The Best Bars In The Puerta Del Sol Area Of Madrid, Spain

Seconds away from Puerta del Sol, Vi Cool is one of the best bars in Madrid’s city center. They serve elegant tapas that have been created by Sergi Arola, a top Michelin-starred Catalan chef, and his wife. Their patatas bravas are especially tasty, and their homemade cocas (a Catalan pastry that can be made sweet or savory) are to die for. It really is a ‘cool’ place to go, and tourists and locals alike enjoy the atmosphere of this quirky yet elegant place.

Although this bar is very much on the outskirts of Puerta del Sol, it is one of the best establishments in that area. Inspired by English gentlemen’s clubs, the decor at Bar Cock is decadent and lush. Visitors can try some of their delicious cocktails, cava, beer or champagne while admiring the beautiful and exclusive locale they are in. Many famous personalities have entered its doors and sat at its tables, from Eisenhower to Frank Sinatra to Audrey Hepburn.

A great array of red wines, tasty tapas and excellent service are this bar’s strong suits. The affordable prices reel visitors and locals in, and the quality of the food keeps them coming back and back again. Vinoteca Barbechera has all the typical Spanish tapas as well as some inventive creations (the Vinoteca salad, for example). During the summer months visitors can enjoy their meal in the outdoor terrace, watching the different street performers and taking in Madrid’s atmosphere.

Casa Labra is a historic tavern, known in Madrid as the site of the foundation of the PSOE political party. It also has a restaurant area, which is one of the best in Puerta del Sol. The bar serves great tapas, and visitors might have to eat standing if there is not any space left at the bar: a very traditional experience at Spanish bars. Both the drinks and the tapas menus are excellent.

Taberna Alhambra is a favorite with the locals, and is usually crawling with people at night. They have excellent tapas and sometimes they serve small complimentary ones when you order drinks. They also have a daily lunch menu that does the trick for a very reasonable price. The atmosphere at this bar is excellent and tourists will realize why it is so popular as soon as they enter.

This bar has been around for so long that it has become a landmark in the Puerta del Sol area. The menu is based around different shrimp and king prawn recipes, with their specialty being the gambas al ajillo, shrimp with garlic, olive oil and pepper. La Casa del Abuelo also serves other typical Spanish tapas, such as patatas bravas, morcilla and Spanish ham, so those who are not especially fond of seafood do not have to miss out on the great atmosphere at this century-old bar.