Cocktails

La Catrina is a little Mexican dive bar in Malasaña. The outside gives you a taste of what you’ll expect inside. The door is adorned with a large art motif of a Mexican skull and the sign to the bar is a human heart. I've heard talk about this place being a restaurant but don’t be fooled. They might serve food but this place is a bar, through and through.

On entering the bar the theme is clear; kitsch Mexican. Some places hold back but not La Catrina, it’s like the interior decorating was done by a 6 year old from Tijuana. There are toys on every shelf possible, everything from the typical “Lucha Libre” Mexican wrestlers to Homer Simpsons figurines. La Catrina doesn't stop at toys, all sorts of Mexican memorabilia such as skulls, virgins and other religious tat can be found here.

As for the food, I've read good things about it but I've never tried it. There’s a little room in the back with tables where people generally go to eat. I've never taken a seat there either. As I mentioned earlier, for me this is just a great Mexican dive bar. A place to drink micheladas and margaritas or if you’re so inclined grab yourself a bottle of tequila.

Standing outside of Bodegas Melibea you are immediately tempted in by murals of naked bathing beauties. Very tasteful of course. With all the bars around Sol offering cheap beers and the promise of drunken shenanigans, it’s a nice change from a young student handing you a flyer for a free shot.

Inside there are more murals which become even more captivating. On the left side there are bathing women similar to the outside but with the central one being an erotic piece depicting two women kissing. On the right is a scene made up of skeletons drinking and partying. When you look closer you realise that it’s actually the bar itself where you can even see the same mural that’s on the left of the bar. Weird, funky and kinda cool.

The food and drinks are inexpensive and it’s one of the few places that'll give you free tapas with your drink that’s not just crisps or olives. The staff are friendly and so are the clientele. Of course being near Sol they do cater to the tourists so you can easily find a Sangria here if you really must.

Since these photos were taken the bar has gone through a bit of a makeover. Not really to my taste. The cool murals are still there but it's now more of a restaurant and less of a bar. Still a great place to have a beer.

The terrace of La Buga de Lobo is much like the others along Calle de Argumosa. It’s nice to sit out on a summer afternoon but nothing unique. Inside is another story. It’s a large bar covered in beautiful murals in a style somewhere between Latin tribal and graffiti. La Buga de Lobo also has local artwork for sale and other cultural events such as films, concerts and even a market for independent designers.

This is the kind of bar that epitomises the multicultural reputation of Lavapiés. The food is a mix of flavours from traditional madrileño to Caribbean and oriental influences. For example the eggs run the gauntlet from the traditional huevos rotos (a pair of fried eggs on top of chips) to the exotic huevos caribeños (literally Caribbean eggs).

Bulevar is a lively, dimly lit bar with a terrace on plaza de Santa Bárbara. Inside, the lighting seems almost like a club atmosphere but despite this you can always have a quiet conversation as there are comfortable booths and not too loud music.

The back of the bar is decorated with back-lit coloured bottles. The tables are interesting as there are a few odd shaped booths. It's one of those bars where you are as happy standing or sitting, late at night for cocktails or during the day for a few beers.

During the summer months Bulevar has a nice terrace but if you are lucky enough to get a table, expect a little slower service.

Maria Pandora is located in the quiet area of La Latina, away from the crowded party streets so famous on a Sunday afternoon. It is a self proclaimed library come champagne bar and it succeeds in being as much a place for romantics as intellectuals.

For the romantics it offers large windows overlooking park Vistillas and of course the champagne. With candle lit tables and peaceful music this is a great place to take a date around sunset. For the intellectuals the bar is decorated with frequently changing photo and painting exhibitions and there is a section filled with books which you can read while sipping your champagne seated on vintage furniture. There are many events such as live music or poetry readings so be sure to check out the website to see what’s coming up.