Bars and Cafes in Plaza Mayor, Ópera & Sol (Madrid)

Alboroque

Looking for a quiet meal with your loved one? Look up Alboroque, located just inside the courtyard of Palacio Marques de Riscal. It has two levels with intimate seating, that is done up tastefully. The chef, Andre Madrigal, interacts with each guest and makes sure they are always satisfied. Not just this, the menu is a gastronomical treat with each dish made with just the right amount of spices. Awarded the Mejor Restaurante of the year, it is a must visit for special dishes like paella-flavored broth with sweet scallops and clams. With more than 400 bottles and growing each day, you can sample some of the best wines here as well.

Cafe del Soul

A popular hangout with Madrid's youth, this bar offers everything you might possibly want, wonderful alcoholic smoothies, specially selected Cava and an ideal place to meet someone new. The equalized mix of music and drinks offers the visitor an amazing place to just relax and have a cocktail to start the night.

Atenas Terraza Lounge

One of the many late night venues in Madrid, this bar really contributes to a veritable city that does not sleep. Great for summer because of the large terrace under the stars, this is is the perfect addition to your itinerary while enjoying the heavens with that special someone. The location is also ideal as you can saunter out of the club and enjoy some naturally sober entertainment in one of the many surrounding gardens nearby.

Moore's & Company

Despite the countless number of Irish themed bars throughout the world, Moore's is one of the few that really provides authenticity outside of County Kerry. Moore's has opened three establishments in the city of Madrid and all are worthy of the visit. Each one is frequented by Irish expatriates, providing an opportunity to see that the Irish truly have the gift of gab, or more affectionately known on the Emerald Island as craic. So sit back and join in as the friendly staff welcomes everyone with a Guinness, a story and an Irish tune. Sláinte!

La Negra Tomasa

La Negra Tomasa is a restaurant-bar with that authentic flavor of Cuba, from the sweet scent of those coveted Cuban cigars wafting through the air to the wonderfully prepared food and drinks reminiscent of Old Havana. The music is also transported directly from the island, as there are live acts nightly which remain true to the musical heritage and the sound forces you to dance. As a gimmick, from Wednesdays to Sundays you can find Tomasa reading the Orishas (or spiritual guides, similar to Tarot) for the patrons that wish to know their future while sipping on a mojito.

Dekonya

Depending at what time of day you come, you might find the door closed and have to ring the bell to get in - if the doorman decides to let you in, that is. During the early evening scene you'll find the place full of pretty girls and well dressed guys in suits. Later at night, the first crowd disappears and the place fills up again with performers, artists and their hangers-on. The interior is brightly painted but the lighting is subdued and there are mirrors and curtains everywhere. You have to negotiate a long and winding corridor until you finally get to the dance floor, which is also used as a stage for occasional cabaret shows as well soul and pop concerts and displays of tango.

Café de Oriente

It is much more than a café. In fact, this is a restaurant that is good enough to have been awarded a Michelin star for its creative and modern style of cooking. The house specials are cod prepared in a variety of ways and duck liver paté. There is a gourmet menu and an excellent wine cellar. The restaurant is built on top of the ruins of an old convent close to the Teatro Real, and tends to fill up after performances and on Sunday afternoons, when the outdoor terrace is very popular.

Corral de la Morería

Since 1956, this famous restaurant and tablao flamenco offers daily flamenco shows. Their a la carte menus include typical Spanish dishes like Andalusian Gazpacho or Iberian hams. But if you prefer, you can try their tapas: Spanish omelets or Manchego cheese. Important people like the King and Queen of Spain and John F. Kennedy have visited this restaurant. Actors and actresses like Sofia Loren, Samuel L. Jackson and Sandra Bullock spent here a nice time and enjoyed Flamenco shows. The decoration and environment recreate the typical tablao, with streetlamps and Arabic ornaments that will make you travel back in time. - Angeles Fernandez