Restaurants

Tabanco Amores is one of those places I usually suggest when someone says they want something simple and lively, without overthinking it. You come in with the idea of a quick drink and end up staying longer than planned, mostly because leaving never feels urgent. What to Expect The space is long and usually busy, especially as the evening goes on. There’s a separation between the bar and the dining area, which is towards the back. It feels social in an easy way, like everyone has quietly agreed that this is a place to loosen up a bit. It has beautiful, cozy and warm lighting, that sets the mood just right. Food & Drinks Drinks are the focus here, particularly vermouth and sherry, served without fuss and poured generously. The food stays simple and does exactly what it needs to do. Think anchovies, mojama, olives, or a quick bite passed across the bar. It’s the kind of place where you order what feels right in the moment rather than studying the menu. You’ll probably spend around €10–15 per person, depending on how long you linger. Events Nothing is scheduled, and nothing needs to be. The atmosphere comes entirely from the crowd and the rhythm of the bar doing its thing. Practical Information 💶 Average price: €10–15 per person📍 Address: Calle de Santa Isabel, 38, Centro, Madrid🕒 Best time to visit: Early evening, when it’s busy enough to feel alive but still comfortable.💡 Insider tip: Don’t rush the first drink. This place works best when you let the evening unfold naturally. Final Word If you enjoy bars that feel spontaneous and unfussy, where the focus is simply on good drinks and good company, Tabanco Amores fits right in. It’s an easy place to return to, especially when you don’t have a plan and don’t really want one.

La Esperanza is the kind of place you walk into and immediately feel at ease. It sits quietly busy on a corner in Centro, drawing people in without trying too hard. Nothing flashy, nothing forced, just a place that seems to know its role in the neighbourhood. What to Expect Inside, the atmosphere is warm and slightly old-school, with wooden interiors, soft lighting, and a steady buzz of conversation. You will find locals stopping by for a drink, small groups sharing plates, and people who clearly planned to stay for one round and ended up staying longer. It feels social but never overwhelming, and it works just as well for a casual afternoon visit as it does for an easygoing dinner. Food & Drinks The menu focuses on Mediterranean and Spanish classics, done in a straightforward and comforting way. Expect familiar tapas like croquetas and patatas bravas, alongside other small plates that are easy to share. The food is reliable and satisfying rather than experimental, which suits the place well. Vermut, wine, and simple cocktails are popular choices here. If you order a few plates and have a couple of drinks, you will likely spend around €20–30 per person, which feels reasonable for both the quality and the setting. Events La Esperanza does not host regular events or themed nights. The energy of the place shifts naturally throughout the day, starting relaxed and becoming livelier as the evening sets in. Practical Information 💶 Average price: €20–30 per person📍 Address: C. de la Torrecilla del Leal, 3, Centro, 28012 Madrid, Spain🕒 Best time to visit: Late afternoon or early evening, when it is active but still comfortable.💡 Insider tip: Come with a smaller group and early on weekends as it can get quite packed. Final Word If you are looking for a place that genuinely feels part of the neighbourhood, lively, comfortable, and quietly reliable, La Esperanza is a solid choice. It is the kind of place you return to simply because it works.