5 Popular Tapas Bars in Madrid

The Madrileños are famous
 for their tapas!

Overwhelmed by the crazy number of bars in Madrid and no idea where to start? Here are 5 great bars which are popular with locals and tourists alike. They are all reasonably priced, so ideal if you are visiting
Madrid on a budget. You’ll find these bars all over the centre of Madrid, so there’ll always be one around the corner!

If you're looking for some special bars in Madrid, check out our top 5!

1.    100 Montaditos 

 

Mini baguettes are their speciality

If you want to experience true Spanish culture at a low price, 100 Montaditos is your place.  We challenge you to find another bar with a menu as big as this one- we don’t know anyone who has made it through all the options! You will see the locals (madrileños) here for hours on end! The beautifully presented mini baguettes with every possible filling, priced between just 1 and 2€ (and all at 1€ on Wednesdays and Sundays), as well as beer, tinto de verano (a mix of wine and lemonade, a Spanish speciality), and much more, all at a very reasonable price, creates a place that is loved by tourists and locals alike.

2.    Cervecería (Beer bar) La Sureña

 

Try the typical "beer cube"

Beer-aholic? La Sureña bar is made for you! This most famous item on their menu is the ‘beer cube’, a bucket filled with ice and five bottles of beer for just 3€! In some places you could pay around 3€ for one bottle, so whichever way you look at it, this is a true bargain. As well as beer, there is obviously a huge
selection of other drinks and some of Spain’s most popular tapas. If you are looking for an even more incredible deal, we suggest going to La Sureña on Sundays, where you can enjoy a large portion of tapas with a bucket of 5 beers for just 6€!

3.    Museo del Jamón

 

The amount of jamón 
at this bar is incredible!

El Museo de Jamón is one of those bars that you could go to at any time of day or night and you’ll always find a great atmosphere, and true Spanish food at an unbeatable price. This bar really does what is says on the tin. The menu is reasonably priced, varied and the food is good quality. It’s a great place to stop, whether you’re looking for a bite to eat, a relaxing evening with friends or a large meal.  You can also buy every type of jamón, chorizo or cheese you can think of from their incredible delicatessen counter to take away, or buy ready-made baguettes with the typical Spanish “jamón” for just 1€.

4.    Lizarran 

 

You can't miss the variety of tapas!

Lizarran bar is known for its fantastic variety of tapas. There’s something for all tastes here, from the traditional Spanish such as patatas bravas (fried potatoes in a spicy tomato sauce) and chorizo, to chicken curry and fish and chips! It’s the perfect place to go with a large group of people: that way you can try as much of the menu as possible and work out what your favourite is! There is always a great ambiance in here, created from the combination of happy and helpful staff, and large groups of people enjoying time together in Madrid. That’s not forgetting the great drinks selection (including cocktails), and the fact that they have affordable breakfast deals, making eating out at any time of day easy!

5.    Lateral  

 

You can find all varieties 
of Spanish tapas here!

You will often find people queuing for tables at Lateral, and with good reason, as the food is worth the wait! The tapas here are often described as some of the most authentic in Madrid, and this bar is frequently mentioned in guide books. Its classy interior, combined with reasonable prices and good size portions make it a great place to go for tapas with friends. They have also started a special night at their bar in Castellana; every Friday and Saturday they are offering a new menu, with DJs, creating a unique atmosphere. It’s slightly more pricey than their standard menu, but worth it if you are looking for something a little more special.  Lateral don’t normal take reservations, however for Fridays and Saturdays at Castellana, you will need to reserve, by ringing the number on their webpage. 


Have a great time enjoying the brilliant bars Madrid has to offer! With more bars than any other city in the world, you really are spoilt for choice.

Other articles that might be of interest:  The 5 best bars in Madrid |  Cava Baja: The street of a thousand bars   | How to cook Spanish paella |  Spanish Food in Madrid (Part 1)