Bars and Cafes in Chueca & Malasaña (Madrid)

Tupperware

Its musical repertoire runs the gamut from power-pop through punk rock to soul and funk. The clientele varies depending on what time of night you come. The young crowd comes at opening time while the rock-and-rollers come much later. The first floor is where the action happens. The decor is psychedelia, comics on the walls, a pool table, lava lamps and curious objects on the ceiling that look like giant eyes. On the second floor, you can sit on comfortable armchairs and chat with rock and roll playing in the background. It's run by four sisters who keep the drinks at a reasonable price.

Al-Mounia

An ideal place to enjoy Cous Cous, Tagine or the house speciality - Meshoui (barbecued lamb). The interior is typically elegant and refined; you'll dine on low, round tables under a ceiling that features Arabic figures in relief and you'll hear North African music in the background. Here, and in the atmospheric tearoom next door, the service is reverential. Valet parking.

Finnegans

Lively, friendly and informal with attractive rustic decor, it's certainly one of the best of the Irish pub invasion. The one drawback is that most of the staff don't understand Spanish. It offers simple snacks, lunch and dinner in a laid-back atmosphere. The daily set meal is served between 8p and 11p. You can choose from a menu featuring salads (salmon, spinach, chicken), hamburgers, sandwiches, jacket potatoes, chicken wings, nachos, onion rings and heartier fare like marinated chicken, chilli con carne and chicken curry. For entertainment there are playing cards, backgammon, darts and chess available. It attracts a lot of custom from all the nearby foreign embassies and the French Cultural Institute. Highly recommended.

O'Connors

Decorated to resemble a humble old Dublin tavern with only the most simple and basic furnishings, this pub has become a popular meeting place for both locals and foreigners alike. The live Celtic music, the subdued lighting, and the fine range of draught beers mean that it has developed its own unique character. It makes an ideal place for a pint or two and good conversation. You can order Guiness and Kilkenny on tap.

Areia Chillout

In a city generally recognized for their ubiquitous tapas bar, it seems that the lounge scene is quickly rising up in the ranks. Those in search of a laid back atmosphere, surrounded by comfy couches and cool music, should venture into Areia Chillout: a bar/lounge in the trendy neighborhood of Chueca. Come for their thirst-quenching cocktails or mouth-watering appetizers and stay for the ambiance. This hipster bar is practically open all day so whether you're looking for an afternoon caña or a late night chupito, Areia is sure to please. - Virginia Gil

Lateral

One of the four locations in Madrid, El Lateral is a local favorite among locals for providing good quality tapas at a fine ambiance along with easy prices. This is the perfect place to grab some quick appetizers and a casual chat before leaving for dinner. The sirloin steak with brie cheese or foie gras are few of the many recommended dishes. Steak, fish and ham dishes constitute the core of the menu. A modest amount of desserts and wines are also on offer.

Buho Real

30 or 31 days of entertainment throughout the month is what the Royal Owl aims for, and it comes pretty close. This venue has every type of music from rock, fusion and pop to spoken word and acoustic rhythms from artists throughout Spain and elsewhere. The Royal Owl has live music every night and is centrally located in Madrid, near everything, so when you leave late at night, you can still enjoy your dinner at midnight.

Le Moulin Rose

Here at Le Moulin Rose, they specialize in potent potables, every single drink is mixed with precision and innovation. From delectable coffee mixtures with names like Roxanne and Zidler, the former made with rum and the latter with creme de menthe and vodka. Most of the music that is spun here is chill-out, down-tempo or acid jazz, so you can converse with some friends while you slow sip an exotic cocktail without blaring house music in your ear.

El Palentino

Locals know El Palentino well. It owes its popularity to cheap drinks, appetizing snacks served until late, and its embodiment of a true Madrileño atmosphere. Botellines, or small bottles of Spanish beer, are only 1EUR a pop, while sandwiches like the pepito—which is grilled beef with tomatoes on a baguette—cost 2 EUR each. Though this is no posh place (bright neon lights meet shabby decor), El Palentino has authentic character; in the past it has attracted the likes of famous Spanish actors such as Antonio Banderas and Javier Bardem. On weekends it transforms into the haunt of youngsters who come to celebrate being Madrileño at heart, especially if there’s a football game on TV. - Michelle Campagna 

Clamores Jazz Club

Since 1981, Clamores has provided a cultural microcosm of live acts from different musical styles including jazz, blues, bossa-nova, tango and even drum & bass. But it does not only focus on music, some of the performances are comedy shows and spoken word. The club is also located in the swanky area of Chamberí and Malasaña, so after you amble out of the club with your ears still ringing, you can at least enjoy some Madrileño history amongst the historic buildings.

La Cafeína

Before 8p, La Cafeína is a haven for calm afternooners looking to relax and sip on delicious, foamy coffees or exotic teas. Upstairs, high windows create lots of natural light for small groups of chatters, lone readers, and internet junkies who come to take advantage of the free Wi-Fi. Downstairs, plush red sofas offer comfortable seating to somnolent customers. After 8p, however, hoards of people crowd this tiny, two-story bar in search of the perfect gin tonic, which is the best cocktail they serve up according to locals. Basically the place comes to life. The jazz cover records and cool décor make La Cafeína a terrific spot for rendezvousing, be it at night or during the day. - Michelle Campagna

Freeway

The upstairs floor of this wacky Australian-themed bar is replete with kitschy décor from the Great Land Down Under, bumpin’ rock and indie hits blasting from the speakers, and lots of bar space for mingling around. After a bottle or two of Foster’s, all the large, garrulous groups tend to migrate toward the downstairs area; live DJs typically hammer out good dance jams here on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. This mass exodus occurs around 1 in the morning, although the upper floor remains crowded on the weekends regardless of the hour from 9p on. Spaniards, Aussies, and other foreigners alike enjoy this bar because of its extreme yet amusing emphasis on decoration, imported beer, and fun music. - Michelle Campagna