Bars and Cafes in Huertas & Santa Ana (Madrid)

Casa Patas

With five different shows on per week, this is undoubtedly one of the capital's most important flamenco clubs. It attracts first-class performers and true aficionados. All the most famous stars of today have passed through here at one time or another. Performances start around midnight and you can make a real night out of it by coming for dinner as well. The restaurant specializes in wholesome Spanish home-cooking with dishes like Rabo de Toro (oxtail stew).

Las Bravas

A chain of bars that specializes in patatas bravas (fried potatoes with a spicy paprika sauce), it has actually taken the trouble to patent its own spicy sauce. It's normally full of youngsters and tourists as is always the case in Puerta del Sol. All of the chain's bars are decorated with wood-paneled walls and mirrors: some have tables and chairs, some are standing room only. If you don't like potatoes, you can order other items from the menu like fried squid, Spanish omelette, or chicken wings.

Burladero

You'll have to push your way gently through to the back to get a space on weekends when it fills up to overflowing. Downstairs you'll hear some wild flamenco. Upstairs is a bit more sedate and attracts an older age group. The decor throughout features bullfighting paraphernalia and photos of celebrities. You're sure to enjoy the lively atmosphere and friendly clientele.

Los Gabrieles

One of Madrid's long-established flamenco clubs that exudes character, it has always attracted celebrities. The bullfighter Manolete was a regular, and film star Ava Gardner used to come here a lot searching for excitement whenever Sinatra was not looking. Flamenco shows start at 10p. The music is an up-to-date mix of flamenco, funk, and salsa. If you come during the afternoon and early evening, you will find the place to be relaxed and welcoming, as it doesn't really get going until after 10p.

Viva Madrid

If you are on your own and looking for a bit of local color, this is a safe and welcoming sort of place to start the night. It's a typical music bar, strategically located in the heart of town. You'll hear a great mix of flamenco and contemporary pop music. On hot summer nights, it's worth taking one of the sidewalk tables so you can check out the talent moving from one bar to the next. If you're here during the day you'll be served tasty tapas and raciones (larger helpings) with your drinks.

Naturbier

One of its main attractions is the chance to see a functioning micro-brewery on-site with the vats and stills visible. Its outdoor terrace and downstairs basement fill up quickly on weekends. If you're hungry, try the platters of cold meats, cheeses, and canapés. The interior is an attractive combination of varnished wood on the ground floor and exposed brickwork in the basement. It's located in a popular square and attracts a varied clientele from all over the world.

Los Chanquetes

Stand at the bar, surrounded by bull's heads, posters recording historic bullfights and photos of famous matadors, and order a beer with a tapa. As its name suggests, the little fried fish called chanquetes are the star of the tapas menu. If you're hungry, order raciones (large portions) of chanquetes or fabadas (white bean stew from Asturias). The bar attracts a varied crowd and it's always pretty lively. The dining room holds up to 30 people.

Dolores

You will not want to miss this classic tapas bar in your tour of the town. You will recognize it by the beautiful mosaic façade. It serves a selection of elaborately prepared canapés and great draught beer to the heaving masses that congregate at the bar every day. The interior is decorated like an old rustic tavern with lots of dark wood and earthenware jars on the shelves. If you are hungry, order a generous portion, or ración, of fish (anchovies, marinated anchovies, or bonito, fresh tuna) for around EUR6.

La Busca

A multifunctional bar where you can order from the wide range of breakfasts, snacks and meals accompanied by a good selection of coffees and wines. At night, people come for the cocktails and the pleasant background music. Prices are pretty reasonable. It also serves traditional Asturian delicacies, like Cabrales cheese (smelly but delicious), wild boar chorizo sausage, pulgas (mini-sandwiches), and fresh bread. The designer decor is tastefully done and the service is friendly.

Salón del Prado

A stylish and elegant cafe that opened in 1984, although you would think it dated from the early 20th Century as it has been decorated in Edwardian style with huge mirrors, a grand piano and impressive candelabras. It's often used as a location for filming movies and TV commercials. Every month a different sculptor exhibits his or her work in the main hall and in the five enormous windows so that they can be seen from the street as well. You can choose from a worldwide selection of coffees and teas along with a selection of cold canapes.

La Venencia

A refuge for bohemians and locals who love the tapas, this place has been in business forever and it retains its old-world Andalusian charm. The clientele are a mixed bunch who come from all parts of the globe. Enjoy a dry sherry or traditional manzanilla wine at the old-fashioned bar where the waiters keep track of your bill with chalk marks on the counter.

La Moderna

You'll find a stylish bar and dining room full of a young and lively crowd of locals and tourists. There are lots of tables where you can sit and eat in a relaxed setting. Choose from a huge variety of canapes (around 15 different varieties) and wash them down with a glass of beer or wine. The snacks are pricey, but you're also paying for the central location and the trendy atmosphere.