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Top ten Madrid bars serving free tapas, one for each barrio

Save lots of money next time you’re in Spain’s capital with these delicious, free eats you get with every drink you order.

Published: 31 August 2018 16:08 CEST
Updated: 24 May 2022 12:34 CEST
Top ten Madrid bars serving free tapas, one for each barrio
Madrid isn't one of the free tapas capitals of Spain, but it still houses a handful of bars that give generous amounts of grub completely 'gratis' (free). (Photo by GERARD JULIEN / AFP)

Stopping at a bar for a caña (small beer) and some tapas is an intrinsic part of the Spanish lifestyle, and one that’s often a lot cheaper than eating out in the conventional sense. 

If you’re not familiar with the drill, tapas are small plates of food that are traditionally served for free with every drink in bars and taverns.

The more cervezas or vinos your order, the more grub you get.

It’s a practice that’s steeped in myth, with old wives’ tales suggesting tapas were decreed by a Spanish king who wanted to stop his people from getting too drunk to not work, or that another Spanish royal was advised by his doctors to eat with every drink so that no one would notice how often he was drunk.

Tapas fables aside, many bars across Spain no longer offer free tapas, although a number of cities such as Granada, Salamanca and Badajoz do have a reputation for sticking to the gratis approach.

READ ALSO: Granada’s mayor stirs debate by calling for end of free tapas

Madrid unfortunately is not one of them, with the majority of bars not giving up the free tapas tradition fully, but still reducing portion sizes to a minor nibble that will hardly fill you up.

Photo: Maria Merleke/Flickr

However, in a city with 15,000 bars (one for every 211 residents) there were bound to be a few exceptions that have remained true to custom and where you can be wined and dined for under €10.

Here are ten tried and ‘tasted’ bars in Madrid where you get ample free tapas with your drink, one for each barrio (neighbourhood).

For quick access to Google Maps to find out where exactly they are, click on the neighbourhood name for each bar.

El Lagar, Argüelles

Cramped and often busy, this friendly bar in upmarket Argüelles offers Spanish classics ensaladilla rusa (Spanish potato salad), tortilla and cold meats for free with every drink. Make it an early lunch or dinner to have more space to move around.

Photo: Jorge Diaz/Flickr

Bar Quevedo, Las Letras

A five-minute walk from Spain’s Parliament is this cosy, slightly hidden corner bar in the historic Barrio de las Letras. Everything from the waiters to the tapas are ‘castizos’ (authentically Spanish).

 

El Tigre, Chueca 

They favour quantity over quality in this iconic spot in Madrid’s gay neighbourhood. The gargantuan free servings of food result in it often being packed to the brim but you can always head to the nearby El Respiro (The breather) for exactly that…and some patatas con salchichas y pimientos (potatoes, sausages and pepper mix), pollo al ajillo (garlic chicken), empanadillas (meat pies) and paella. 

Entre Cáceres y Badajoz, Goya

As the name suggests, this restaurant in Madrid’s affluent Goya has a marked southern Spanish feel to it, from the décor to the generosity of its portions. And the quality of the free tapas isn’t at all bad either (fried sardines, calamari, meatballs), making it a popular spot with young people and office workers in the area alike. 

 

Malaspina, Sol

Another tapas freebie option slap bang in the centre of la capi (the capital). The name sounds like the Spanish expression for “bad vibe” (mala espina) but nobody seems to be complaining about the huge free tapas of ensaladilla rusa, homemade meatballs, mussels, sausages, lacón (pork shoulder) and chicken wings.

 

La Pequeña Graná, Embajadores

Taking its name from the Andalusian city of Granada, where delicious free tapas are the norm, this restaurant offers free or dead cheap sides such as goats cheese and crispy bacon on toast, spicy meat wrap and boletus mushroom croquettes, making it a more refined choice than most other eateries on the list.

 

Peña Atlética de Legazpi, Legazpi

If you’re in the working-class neighbourhood of Legazpi and you’re feeling thirsty and peckish, head to this Atlético de Madrid-themed bar where the best free tapa on offer is roasted peppers with cumin.

Real Madrid fans might prefer grabbing some cañas and free tapas at Venta Matadero, right next door.

 

La Felicidad, Guzmán El Bueno

Not far from Madrid’s university district is this aptly named free tapas bar called “happiness”. It’s certainly put smiles on many young hungry faces with it’s free tapas which include paella and other classics.

 

Casa Pepe, El Pilar 

Casa Pepe, known as Pepe el Guarro (Pepe the pig) is one of the best known free tapas bars in the north of the city.

And it’s not because of the poor quality of the food that the bar owner has received this nickname but rather because the floor is routinely adorned with chicken bones that customers throw on the ground after finishing their free tapas serving.

Littering bar floors is somewhat of a national sport in Spanish bars, although usually it’s just paper serviettes. 

 

Pestiqueira, Malasaña

Madrid’s hipster haven is perhaps the barrio with most free tapas bars. Pestiqueira is a spacious bar offering free big portions that are fairly tasty.

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TRAVEL NEWS

‘Our cats escaped’: Americans on travelling to Spain with their pets

American journalist in Barcelona Jennifer Lutz talks to US pet owners about their experiences, best tips and pitfalls to avoid when bringing their cats and dogs on flights between Spain and the US.

Published: 28 June 2024 15:57 CEST
'Our cats escaped': Americans on travelling to Spain with their pets

I’ve lived in Barcelona for five years, but when my mother finally came to visit, she couldn’t imagine coming without her dog.

I did some research and spoke with many Americans who had brought their pets from the United States to Spain, some to live and some to visit. It’s easier than I expected but there are a few potential pitfalls you’ll want to avoid.

Here is everything you need to know to bring your pet to Spain with some help and anecdotes from Americans who’ve done it before.
 
If your pet doesn’t have a passport, they’ll need a health certificate which must:
 
• Be completed by a veterinarian in your home country.
• Include a recent rabies vaccination.
• Be presented in “at least” Spanish.
• Follow the form’s European guidelines, which can be found here.
• Be certified by the USDA.
 
Your pet must also be identified by a microchip (or a tattoo is done before 03/07/2011).

READ MORE: How to bring my pet from the USA into Spain
 
There are a few common snags — knowing them ahead of time could make streamline the process and make things less stressful for you.

The Rabies Vaccination
 
“Consult your vet early just in case your rabies vaccine date doesn’t meet the requirements and you require another that has to be specifically timed, “says Ryan from New York.
 
For most Americans, timing the rabies vaccination and securing the USDA certification was the most complicated.

You’ll need to wait 21 days after your pet’s vaccination before travelling; day 1 is the first day after vaccination, which must happen no more than 1 year before the travel date. If there’s been no break in vaccination since your pet’s first rabies shot, they may travel with only a booster.

However, you’ll need proof of every previous vaccination to show there have been no gaps. The rabies vaccination must have been done after your pet’s microchip is inserted.

READ ALSO: How much does it cost to keep a pet in Spain?

Your Pet’s Microchip
 
“Make sure your chip is a modern one. One of our dogs had to be re-chipped urgently when we figured that out,” says Frank from Georgia.
 
Your pet must be identified, and the microchip must be modern and scannable; you can have your vet check it for you. Your best bet is an ISO-compliant microchip. You can check ISO compliance with the microchip manufacturer.

A pet relocation service is expensive but could be a good option for people moving between the United States and Spain. Photo: David McNew/Getty Images

 
The Health Certificate and USDA Endorsement
 
Like the rabies shot, the health certificate must be completed within a certain time window. Most people will use the non-commercial health certificate, which must be filled out by an accredited veterinarian or military veterinarian. You’ll need to sign the declaration on the final page of the EU Health Certificate. The certificate is valid for thirty days after the vet signs it and must be validated by the USDA within ten days of your pet’s arrival in Spain.
 
There are two ways to have your pet’s health certificate USDA-endorsed. The first is directly between your vet and the USDA, utilizing the Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS). The second requires you to ship the paperwork to APHIS, using the shipping address for the APHIS Veterinary Export Trade Services Endorsement Office serving your State. Remember, if you choose to ship. It is highly recommended to purchase an overnight return shipping label with Saturday delivery.
 
“For us, fed ex made 3 mistakes which delayed the USDA certificate and we had to change international flights for 3 people and 3 cats,” says Gwen from Miami.
 
The process is straightforward, but it’s worth taking a few precautions, like paying for overnight return shipping and chatting with your vet in advance of departure. If possible, work with a vet who is already familiar with the process. They’ll be able to help you along the way and simplify the steps.

Boarding, Flying, and Arriving
 
Okay, you’ve got the documents sorted and you’re ready to fly. The most common discussions amongst pet owners who’ve brought their pets to Spain are about crateing, sedation, and which airline to use.
 
Most airlines, people, and vets recommend against sedating your pet for travel. In fact, many airlines don’t allow it and consider it a safety concern. Another important consideration — pet weight matters. If your pet is small enough, they should be able to travel with you in-cabin. Different airlines have different regulations, so you’ll want to check directly, and some go carrier size, rather than pet weight.
 
Most transatlantic airlines limit pet weight in-cabin with the carrier (which is 2-3 pounds) to 8kg which is about 17 pounds. We had a big fat cat who had to fly Delta for this reason. Delta and United and a few others have no weight limit but rather have a carrier size limit (under seat),” says Gwen.
 
Make sure you invest in a good carrier, particularly one that closes properly. Princess brought her cats on board only to have them escape their carrier. You can check on the airline’s website for specifications on carrier policies as well.
 
Many people recommend using a pet relocation service, which can help you with the process, or handle everything for you. “We moved with our 2 doggies a month ago and did use a pet relocation service, VIP door-to-door. Everything was taken care of, and we couldn’t be happier with the whole service provided,” says Alina from New Jersey.
 
A pet relocation service is expensive but could be a good option for people moving; one less thing to worry about. But most people have successfully moved their pets on their own, even if there were some challenges.
 
“Flew 5 years ago Miami to Madrid via Air Europa with our cat in the cabin with us. Paperwork from a USDA vet is needed and is very time-sensitive. Wasn’t too much hassle but well worth it to have our cat with us now in Spain,” says Valerie.
 
Follow the steps, talk with your vet in advance, and watch out for any pitfalls. In the end, you’ll be enjoying the sun in Spain with your furry friend by your side.

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