Best Tapas Madrid: No Budget Cuts Here

Best Tapas Madrid is part of The Adios Puerto Rico, Hola España Trip Report. Read, Why a Second Residency?, to see why I am here.

The script is the same:

“Dos copas de Rioja.” “Vale.”

“Dos copas de Ribera del Duero.” “Vale.”

Do I care that I am not served the finest Reserva from Duero (see Guns & Butter: Ribera Del Duero, Madrid Travel Guide (Vino Edition))? At $3 a glass, I absolutely do not. What I cannot believe is the amount and variety of tapas that are included in this price. If this were the US and providing tapas gratis was a tradition, it would have been eviscerated at the same time airlines started charging bag fees. Then again, if this were the US, wine by the glass would be something gross and overpriced, even during happy hour. Barefoot Chardonnay anyone?

Luckily for me, I am not in the US for the next six weeks. This allows me the opportunity to share with you the best places for tapas in Madrid.

Disclaimer: I live in the upscale neighborhood of Chamberí. I can’t be bothered to leave this sanctuary too often. Reviews may be limited to this idyllic area.

Disclaimer: Not all tapas are free but when paying, the portions are more than adequate.

Disclaimer: I will republish this post as more tapas are consumed.

Leaders & Best

At the top of the list is La Pochola. It’s down the street from my flat, the wine is good, the atmosphere is energized, and the tapas are generously provided.

TPOL’s Tip: The location is Calle de José Abascal, 49D, 28003 Madrid

Also near my home is El Secreto De Ponzano. Here, I started with vino blanco and then went back to vino tinto. Along with consuming the complimentary tapas, I also ordered two mini burgers.

TPOl’s TIP: El Secreto De Ponzano is located at C. de Ponzano, 48, 28003 Madrid

Disappointment 

Sometimes, the taste of the wine will commensurate with the price. Nice jamon at Bienmesabe, but I won’t be returning.

Tourist 

When I was here in 2017, I went to El Tigre (see Tourist Tapas in Madrid) and was scorched for going to a place that only tourists go. Years later, I would still recommend going to witness the hustle and bustle, should you be in the neighborhood.

TPOL’s Tip: El Tigre is located C. de las Infantas, 23, 28004 Madrid

Learn Spanish

For as much Spanish as I know, there is more that I do not. This is especially true for food. At Don Oscar (Atascal), I wanted to order meat and cheese. They were out. Under pressure, I ended up with this. As Chris Tucker would say, “How you going to sell a big box of grease?” In fairness to myself, this was the first tapas bar I went to since moving here.

TPOL’s Tip: Google translate before ordering.

TPOL’s Tip: Don Oscar (Atascal) is located at Calle de José Abascal, 24, 28003 Madrid.

Tapas or Dinner? 

Patatas bravas which means spicy potato is a popular tapa. It’s also a sure-fire way of voiding all gym progress (see Olé! Where to Workout in Madrid) and becoming a potato yourself. At Cerveceria Lola, I not only ordered patatas bravas, but I also ordered una hamburguesa can huevo frito. From a health standpoint, there is nothing healthier than this for a late-night snack. From an economic standpoint, how can you beat 2 beers and 2 plates for $20?

TPOL’s Tip: Cervceria Lola is located at C. de Ponzano, 50, 28003 Madrid, across the street from El Secreto De Ponzano.

Upscale 

The upscale neighborhood of Madrid is Salamanca. I stopped there for tapas and vino at Restaurante Tierra del Queiles. There, I had the best Rioja on the way to Ten Con Ten for dinner (see Ten Con Ten Madrid vs. City Hall Scottsdale).

TPOL’s Tip: The location is C. de Hermosilla, 7, 28001 Madrid.

Michelin

Of course, if you are tired of tapas, there are plenty of Michelin restaurants available (see Michelin for Lunch in Madrid? Why Not?).