MADRID - LA CASA DEL ABUELO

LA CASA DEL ABUELO

We returned to one of our favourite bars on our recent trip to Madrid in February 2022.

A very traditional Madrileño shrimp tapas bar, founded in 1906 in the heart of the city. Nobody would think that over 100 years have passed since then, especially since nothing has changed. It has passed through four generations of the same family who have kept it traditions and its authenticity.

They only serve all type of gambas and Langostinos.

Gambas ajillo

Garlic and chilli prawns

Gambas al ajillo (sizzling garlic prawns) You can see these being cooked as you walk in, by the door entrance. They are served with good bread to soak up the delicious garlic and chilli oil.

A pinch of salt finishes the sizzling gambas ajillo (Photo © Laura Green)

Langostinos con gabardina

Deep fried battered langoustines

Gambas a la plancha (grilled prawns) The shells and paper napkins are traditionally tossed into troughs on the ground, don’t be shy, all the locals do it!

Preparing the Gamba Ajillo and the Langostinos Gabardina at La Casa del Abuela.

Other prawns available include:

Croquetas de Garrucha gamba rojo (Gurrucha red prawn croquettes)

Banderillas de langostino con mojo (skewers of langoustines with mayonnaise)

There is a good small wine list, although the star is their own Vino Tinto Dulce El Abuelo (DO Toro Crianza). Which is a sweet red wine they have made for over 100 years in their own Toro Vineyard. (It has a violet purple trim. Intense aromas with hints of ripe fruit, blackberry and bramble cermeños).

Also available

Cerveza (bottled beer) caña (draft beer) sangria and tinto de verano (half red wine / lemonade).

There are two other bars in the same chain which although bigger and with a more varied menu don’t quite have the charm of this small original.

Historical picture

La Casa del Abuelo is a place we cannot wait to return to in Madrid. It can get very busy as it is on the tourist trail, so not particularly cheap, but there are always plenty of locals here as well.