10 Best Bars In Madrid

Written by Joeri Van Overloop

As a self-proclaimed connoisseur of the Spanish nightlife, I have had the pleasure of exploring Madrid's vibrant bar scene extensively. From cozy hidden gems to trendy rooftop hangouts, this city has it all.

If you're looking for the best bars in Madrid to quench your thirst and indulge in unforgettable experiences, look no further. In this guide, I will take you on a journey through the top Madrid bars that have left an everlasting impression on me, ensuring that your nights in Madrid are nothing short of extraordinary.

1. Salmon Guru

As I was researching the best bars in Madrid, I couldn't help but notice the name Salmón Gurú pop up repeatedly. After reading about its reputation for creative cocktails and unique atmosphere, I knew I had to check it out for myself.

Located in the Literary Quarter of Madrid (Barrio de las Letras), Salmón Gurú is a chic cocktail bar that has quickly become a favorite among locals and tourists. The bar's elegant decor combines classic wood and copper elements with comic-inspired art, neon lights, and kitschy curtains, creating a vibe that is both playful and sophisticated.

The bar staff at Salmon Guru are knowledgeable and friendly, making it easy to strike up a conversation and learn more about the bar's extensive selection of wines, vermouths, and spirits. The cocktail menu is equally impressive, featuring a mix of classic cocktails and creative concoctions that are sure to please even the most discerning palate.

In addition to its impressive drink selection, the Salmon bar also hosts live music and DJ sets, adding to the already lively atmosphere. Whether you're looking for a romantic spot for a date or a fun night out with friends, this cool bar in Madrid is definitely worth a visit when in the Spanish capital.

Contact:

Address: Calle de Echegaray, 21, 28014 Madrid, Spain

Phone: +34 910 00 61 85

2. Glass By Sips

Glass By Sips is a visionary concept cocktail bar in Madrid, located at the Hotel Urban in the Barrio de Las Letras neighborhood. It was named the third-best bar globally by 50 Best Bars in 2022, and it's not hard to see why. The glass-fronted bar commands your attention as soon as you step inside, offering an unobstructed view of the artistry behind the counter.

The vibe is elegant and chic, with a fusion of Mediterranean and Asian influences. The atmosphere is vibrant, with live music and DJs playing everything from reggaeton to flamenco. Glass By Sips is the perfect place to go for a night out with friends or a date.

The bar is known for its mixology, with a focus on classic cocktails and creative mixed drinks. The bartenders are skilled and they use only the finest spirits and natural wines. The cocktail menu is extensive, with something for every visitor, from vermouths to sherry to draught beer on tap.

The waiters at Glass By Sips are friendly and attentive, and they create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The bar is small, with a capacity of around 50 people, so it's best to arrive early to avoid disappointment.

In terms of pricing, Glass By Sips is on the higher end, but the quality of the drinks and the atmosphere are well worth it. There is no entrance fee, and the bar is open from 7 pm to 2 am.

Contact:

Address: Cra de S. Jerónimo, 34, 28014 Madrid, Spain

Phone: +34 917 87 77 72

3. 1862 Dry Bar

I had the pleasure of visiting the 1862 Dry Bar during my recent trip to Madrid, and I must say it lived up to its reputation as one of the best cocktail bars in the city. The bar is located in the trendy Malasaña neighborhood and has a chic and elegant atmosphere that draws in a diverse crowd of locals and tourists.

The bar is named after the year of publication of the first ever cocktail book, written by the famous Jerry Thomas, and the cocktails here are truly exceptional. The bartenders are skilled mixologists who use high-quality ingredients to create classic cocktails such as the Cosmopolitan, the Red velvet and gin and tonic, as well as creative and unique concoctions. The wine list is also impressive, with a good selection of Spanish and international wines.

One of the things that sets the Dry Bar apart is its commitment to mixology and attention to detail. Every drink is carefully crafted to perfection, and the bar staff is passionate about their craft. The bar also has a small room that can be reserved for private events, making it a great spot for a special occasion or a night out with a group of friends.

This speakeasy bar also has a great selection of tapas and small plates, perfect for pairing with your drink of choice. The atmosphere is lively and fun, with live music and DJs on select nights. The bar has a reputation for being a bit pricey, but I found the prices to be reasonable for the quality of the drinks and the overall experience.

Contact:

Address: C. del Pez, 27, 28004 Madrid, Spain

Phone: +34 609 53 11 51

4. La Venencia

If you're looking for a unique and authentic experience in Madrid, La Venencia is a must-visit bar. Located just a short walk from Plaza Santa Ana, La Venencia is a decades-old watering hole and local favorite.

La Venencia is known for its history, ambiance, and sherry wine. This Madrid bar has hardly been updated since it first opened in 1922, making it a living piece of local history. As soon as you step inside, you'll feel like you've been transported back in time.

One of the unique features of La Venencia is its selection of sherry wines. The wine bar has an extensive collection of sherries, which you can enjoy by the glass or bottle. The staff knows about the different types of sherry and can help you choose the perfect one for your taste.

Another thing that sets the Venencia bar apart is its atmosphere. The bar is dimly lit, with cobwebbed oak barrels and vintage bullfighting posters adorning the walls. The overall effect is cozy and intimate, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind after a long day of sightseeing.

If you're a fan of Ernest Hemingway, you'll be pleased to know that he was a regular at La Venencia. In fact, the bar still has a plaque on the wall commemorating his visits. So, if you want to sip sherry and pop olives where Hemingway once found inspiration, head straight to La Venencia.

Contact:

Address: Calle de Echegaray, 7, 28014 Madrid, Spain

Phone: +34 914 29 73 13

5. Macera Tallerbar

Macera Tallerbar is one of the coolest bars in Madrid that offers a modern twist on traditional Spanish spirits. Located in the trendy neighborhood of Malasaña, Macera Tallerbar is a popular spot for locals and tourists.

One of the things that sets the Macera Tallerbar apart is their use of house-macerated spirits. Instead of using well-known brands of gin, vodka, or rum, they make their own spirits with unique flavors like apple, cinnamon, spices, coriander, and lime. This approach allows them to offer a truly one-of-a-kind drinking experience.

The atmosphere at this bar is also noteworthy. The exposed ceiling pipes, bearded bartenders, and bassy cool-kid jams create a Brooklyn or Kreuzberg vibe. However, the cocktail menu leans on Spanish influences and includes unique touches like sweet vermouth, local cucumber, and rosemary from the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains.

Macera Tallerbar is open from 1:00 PM to 2:00 AM and offers a range of pub meals and drinks at reasonable prices. With its unique spirits and cool atmosphere, it's definitely worth checking out if you're in Madrid.

Contact:

Address: C. de San Mateo, 21, 28004 Madrid, Spain

Phone: +34 910 11 58 10

6. Viva Madrid

One of the most iconic Madrid bars is Viva Madrid. This bar, established in 1856, has been converted into a fantastic cocktail-centric spot by Diego Cabrera, one of the best mixologists in Spain.

Located in the Centro district, Viva Madrid is known for its extensive selection of drinks, including wines, beers, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages. The average price per cocktail is around $11, which is reasonable considering the quality of the drinks.

Aside from the drinks, the Viva bar is also famous for its decorative facade, which features the words "Vinos, finos, cervezas, refrescos y café," meaning "Wines, fine wines, beers, refreshments, and coffee." This decoration gives a glimpse of the bar's slant towards traditional drinks and its history.

The bar is open daily from noon to 2 am, making it a great place to stop by for a drink or two after a long day of exploring the city.

Contact:

Address: C. de Manuel Fernández y González, nº 7, 28014 Madrid, Spain

Phone: +34 687 17 29 94

7. Bar Cock

Bar Cock is a classic cocktail bar located in the heart of Madrid's Chueca neighborhood. This renowned establishment has been serving up delicious drinks to locals and visitors since 1921.

The bar's interior is decorated in an Art Deco style, with dark wood paneling, leather banquettes, and vintage lighting fixtures. The atmosphere is cozy and intimate, making it the perfect spot for a romantic date or a night out with family or friends.

One of the highlights of Bar Cock is its extensive cocktail menu, which features both classic and contemporary drinks. The bartenders are skilled take pride in creating custom cocktails based on each customer's preferences.

In addition to its impressive drink selection, Bar Cock is also known for its friendly and welcoming waiting staff. Whether you're a regular or a first-time visitor, you'll feel right at home in this cozy and inviting establishment.

Contact:

Address: C. de la Reina, 16, 28004 Madrid, Spain

Phone: +34 915 32 28 26

8. La Coquette

If you're a fan of live blues music, La Coquette is one of the best Madrid bars to visit. Situated beneath the bustling Calle Arenal, this underground bar has been hosting live blues shows and jam sessions for over 40 years.

La Coquette is a small, intimate space that can get quite crowded, especially on weekends. But that only adds to the cozy, authentic atmosphere. The decor is simple and unpretentious, with brick walls and a small stage for the musicians.

The bar serves a variety of drinks, including beer, wine, and cocktails. Prices are reasonable, and the staff is very friendly and attentive.

One thing to note is that La Coquette can be a bit difficult to find. The entrance is tucked away down a narrow staircase, and there's no sign outside. But once you've found it, you'll be glad you did.

Contact:

Address: C. de las Hileras, 14, 28013 Madrid, Spain

9. Del Diego Cocktail Bar

Del Diego Cocktail Bar is a popular bar that is known for its fantastic cocktails and pleasant ambiance. Located at Calle de la Reina, this bar is a great place to visit for anyone who enjoys a good cocktail.

The bar is open from 7:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. from Tuesday to Thursday and from 7:00 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. It is closed on Sundays and Mondays. The barman at Del Diego are incredibly helpful and knowledgeable about their cocktails, making it a great place to try something new or get a classic cocktail made to perfection.

Aside from the delicious drinks, the tapas at bar Del Diego are also worth mentioning. They are definitely hard to miss and add to the overall experience of the bar.

Cocktail Bar Del Diego has a timeless design that adds to its unique charm. It is considered one of the best cocktail bars in Madrid, and for good reason. The bar has classics such as margaritas, mojitos, and cosmopolitans, as well as a few of their own signature cocktails.

Contact:

Address: C. de la Reina, 12, 28004 Madrid, Spain

Phone: +34 915 23 31 06

10. Taberna Averías

I have discovered a hidden gem in the heart of Madrid's Chamberi neighborhood – Taberna Averías. This bar is the place to be for anyone looking for a cozy and intimate atmosphere, top-notch wine selection, and delicious tapas.

The bar's interior is rustic and charming, with exposed brick walls and wooden beams. The seating is limited, which adds to the intimate ambiance. The highlight of the bar is its impressive wine cellar, which houses over 300 bottles from all over Spain and the world.

The menu at Taberna Averías is focused on tapas, but the quality and variety are exceptional. This tapas bar in Madrid, Spain offers traditional Spanish dishes such as croquetas, patatas bravas, and jamón ibérico, as well as more innovative options like tuna tartare and foie gras.

One of the things I appreciate about the Averías tavern is the staff. They are always happy to recommend a wine pairing or suggest a dish to try. The prices are fair in my opinion, especially considering the quality of the food and wine.

Contact:

Address: C/ de Ponzano, 16, 28010 Madrid, Spain

Phone: +34 916 03 34 50