The Best Cocktail Bars in Malasaña, Madrid
Malasaña is one of Madrid’s hippest neighbourhoods. It was the centre of La Movida Madrileña counter cultural movement in the 1980s, and retains its rebellious indie reputation to this day. Cocktail bars here include everything from vintage glamour hotspots through to modern design setups – the only question is, where will you start?
1862 Dry Bar
Bar, Cocktail Bar, Spanish
This stylish bar brings a touch of Prohibition-era glamour to the neighborhood. Head to the romantic cave-like space downstairs, where you can order at the cute mini-bar and check out the backlit cage of alcohol (yes, you heard right). Cocktails are lovingly hand-crafted and a good deal at around €8 (US$9). Try the Mary Pickford, a rum and pineapple juice mix named during Prohibition after the silent film actress.
Lolina Vintage Café
Bar, Cafe, Cocktail Bar, Spanish
Vacaciones
Bar, Cocktail Bar, Spanish, Cocktails
Madrid might be landlocked, but that doesn’t mean you can’t visit the beach. Vacaciones cocktail bar is decorated like a chiringuito, or beach hut, and is the embodiment of laid-back coastal cool. Grab a seat at one of the wooden tables and enjoy a cocktail under the fairy lights strung across the ceiling. Vacaciones does a great range of cocktails and arguably Madrid’s favourite drink – gin and tonic. Cocktails are reasonably priced at around €6-€7 (US$6.70-$7.81).
Ojalá
Bar, Restaurant, Spanish
Head to the beach in the heart of Madrid at this popular Malasaña bar/restaurant. It hides a secret downstairs: its playa, or replica beach, is a sandy space with low tables and giant cushions to sit on. Kick back with a red fruit mojito for €7 (US$7.81) and imagine the waves lapping at your feet. Ojalá also offers a modern and international twist on traditional tapas, so is a great option if you fancy some food alongside your cocktails.
Café de la Luz
Bar, Cafe, Spanish, Coffee, European
El Jardín Secreto
Bar, Restaurant, Spanish, Mediterranean, European
To step inside ‘The Secret Garden’ is to experience an Arabian wonderland; decorated in lush fabrics draped from the ceiling, and with candles and flowers surrounding the cute little tables, this is a romantic destination for after-dinner cocktails. Make sure not to miss the dessert list – a chocoholic’s dream. Prepare for a bit of a wait or book a table on weekends, when it’s at its busiest.
Kikekeller
Bar, Spanish
When this stylish furniture shop/gallery shuts its doors for the day, it soon re-opens as a secret cocktail bar, where those in the know enjoy a drink among the designer lamps, tables and chairs. Almost everything is for sale, so if you enjoy some design inspiration while you sip on your cocktail, this is the place for you. It also holds new art exhibitions every couple of months. A great place for a dash of creativity with your cocktail.