The temples of the bar in Madrid

There’s something magnetic about sitting at the bar. In Madrid, it’s not just a practical choice: it’s a statement of intent. It’s about wanting to see, smell, and hear everything unfold. It’s about toasting with the chef, taking their advice, and trying that off-menu item that appears almost like a shared secret. The bar is spontaneity, it’s rhythm, it’s that tingle that anticipates something special is about to arrive on your plate.

In the city’s most interesting restaurants, the bar has become the best place in the house. There, the ingredients are prepared just inches away, the embers crackle, the knives set the rhythm, and the service flows naturally. It’s a format that invites you to linger and improvise. Because in Madrid, when the experience is good, it begins in the kitchen… and is always best enjoyed at the bar.

Los 33

The restaurant everyone’s talking about. Los 33 has become much more than just a must-visit address: it’s a recurring topic of conversation, a coveted reservation spot, and a bar that’s always buzzing. Widely known and with an overwhelming personality.

Its bar has something special. Perhaps it’s the proximity to the fire, the constant sizzle of the hot iron, or that electric atmosphere that blends relaxed elegance with Buenos Aires energy. Sitting there is to understand why the experience begins before the first bite.

The grilled bikini sandwich is already a house icon. Perfectly golden and crispy exterior, melt-in-your-mouth and flavorful interior. A reinterpreted classic that proves that the seemingly simple can reach another level when executed with precision. The spinach salad with pine nuts and Parmesan adds balance and freshness. Crisp leaves, measured dressing, the delicate toasting of the pine nuts, and the depth of the Parmesan create a light yet purposeful combination. And then comes the Angus beef ribeye: a generous cut, marbled fat that melts slowly, and perfectly cooked to perfection by the grill. Deep flavor, juicy texture, and that character that only good, respectfully treated produce can offer.

Los 33 is fire, bar, and product. And, above all, it’s that place you always want to return to.

El Doble of Ponzano

Right on Ponzano Street, the undisputed temple of Madrid’s aperitif scene, El Doble is synonymous with a classic bar, impeccable products, and perfectly poured beer. There are no frills here: just expertise, rhythm, and a loyal clientele who know that few things surpass the ritual of leaning against its steel bar and ordering “a nice cold one.”

They say, and it’s no exaggeration, that they serve the best draft beers in Madrid. Creamy, balanced, with the exact ratio of liquid to foam, always perfectly poured and always at the perfect temperature. Each round arrives accompanied by that expert touch that makes the difference between a good beer and a memorable one.

Their gilda is addictive. An intense, salty, and vibrant bite that demands another immediate sip. And if the plan stretches on, which it often does, the lobster salad elevates the experience. Fresh, generous, and perfectly dressed, it combines the delicacy of the shellfish with just the right amount of vinaigrette, resulting in a light yet flavorful dish. Ideal for sharing… or not.

El Doble is that place you always want to return to, where the bar reigns supreme and an aperitif becomes a small, everyday luxury.

Trafalgar

At Trafalgar, the bar has an electric feel. Lively atmosphere, open kitchen, and that constant murmur that hints at a place where you come to enjoy yourself without compromise. It’s one of those places where you sit down intending to grab a quick bite… and end up ordering one dish after another because each bite surpasses the last.

The steak tartare montadito is one of those bites that takes your breath away. Hand-cut meat, perfectly seasoned, intense yet balanced, on bread that captures every nuance. It’s one of those bites that makes you close your eyes for a second. Literally, it brings tears to your eyes. The Iberian pork shoulder with chimichurri is in a league of its own: juicy, with that impeccable pink hue and a vibrant chimichurri that adds freshness and character without overpowering the quality of the meat. It’s a straightforward, flavorful, and addictive dish. And then there’s the smoked butter and anchovy brioche, simply irresistible. The sweet softness of the bread, the richness of the butter, and the salty intensity of the anchovy create a perfect contrast, the kind that makes you order another before you’ve even finished the first.

Trafalgar is intensity, perfectly understood. Product, technique, and that touch of irreverence that turns every visit into a spontaneous celebration. You don’t come here for a snack; you come to savor it.

Varra

At Varra, Madrid’s culinary tradition is embraced head-on, but with a refined and contemporary execution. It’s a cult bar, known for its well-prepared ingredients and recognizable recipes elevated with technique and precision. Here, you come to share, to dip bread, and to enjoy without unnecessary frills.

The pig’s ear in brava sauce is a statement of intent. Tender, succulent, perfectly clean, and with that crispy touch that makes all the difference. The brava sauce envelops without overpowering, adding spice and depth. It’s classic, yes, but executed with an elegance that makes it essential. The red prawn toast with semi-salted butter operates on a different level: sea and rich fat in perfect balance. The prawn’s natural sweetness is enhanced by the butter, which adds creaminess and a salty counterpoint that rounds out each bite. And the charcoal-roasted red peppers demonstrate that good ingredients, when treated with respect, need nothing more. Slowly roasted, with that smoky note reminiscent of real embers, meaty and slightly sweet. A dish that seems humble but embodies technique, patience, and immense flavor.

Varra is just that: familiar cuisine taken to the next level. A vibrant bar, straightforward flavor, and dishes that evoke memories, yet surprise with every detail.