La Taberna de Moncloa

My absolute favorite bar in Madrid. As a student abroad, my professor told us to pick a café or bar and keep going, make a connection with the place and people (or really they make a connection with you). It got to the point where I would walk in and within seconds Luis would have my drink on the table with a plate of tapas. Aside from the warm and often cheeky service, the food is to die for. With limited time in Madrid I wanted to try as much as possible, but this bar always called me back. Frequented by madrileños, this is an authentic gem of a place you must try.

What a lovely, lovely place for a leisurely Sunday morning breakfast. The menu was extensive, with breakfast options named for various regions and cities of the world. The decor could be considered a bit commercialized (are they sponsored by Mahou?! ...was advertised in every little corner of the place), but still homey in a way. La Taberna de Moncloa still had plenty of personality, as did the waiter. He could be a bit abrupt at times, but more than anything he was just a typical Madrileño doing his job and doing it well. I'd come back time and time again - perfect place to meditate on how lucky we are to be in the great city of Madrid.

SInce I'm staying in the neighborhood for almost a month, I resorted here for a few happy hours. A nice little local bar with good service. The bartender could use a smile though! I can't attest to their food, but drinks (wine) was cheap. I was a little disappointed that they don't serve calimocho's. However, I will be back again and try their tapas (there is a HUGE list) to see if they are any good.