Café

A lot of people come to Madrid to see the history and not just to go to the bars. In Vinícola Mentridana you can actually do both at the same time. That’s right, the high vaulted ceilings lined with dusty bottles of wine is enough history for me, no need to visit the museums. If you must go to the Museums this place is actually pretty close to both the Prado and Reina Sofía. Despite this it's anything but touristy as it’s a located on a bit of a backstreet.

Vinícola Mentridana completes it’s historic feel with old wooden floors and wall panelings. There are large french windows opening on the street that are perfect for a summer day of people watching. For a bar they have a very large selection of wines and even do a hot mulled wine in the winter which is really hard to find in Madrid.

In terms of food they have a few main dishes but mainly serve “raciones” and “tostas” but the the portions are quite large. For something very Spanish you could try a tosta with “sobrasada” which is like a spreadable sausage. It’s a great place to come in a group and get a few different things to pick at while experimenting with all the different wines. Vinícola Mentridana is an untacky kind of place with a great atmosphere. It would be great if Spain was more famous for this kind of place and less famous for sangria and flamenco.

Casa de Julio is a bar that's been around forever. It's hidden on a back street so it doesn't attract the same young crowd as on calle Pez or Espirito Santo but that’s not to say it doesn't get busy. Casa de Julio is very small and can fill up in no time. It's best to get there early so you can get a table and let the others suffer trying to find a little ledge to prop their drink on.

Casa de Julio is famous not just because it’s a quaint traditional bar or because the Irish rock band U2 once came to visit. It’s famous for the croquetas which in Spain are a little different from the ones in the rest of Europe. Here they aren't filled with mash potato but rather an extremely thick bechamel (butter, flour and milk). The traditional varieties also contain ham or salted cod.

The great thing about Casa de Julio is that they don’t just stop at the traditional croquetas. They have a large selection and you can pick which ones you want:

Jamon (Ham, I think most of you know this one!)
Morcilla con membrillo (Black pudding with quince which is a sweet jelly almost like marmalade without the bits)
Espinacas, pasas y gorgonzola (Spinach, raisins and gorgonzola)
Queso azul (blue cheese)
Setas con puerros (mushrooms with leeks)
Bonito, huevo y cebolla caramelizada (tuna, egg and caramelized onions
Picadillo (mince meat)

Vaova is a colonial, African inspired cocktail bar in the heart of La Latina. From the outside it doesn't seem like much. It’s got a couple of tables outside but they are right by the road which is never really that appealing especially in this area where Plaza de la Paja is right around the corner offering many bars which much nicer terraces.

Step inside Vaova and it’s a wonderful surprise compared to the outside. The African inspired murals and deeply varnished wooden beams gives it a real old worldly colonial feel. During the day day they play old classics like Bob Dylan and the Beatles for a laid back vibe. At night the bar can get pretty full and lively but if you want something a little more chilled you can head downstairs where they have large sofas to relax on.

El Vlajero is a bit of a classic in La Latina. With three floors it’s one of the largest bars in the area and it has recently been refurbished with a clean, light, hip atmosphere.

The first floor offers free WiFi during the day and food later at night. It has a modern clean feel with stainless steel high tables and brick walls. Up the steep stairs at the back of the bar you’ll find the second floor, which is very light and comfortable with large windows and vintage furniture. The walls are decorated with old wine boxes, flowers and greenery and is a nice contrast to the modern style of the first floor. During the day you can sit and have a quiet drink but at night it gets pretty busy so a cocktail standing at the bar is more likely.

The whole of the top floor is a pretty amazing terrace but for some reason it is shut until next summer, so we’ll have to wait and see if it’s undergone a makeover too.

Café Belén is an old traditional bar that is understated, intimate and subdued. The bar is split into two levels and is decorated with small marble topped tables and wooden details. The walls are lined with works from rising new artists that can usually also be purchased.

Café Belén is a bar that offers a variety of things. You can come during the day to get away from Madrid's midday sun, have a coffee, and use the free wifi in a relaxed atmosphere. In the early evening, with the low candle lit lighting and sophisticated atmosphere, it would be an ideal place for a romantic date. Later on, the funky chilled out music and great mojitos makes it a perfect place to enjoy an evening with friends.