Spanish tapas€chuecaMon-Thu,Sun 12:00-02:00; Fri-Sat 12:00-02:30
El Tigre in Madrid's Chueca pours large jarras of cana with free heaped plates of bravas, croquetas, oreja and jamon at the standing-room counter.
Try: Free tapas with jarra
Tip: Cash only. Walk-in only at the bar; no table service. A jarra of cana for 5 euros gets a full free plate of tapas.
Spanish tapas€lavapiesTue-Sun 13:00-02:00; Mon closed
Bar El Jamon in Madrid's Lavapies-adjacent Chamberi runs the working-quarter offal canon, with bocadillos de gallinejas under 6 euros, a racion of entresijos.
Try: Bocadillo de gallinejas
Tip: Walk-in only. Cash preferred. The bocadillo de gallinejas runs 5 to 6 euros; entresijos racion 8.
Cafe€centro
Chocolateria San Gines off Calle Mayor in Madrid has fried the churros con chocolate since 1894, a set of 6 churros and a thick chocolate cup runs 4.30 euros.
Try: Churros con chocolate
Tip: Walk-in only. Open 24 hours daily. Cash and card. The 03:00-05:00 post-club slot has the fastest queue.
Spanish€retiroMon-Sat 11:00-16:00, 20:00-00:00; Sun closed
La Castela near El Retiro in Madrid runs the working-day menu del dia at 18 euros: three courses with bread, water and a glass of wine. Booking recommended.
Try: Menu del dia weekday lunch
Tip: Book two days ahead for weekday lunch. The bar serves the same pizarra menu standing for half the dining room price.
Spanish€lavapiesDaily 10:00-00:00
Casa Amadeo Los Caracoles on Plaza Cascorro in Madrid's Lavapies has cooked the caracoles in spicy chorizo broth since 1942, a racion serves two for 12 euros.
Try: Caracoles a la madrilena
Tip: Walk-in only Sundays during the rastro market. Cash preferred. Closed Mondays. Sundays 12:00-16:00 is the local hour.
Spanish tapas€centroMon-Sun 11:00-15:30, 18:00-23:00
Casa Labra near Puerta del Sol in Madrid fries the bacalao rebozado at its 1860-founded counter, with the pincho de bacalao still under 2 euros.
Try: Pincho de bacalao
Tip: Walk-in only at the counter. Cash preferred. Bacalao plus cana under 4 euros; the dining room runs more expensive.