Madrid´s Latin Quarter Tapas, Madrid, Spain (A)

Taberna de los Conspiradores is a typical tavern of the Spanish province of Extremadura and it is full of history and anecdotes. The curious name of the bar, tavern of the conspirators, is derived from a book called, the Aquarian Conspiracy, by the American author Marilyn Ferguson. The book is highly recommended by the tavern owners. The tavern offers wines, cheeses, beers, liquors as well as typical tapas from this western region of Spain. The tavern has a minicave and the walls are full of messages and quotes from famous philosophers, writers and actors from the yesteryears. This tavern is a popular stop on the tapas and wines route. The specialties of this tavern are Iberian sirloin grilled with cream, grilled vegetables and lamb chops. It is open 7 days a week: For lunchtime from 1pm till 5pm while for dinners from 8pm till 1am in the morning. Payment cards and cash are accepted.

Toma Jamon is a typical Spanish and rustic tavern in the Latin Quarter. This franchise`s name literally means Take Ham and this is because it specializes in cured ham. Other pinchos like those of cod with ham, ham croquettes and goat cheese with caramelized onion, are worth trying. This local is popular for its price-quality relation of the pinchos, especially because they are served in generous quantities. It is open for lunch from 12:00 to 16:00 and for dinner from 20:00-01:30.

This restaurant and bar is one of the most traditional locals in the centre. It has a map of Madrid from the 16th century on its lower floor. It boasts various specialties of typical Spanish origin like anchovies in vinegar and croquettes. The prices are usually very reasonable .It is open daily during lunchtime till 16:00 and for dinners from 8:30 till 11:30pm, except for Sunday evenings. However it is closed all day on Mondays. They accept all types of payments including cash and payment cards.

Orixe is a Galician restaurant and bar which is open 7 days a week, though closed on Mondays during midday and Sunday evenings. This modern and tastefully decorated local, is popular for its juicy pies and other typical Galician specialties like squid and octopus. Some of the pinchos that are worthy of mention are mini hamburgers and cod with honey sauce. The price range of menus for pinchos is about 15 euros per person. They accept all types of payments including cash and payment cards.

Txakolina is a Basque tavern that offers a choice of 30 hot and cold pinchos. The specialities are ¨la bomba¨ or the bomb, which is a meatball covered by mashed potatoes dipped in mushroom sauce as well as fried brinjal accompanied by ham and cheese. Do try the Original Denomination white wine from the Basque country called txakoli. This tavern is most liked for the ample variety in tapas choices as well as the generosity of the rations. The prices of the pincho range from 2.80 to 3.50 euros each. Cash as well as card payments are allowed. Some of the waiters speak English. Sundays are usually very busy days, as people coming to the La Latina market usually drop by.

This restaurant-tavern mixes Catalan and Spanish gastronomy and features a selection of more than 250 local and international wines. Dishes that are worth mentioning are foie gras with caramelized onion accompanied by baked apple. The sommelier is really helpful and friendly. If you are seating at the tables try the duckburgher which has sweet apples and caramelized onions to achieve a delicious contrast between sweet and savory. The restaurant also offers wine tasting classes. The opening hours are Wednesdays to Sundays from 13:30 to 16:00 and in the evenings from 20:30 till half past midnight. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays at midday for lunches. They accept electronic cards and cash.The staff speaks English.

Juanaloca is a gastrobar of Cantabrian food with a creative flair. This local is known for the tortilla with caramelised onion however, there are other pinchos worth a try like the spinach crepe with baby eels and garlic, crunchy pickled sardines and artichokes with Parmesean shavings. Pinchos prices start at 5euros. It is advisable to go during the week as it is usually very full on weekends. They don’t serve coffee and don’t accept payment by payment cards. This tavern is popular for its service, excellent staff attention and food quality. The bar is open on Mondays to Thursdays from 10am till 1am and on Fridays from 10am till 2am.

Delic is a delicatessen coffeeshop and bar featuring a creative menu with tapas or bar snacks from all around the world as well as selections of cocktails, gins and desserts. In particular the food menu features toasts, bruschettas, salads as well as dishes from Argentina, Japan, Peru, Morocco and Spain. It is highly recommendable for breakfasts or light café lunches. Top recommendations are its mojitos and margaritas by night and cakes by day. It is open daily from 11am till 2am except on Mondays where it is open from 7pm to 2am. The only acceptable payment method is cash and there is free wifi.