MADRID - TAPAS BARS IN CALLE DE JESÚS AREA
MADRID TAPAS BARS IN THE CALLE DE JESÚS AREA
Just a short walk from the Prado Museum, Calle de Jesús and the surrounding streets are home to some of Madrid’s most traditional tapas bars. From lively neighbourhood taverns to historic establishments serving excellent wines, croquetas, seafood, and conservas, this area is a wonderful place to explore Madrid’s authentic tapas culture.
CERVANTES
Plaza de Jesús 7, 28012 Madrid
+34 914 29 60 93
We did not eat here this time, but it is a very good cerveceria offering typical tapas and raciones. It also provides many meat and seafood dishes. Last time we were here, we had half a calamari ración, a full pulpo a la Gallega, and zamburiñas. The prices are reasonable, and the food and service are delicious.
LA DOLORES
Plaza de Jesús 4, 28012 Madrid
+34 914 29 22 43
When we went for lunch on a Thursday, the place was busy, filled with regulars and locals, exactly what we were looking for. The atmosphere was lively and buzzing.
Customers can dine in the restaurant or enjoy the bar’s charming interior.
You get a free tapa with your caña.
From the large selection of tinned tapas, we chose the excellent sardinillas (small sardines) in olive oil.
And smoked sardines.
CERVEZAS LA FÁBRICA
Calle de Jesús 2, 28014 Madrid
+34 913 69 06 71
Much of the food here comes from tins, reflecting Spain’s long tradition of preserving high-quality seafood. The selection is excellent, and on a previous visit, we particularly enjoyed the razor clams, which were beautifully tender and completely free of sand. The flavourful juices they are preserved in are almost as enjoyable as the clams themselves, especially when you mop them up with a few hunks of crusty bread. We’ve also enjoyed the prawns and octopus on previous visits. The staff are lovely, friendly and great fun, adding to the charm of this traditional Madrid tapas bar.
LOS GATOS
Calle de Jesús 2, 28014 Madrid
+34 914 29 30 67
Authentic Madrid Taberna with interesting décor. Los Gatos temporarily closed for refurbishment but reopened in October 2025, retaining its wonderfully eccentric décor and traditional Madrid taberna atmosphere.
As you enter, you’re greeted by a tempting display of tapas and pintxos along the bar. The front room has a couple of high tables and stools, but it’s mainly a place to stand, enjoy a drink, and grab a bite. Continue through the bar, and you’ll find additional seating in the back room and downstairs in the basement.
Have a good look at the history all around you.
Check out the walls.
And don’t miss the ceiling.
It is filled with historical artefacts, interesting period pieces, and even an old petrol station pump!
We had a glass of Rueda with a free chorizo tapa.
And a half racion of anchovies.
EL GALLO CANTA
Calle de Jesús 3, 28014 Madrid
+34 914 29 27 62
It is a small, cosy place with super-friendly staff.
They serve some of Madrid’s finest croquetas, particularly the jamón (ham) and pollo (chicken) varieties.
We had an excellent sopa de frijoles y almejas (a tasty bean-and-clam soup) from the 3-course del día menu for €16.
And a glass of Albariño
EL GRAN CANTÁBRICO
Calle de Jesús 4, 28014 Madrid
+34 910 61 93 95
A small, cosy place with maritime decoration.
We also enjoyed an excellent pulpo de roca gallega (Galician rock octopus), served with potatoes, olive oil and a sprinkling of pimentón.
We also enjoyed a superb ración of Anchoas Gran Cantábrico (premium Cantabrian anchovies), rich in flavour and beautifully prepared.
Served with excellent bread.
To drink, we had vermouth.
Everything on display looked top quality, with an impressive selection of carefully chosen produce.
The staff, originally from the Dominican Republic, are friendly, attentive and full of character, adding to the lively atmosphere. As a farewell gesture, we were even treated to a gin and tonic accompanied by a lollipop! A lovely touch, and certainly somewhere we’d happily return to.
By this point, we were well and truly full, with no room for another bite or drink. However, the following three bars are all places we’ve visited before and would happily recommend.
CERVECERÍA EL DIARIO
Calle de las Huertas 69, 28014 Madrid
+34 914 29 28 00
This well-established local bar offers friendly service, generous portions, and delicious, well-prepared traditional dishes, including calamari, octopus, pan con tomate, rabo de toro (oxtail), and croquetas de jamón (ham croquettes). Perhaps its greatest attraction, however, is the lively atmosphere when locals fill the room.
LA ESQUINA
Calle de las Huertas 70, 28014 Madrid
+34 911 88 71 93
This small but excellent bar in the Huertas/Prado area is equally suited to breakfast or an evening out with friends. Popular with locals, it’s a lively spot for tapas, cold beers, or a glass of Nordés, a distinctive Galician gin. The bar can get particularly busy in the evenings, especially on Fridays and Saturdays, so it’s worth arriving early to secure a spot.
This is the real Madrid. It is an excellent street for lunchtime or an evening tapas bar crawl, and a fun place mainly frequented by locals and a few tourists.
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