Tigre! Tourist Tapas in Madrid

Getting There: The address is Calle de las Infantas, 30, 28004. Take the metro line 5 (depending on where you are) to Chueca.

I left Morocco for Madrid. My first order of business was to find a tapas spot. I headed for Tigre, a famous tapas landmark in the happening Chueca neighborhood. Green to the tapas experience, I was intimidated by the yelling of the combo bartender/cooks and chose to hide in the corner until I could figure out how this worked. Mustering up courage, I approached the bar and ordered two beers. Somehow, I managed to knock over a patron’s beer and shatter a glass. I feebly apologized and retreated back to my corner with drinks. Just when I thought I was safe, I found myself locking eyes with the bartender who summoned me over and offered me trays of food. Unsure what to do, I grabbed the plates and went back into hiding. Moments later, more plates were offered. Overwhelmed by the food and noise, I ordered a sangria, downed it, and began to calm down. In the meantime, new customers walked in and I observed how it is supposed to be done.

Here’s what I learned: The tapas are free and the drinks are 5 euros‎. The madness never ends as the bartender/cook combo insists on feeding you until you’ve had enough and you leave.

As for the actual food, the tapas were okay. I can only eat so many potatoes before I am overwhelmed by starch. The cold cuts were not my thing. The chicken, on the other hand, was very good.