is one of the more chill tapas bars on our list. It has more of a wine bar/deli vibe with the option to either sit at the counter with stools or take a normal table with chairs (we always prefer counter stools!). The service here is fantastic, the tomato salad is the best we've had, and they have tons of high quality meats and cheeses. You can easily spend multiple hours here because it's just so comfy and welcoming.
Must Order: Tomato salad, meat & cheese board
Neighborhood: Chueca
A super fun and buzzing wine bar/specialty shop on a neighborhoody side street in Barrio de las Letras. We loved the vibes in here as you'll be sitting amongst hundreds of wine bottles. Everything on their menu can be ordered as a tapa size portion, so pick a few meats and cheeses and enjoy!
Must Order: Meat & cheese board
Neighborhood: Barrio de las Letras
Casa Baranda is a very traditional and old-school tapas bar with great vibes. It has the dark wood interior that makes you feel like you've stepped back in time. There's no seats in this tapas bar, so find yourself a counter spot or high top and start ordering. You'll find all the expected tapas on their menu, but we specifically come here to get their pincho moruno skewer!
Must Order: Pincho Moruno (meat skewer) & patatas bravas
Neighborhood: Malasaña
Similar to Casa Baranda, El Lacón feels like you've stepped back in time as soon as you enter. They have a huge bar area in the front with the typical counter service (no chairs) and every drink you order comes with a free tapa of your choice. If you'd rather sit down, they do have a full dining room in the back, but we recommend just doing as the locals do and sticking to the bar with free tapas!
Must Order: Free tapa with every drink (best free tapas we found in Madrid)
Neighborhood: Barrio de las Letras
We come here for one purpose, and one purpose only—to order the La Manuela vermouth cocktail! It's served in a martini glass, sprayed with gin to start and then finished off with bitters. It's the perfect refreshing drink that preps you for all the tapas you'll surely be eating throughout the day.
Must Order: Manuela vermouth cocktail
Neighborhood: La Latina (on Calle de la Cava Baja, the famous tapas street)
Tucked away on a quiet street near the Lavapiés metro stop, La Inquilina doesn't look like much from the outside, but just trust us on this one. They have the best gilda con boquerón we found in the city! It's served on a bed of potato chips so the vinegar and oil soak into the chips. They also happen to serve our favorite vermouth in all of Spain—Atxa vermouth (it's a bit spicier than the typical draft vermouths).
Must Order: Atxa vermouth & a gilda con boquerón
Neighborhood: Lavapiés
If you've read any "Best of" List on tapas in Madrid, you're sure to have seen Mesón del Champiñón pop up on the list. It's located in a very touristy area just behind Plaza Major, but it's an absolute must on any tapas crawl. Come here only for the mushrooms, grab a spot at the bar, and enjoy!
Must Order: Plate of mushrooms (there's a little piece of chorizo inside each mushroom)
Neighborhood: Austrias
Bodega de la Ardosa is located right next to one of our other favorite tapas bars, Casa Baranda, and they actually share a kitchen. This one is a tiny bar that we mostly come to for the vibes. It's probably the most photogenic tapas bar we've been to, and you're just guaranteed to have a fun time!
Must Order: Vermouth & any tapas
Neighborhood: Malasaña
Pez has multiple locations throughout Madrid, but this one is our favorite. It's another very straightforward tapas bar that you come to specifically for one thing—the tortillas! They have several different flavors to pick from, but we highly recommend sticking to the Classic Tortilla with Onion. It's superrrrrrr gooey, best when served hot, and just consistently amazing! Wash it down with a glass or vermouth and be on your way.
Must Order: Classic Tortilla
Neighborhood: Barrio de las Letras
Casa Gerardo is a super special place that immediately makes you feel like a local. It's on a quiet street in La Latina and everyone who walks in seems to have known each other for decades. It's a pretty relaxed vibe in here and the tapas are delicious - be sure to get the tomato salad!
Must Order: Wine & tomato salad
Neighborhood: La Latina
For one of the most unique tapas bar experiences, be sure to stop by La Venencia. They specialize in sherry and they have a TON of it!!! The entire back of the bar is filled from floor to ceiling with insanely old sherry bottles. Grab a spot at the bar, order up a few glasses and a plate of lomo and the bartender will mark your tab on the bar in chalk. Warning - no photos allowed!
Must Order: Sherry & lomo (cured meat)
Neighborhood: Barrio de las Letras
Bonus: Takos Al Pastor
Ok, so this isn't a tapas bar, but it absolutely deserves an honorable mention on this list because the tacos here are insanely good! When you get sick of traditional tapas, or just need a break between tapas bars, stop by Takos Al Pastor. The line will likely be long, but they're efficient and trust us, it's worth the wait. Each taco is between €1 to €2, so you can easily order all the tacos on the menu (that's what we did)! We know there's a lot of debate on where to find the best tacos Madrid, but we think these are it!
Must Order: Al pastor taco and chicken tinga taco
Neighborhood: Sol
Comments