In LOCK & enjoy! through this article, we invite you to know the oldest bars in Madrid. Prepare your route and enjoy the history of the capital with the places that we explain in this post.
Route through the oldest bars in Madrid
The city of Madrid has a wide gastronomic offer and good proof of this are its many bars and restaurants, some of them with a great legacy. Choose the ones you like the most to taste Madrid’ s gastronomy and, in addition, to learn more about its history.
La Taberna de Antonio Sánchez
Although the exact year in which it opened its doors is not known, most historians place it in 1787 according to a cadastral plan that was made under the reign of Philip II.
During its history, this tavern was a meeting place for intellectuals, writers and artists, such as Pío Baroja or Marañón. It owes its present name to D. Antonio Sánchez, since he was its buyer in 1884.
It has an extensive menu which highlights the Madrid stew, tripe or oxtail. You can also enjoy a daily menu for 14,50 €.
Near this historic place you have our slogans in Lockers in La Latina so you can leave your belongings before starting your route through the oldest bars in Madrid.
Alberto House
The Casa Alberto Restaurant is located in the center of Madrid, more specifically in Huertas Street, 18. It was founded in 1827, as indicated on a plaque placed by the City of Madrid at the entrance of the restaurant.
The evolution of this business is a vivid example of the social changes that took place in Madrid society. For example, at the end of the 19th century it was frequented by street musicians, rag pickers and florists. On the other hand, from 1924 onwards, the clientele that frequented the place was more select, hence its tapas were a reference in the city. On the other hand, we would like to point out that the arrival of the railroad to Madrid allowed this restaurant to serve all kinds of seafood.
You can choose to sit down to eat and taste one of their famous traditional dishes such as, for example, snails madrileña style, veal meatballs or stewed oxtail. Another choice is to find a place at the bar to try any of the homemade raciones they offer.
Labra House
Casa Labra is a reference in the political history of Madrid, since one of the most important political parties at national level was founded in this place in 1879.
The most striking thing is that there are almost no tables, so it is normal to eat standing up. We would like to emphasize that it maintains its structure and decoration as they were in its origins. There is an element that attracts a lot of attention, it is a mirror of the time where you can read: “El que bien bebe, hace lo que debe”, referring to the obligation to pay for what was consumed.
It has unusual tapas compared to any bar in Madrid, where the tuna banderilla in escabeche or its creamy cod croquettes stand out.
At LOCK & enjoy! we recommend that you arrive early, as it is always crowded at peak hours.
Very close to Casa Labra we also have Lockers in the Plaza Mayor, just 5 minutes walkingjust 5 minutes walking distance. With us you can make a reservation of your Luggage storage for the hours you need.
Ricla Winery
It is one of the oldest wineries in Madrid, since it was founded in 1867. The name refers to the municipality of Ricla (province of Zaragoza), where the founders came from. On the other hand, it is important to highlight as a historical fact, that it served as a shelter for the residents of Cuchilleros Street during the Civil War.
This place keeps its essence intact and good proof of this is that there is no television or coffee machine. If you are one of those who prefer an intimate and familiar atmosphere, this is the place for you, since its small size allows you to have an aperitif while you have a quiet conversation with your partner or friends. The elements that give life to this tavern are also very striking (brass faucets, tile baseboards, jars where they serve wine and sherry, etc.).
Although at first glance it looks like a place to taste a good vermouth, they also elaborate rations and tapas of the highest quality, among which stand out the boquerones (anchovies), the chacinas (cold cuts) or the cod in oil.
Botín Restaurant
You can’t leave Cuchilleros street without visiting the Botín RestaurantIt is considered the oldest restaurant in Madrid (1725); it has a Guinness World Records certification that proves it.
This place has a very important link with the world of literature. The reason is that, for example, Ernest Hemingway was a frequent visitor during his travels in Spain, so much so that he became friends with the father of the current owners. On the other hand, Benito Pérez Galdós was also a regular at this restaurant and good proof of this is that it appears in one of his most famous works, Fortunata y Jacinta.
It has quality products in its extensive gastronomic menu: elvers, Burgos blood sausage, tripe madrileña, etc.. However, it is a gastronomic reference for its roasts and grills in all kinds of meats (chicken, partridge, lamb, sirloin, etc.).
Get to know the oldest bars in the capital city with our Lockers in Madrid to move freely around the city. If you are on vacation in the city, take the opportunity to enjoy any of the tourist activities in Madrid. We are waiting for you!
