1862 Dry Bar

Atmosphere: 7/10
Casual street-walk-in cocktail bar. Music volume is good. Backbar looks nice. Seating includes bar seats and tables for groups. Drinks: 7.5/10
Recommendation: Amari Old Fashioned
Menu is simple. Drink selection includes some signatures and classics. Flavor balance is solid. Coasters are nice. Glassware is below average. Garnish is basic. Presentation is minimal, with little attention to ice. Service: 7/10
Water on arrival. No snacks or towels. Team is friendly, though professionalism and attentiveness could be more consistent. Reservations not needed. Price is average.

Great bar whether you’re visiting alone or with friends. It is a little small, so you may have to queue on busier evenings, but it’s definitely worth the wait.The atmosphere is really relaxed and the cocktail menu has a variety of options. The margarita was alright, but Singapore Sling was very good.

Natalie was amazing recommend her favorite classics and their famous golden martini. Think of a cross between a vesper and a gimlet. Had a chance to meet the owner Alberto as well and chatted about politics and Jose Andres. Love his passion for his craft and love his sexy bartenders. They're sooooo gorgeous!!

This place is such a gem! Amazing cocktails, super friendly staff, gorgeous bar, and wonderful atmosphere! Highly recommend a visit, there’s something for everyone on the menu.

Highly recommend. The bartenders were experts at their art and very helpful to select the cocktails suited to our tastes. Nice list of classic and revisited drinks.

Lovely bar with a diverse menu. Our drinks tasted great and balanced. The space is small and intimate, and the service is nice.

Really nice bar in centre of Madrid with an excellent selection of drinks that were well made. We had a mix of cocktails that tasted fab. Would recommend.

Classic and Author cocktails at the heart of the city. Sunday’s at 1pm are always tasting events. Usually and event that invites head chefs to pair their special iconic dishes with cocktails from different head bartenders. Apart from that the service, and cocktails are excellent. Good for groups and couples.

Based on a little pre-trip research, 1862 Dry Bar was on my must-do list for a recent business trip to Madrid. I visited on a rainy Thursday night so there wasn't a large crowd and I grabbed an open seat at the end of the bar. A friendly gentleman gave me a menu and asked what I was interested in. When I mentioned the Old Fashioned, he advised that it was an Amaro-based version without the usual bourbon/whiskey spirit. I noticed a Brooklyn and commented that I sometimes made those at home. Very politely he noted that if I was making them in the US, it wasn't with Amer Picon, which isn't available in the US. He's right. So an actual, real Brooklyn it would be! I thoroughly enjoyed the Brooklyn. I also enjoyed some brief conversation with the bartender who was very good. The kind who uses the spoon or straw to taste each drink to ensure it was made properly. As I was paying my bill and mentioning to the gentleman who initially greeted me that I wanted to bring my business partners here later in the week, he wrote his phone number on a business card and told me to call him in advance as the bar got very busy when it wasn't raining. Turns out, this friendly man is Alberto the owner! Guess I didn't do quite as much research as I could have! I regret we weren't able to make a second visit to 1862 Dry Bar on this particular trip, but it is going to be my first stop next time I'm back in Madrid. Great vibe, excellent staff and a classy and friendly owner.

One of the World's Best Bars, 1863 Dry Bar is all about the cocktails. Neither expensive or pretentious, the bartenders are great. The bartenders like the room are simple and straightforward. Friendly and they know their stuff. If you like great cocktails are in Madrid you must go. Tell them that Jerry Thomas sent you.

Super cute bar with a very cozy downstairs area. The drinks weren't fantastic and they were pretty strong-tasting.

It's a pretty good option if you are in the area for a few cocktails. Most are variations on classics like Moscow mules and high balls etc. But you can't blame them, what cocktail isn't a variation these days. Service is prompt but the vibe is awkwardly cool if that makes sense.

Very small, but fantastic venue with a terrific selection of sophisticated cocktails. "The Walking Dead in Malasaña" is highly recommended:)

Great cocktails and cool vibe. Recommend if you just want drinks. No food served. Several floors add mystique

Amazing bar! My party of five walked in at around 9 PM on a Thursday and got seated right away downstairs, but the place was packed. Dragon Amarillo by Santos and Mad Hatter cocktails were both excellent. Cool dungeon vibes as well.

When we arrived, it was busy upstairs, but the man who greeted us was really sweet and still gave us the option to sit upstairs or downstairs which we didn't realize they had. The downstairs was really cozy and a lot quieter which was nice. The server spoke English well and explained the menu in depth to us. I really like that they have a special weekly menu with part of the proceeds being donated. We each got two cocktails, and I made sure one of them was from that menu. My boyfriend also discovered his love for the paper plane at 1862.

Great vibe and generous pours. This place is a gem. Worthwhile jaunt to find and enjoy.

Thank God for great bartenders and welcoming door men. And 1862 has both. Met the most charming staff. Very sweet and accommodating. And my drink, which is called Walking Dead in Malasaña, was muy fuerte y deliciosa. (That's very strong & delicious in Spanglish.) I had a great time. I was also drunk off 12€ drink, which is even better. Bartender also comped this single ladyyy a free shot. Turns out the doorman is also the owner and is very welcoming. Sooooo yea. Go. It's a cute spot. Very chill. Nice decor. And a good f**kin' time.

1862 gets its name from the year of publication of the first ever Jerry Thomas cocktail book, tells you much of what you need to know about this bar. Owner of the bar Alberto Martínez creates signature drinks such as the 'Cantaloupe Gibson', with pisco, cantaloupe, manzanilla sherry, grapefruit bitters and rose water. The downstairs area of the bar has a subtle speakeasy feel to the place with a more intimate atmosphere. All drinks are reasonably priced at $9 which is amazing based on the quality of the drinks. Highly recommend!

Great spot in Madrid. Small and cozy. They have a downstairs area. Not too loud. The drinks were tasty. I got a gin fizz. Was good!

Great vibe and exactly what I needed after not being able to find a dirty martini last night. Owner has taken off with the speak easy vibe, loved it, passion in every drink. Must try if from the states!!!

If you are looking for that European bar that is slightly off the beaten path (though not by much) -- where the cocktails are perfect (and the variety / selection is incredible), the ambiance is damn near perfect and the service is outstanding - this is the place. The options are plentiful and the bartenders take great pride in the cocktails they have perfected. The absolute perfect night cap - especially if you have kids and are trying to steal an hour long date night in the midst of a Spanish / European vacation.

We were visiting from the states and decided to grab a drink. We came across this bar and the lighten was low, the music was just right. My friends, cousins and I were able to talk and vibe with the music. This bar was clean and the servers were amazing. They kept coming to ask us if we wanted more drinks or if we needed anything. It was a full bar so I think everyone liked going here.

We had an incredible experience here this evening. The owner chatted with us for a while - clearly he's a master of his craft and has a vast knowledge of the local cocktail scene. He even gave us recommendations for bars in our hometown of New York to try. We were blown away by the golden martini and prescription in particular. Maybe most importantly, (even above the great service) was just genuine conversation with a lovely human being. His bartenders matched his energy, bouncing around the room, sharing drinks with a couple of regulars, and creating a generally fun-loving atmosphere.

I like this bar! There is not much seating. We sat downstairs, which looked alot like an old tavern. Very nice ambience. There is 1 set of sofa seats and 2 small bar style tables downstairs. The space is tight. I saw 2 group come downstairs, looked around and left, probably because they needed more seats than there was available. The cocktail list is short and sweet, but the drinks are great. These are craft cocktails. Good flavor and packs a good punch! Great for a night out! The staff is attentive.

Lapsang sour - best one and the reason I will come back here. So so good and unique. The whiskey they use is the chivas mizunara (blend of scotch and Japanese whisky), and the aroma of the lapsang tea is incredible Dark Espresso martini - one of the best renditions of a classic Singapore sling - this was decent, but nothing too special. Sweet and tasty Amaro old fashioned - this one was meh. But if you like maple and bitters definitely go for it! I much prefer a good old fashioned. Jerezana - didn't like this one

Between the service, atmosphere and drinks....one word, PHENOMENAL. Our server (unfortunately we did not get her name,) was so helpful and sweet and our drinks, well-balanced and tasty! I would say, don't miss out on this gem.

good bar serious but not self important - this is professional

I would've given this a higher rating but he overall experience just didn't sit well with me. We made reservations earlier in the day because this is a popular spot for late night drinks. When we arrived we were directed to our spot downstairs at the small bar they had with a little sign that said reservation. I sat down thinking "okay this is a nice spot, I'm excited to have a few drinks and enjoy my night". Little did I know that my night was going to be interrupted by many distractions. Immediately upon being seated, an obnoxiously loud woman was screaming "I like to move it move it"; yes he Madagascar movie theme song... I was like alright she's probably trashed whatever. She literally sang that for the next two hours along with saying the word "Heaven" every few lines. It was interesting to say the least and she was RIGHT in my left ear. THEN, she had some man come to the bar with her and they took over half of our reserved spot. I was like...WTF. And to make it worse, this guy was leaning on my left shoulder and breathing on me. After we had our second drink I insisted we leave to grab dinner. Drinks are great but I'd hoped for a more positive experience on my last night in Madrid.

First evening in Madrid and came across this incognito little spot. Got the night started with great drinks, friendly bartender who gave me all the "local spots." Perfect for the start of an evening of adventure.

Great drinks and amazing service!! Make a really good old fashion and the banana joe was delicious

I've just visit this bar last night and try 6 different cocktails by the owner's offer. The bar has a cosy and warm atmosphere and the bartenders are very attentive and helpful and their rapport is friendly. Don't miss this bar if you like cocktails. And if you like fruity flavors then test "la gomera" and if you like spicy taste like bloody mary then have "hambre lobo" or "dragon amarillo". And if you have no idea for choosing a cocktail, let the bartenders serve you one by their own suggestion. You won't be regretful.

Cocktails. Check! Good service. Check! Awesome decor. Check! The menu is mostly based on the classics, however they don't stop there. Yes, there are some specials on the last page of the menu (quite original ones I must say) BUT, you can also go wild and creative: tell them what you like and they invent a cocktail for you on the spot. I kid you not! They know the art (and craft) of cocktail making and they do it so well. Fancy a cocktail (or 3)? 1862 is definitely a must visit when in Madrid! Go, team GO!

This was our first trip to Madrid and my husband found this place to hang out late night. It was just few minutes away from our hotel so we could just walk their from Gran via. We both loved their cocktails. Good service. The lady who served us even gave me some recommendations since I wanted something with vodka only. So she got me a cocktail which had gin but replaced that by vodka. Was amazing

We stopped here for a twilight cocktail on our last full day in Madrid and it was delightful! We sat by the window to people watch while enjoying two of their specialty cocktails. The service here was great, with more than one person coming up to us, chatting with us about our drinks and experience in Madrid, and offering recommendations. We didn't stay long, but it seemed like they were preparing for a busy evening. It looks like a place that gets a lot of people; both tourists and locals alike. Definitely would check out this place again if we're back in Madrid!

Prob the best cocktail den in town - for 8 euros you get yourself a well crafted cocktail which is half the price you would pay in New York. And the service is friendly even when the place is jam packed. Pretty cool basement door too. Do yourself a favor and swing by here for a night cap.

Drinks are awesome here! Espresso martini is on point and loved the spicy marg, but they have much more variety for cocktail lovers.

Great bar for cocktails- live the atmosphere and the drinks are amazing. One of the best cosmopolitans I have had and I also love the Moscow mule here. I love to sit downstairs in the couch area but the whole place has a great vibe and atmosphere.

I wish I could give more than 5 stars to the place. I went here each days I spent in Madrid because it's one of the best cocktail bar I've ever been ever to, in the best bario of Madrid: Malasaña. The craftsmanship is obvious at first sight: I've had the best Sazerac I ever had. I discovered the Trinidad Sour and the Penicilin. They also make a great [Whichever is your preference] Mule and Old Fashioned. The staff is super friendly. Jesus and Alberto were amazing, they made my stay in Madrid a lot easier by giving me a lot of great addresses, even other cocktail bars. The other bartenders I dealt with were great as well, obviously mastering mixology. To sum up, 1862 Dry Bar was the cornerstone of my stay in Madrid. I highly recommend the place!

What a gem to find in Madrid! I came with my husband and some friends and we all agreed that our drinks were some of the best we'd ever had. Craft cocktails still seem to be a newer concept in Madrid (a bit biased, as in Chicago we have almost too many craft cocktail places!) so it was quite a treat to visit 1862. The bar itself was trendy yet cozy in nature and not only had all the classics and also their own twist on some. Reasonably priced for what you were receiving and the owner/manager (Alberto) was welcoming and accommodating with our reservation and provided some great recommendations!

Best drinks of the classic type in Madrid. The staff is super attentive. And the space although small is very clean and modern.

This is the best place to get a cocktail in Madrid. Though the cocktails are not expensive by other European capital city standards (8 euros each), in Madrid it can seem a little steep. The ambiance and decor is meant to be that of a swanky speakeasy from the prohibition era and the highlight of the joint is the basement backlit liquor cage that gives the lower floor an awesome vibe. My favorites have been the Mint Julep, Aviator, and from their special menu their Asian Spring (sake, gin, cardamom liquor, etc). You can't go wrong here. Can get REALLY packed on the weekend, but it's even fun standing room only. The staff is super friendly and they all speak fluent English and Spanish. You can pay with card here as well.

So refreshing to find this craft cocktail bar! Lovely atmosphere and the owner Alberto was our bartender as well! Drinks are on point and this is definitely a spot worth frequenting. And at only 8 euro per drink to boot? We will be back. The whiskey sour is top notch. If you like craft cocktails, you want to get that here.

Great great cocktails and the bartender was very nice and didn't mind my ordering in broken Spanish haha

To the owners: We were waiting outside June 21 between 15:20-15:45. I look Hispanic and my friend is a shorter black woman. Maybe this will help you figure out who opened and you can have a conversation with your bartender about his rudeness.

A local bar. Friendly with a serious selection of alcohol. Small with an upstairs and darker, cozy downstairs. A warm environment. Drinks with nibbles only. Very good drinks!

Real deal cocktail joint. Perfect and delicious drinks. Hella vibey, sexy, and warm inside. Ah, I love places like this. Everything we ordered was a full sensory experience.

The "Looks Familiar" may be the best cocktail I've ever had. Tequila, Laphroaig whisky, agave nectar, Picon, Angostura. Went on a Tuesday night, super low-key, relaxed vibe. Bar was full but not crowded, bartenders were super attentive, and they know how to make a cocktail. Can't recommend this place enough.

Great cocktail bar, very welcoming and of course great drinks and not too expensive. Our bar tenders were very friendly and suggested many drinks to try that were in the same ballpark as what we first ordered. great venue, cool vibe.

Cocktails were good and the staff was very friendly. If you get a good table, it can be very cozy as well. I recommend this place. If you like whisky, you should try the whisky sour

A mandatory visit each time I travel back to my hometown Madrid. 1862 Dry Bar is definitely my favourite bar in town and, year after year, it keeps surprising me with new outstanding cocktail creations. The experience of being guided by the manager and it's team on which cocktails we might be why this joint attracts so many trendy locals and international travelers and creates such a lovely urban chic and eclectic atmosphere. Looking forward my next visit.

Was astounding to see how well the presentation came out on our drinks. My Grey Goose Dark was picture perfect and the bar tenders kept the bar clean and drinks full! The atmosphere was dim and warm (just the way I like it)

This bar was my biggest disappointment in Madrid. We went there on a Friday night. The upstairs part was super crowded, overwhelmingly loud, and hot. The downstairs part was slightly better but the waitress told us that we could not stay there. No explanation had been provided; I felt not welcomed. The place was obnoxious. Take your money elsewhere.

Great drinks! Loved its commitment to true cocktails. Great place for drinks before or after dinner.

Mesmerizing cocktail creating right in front of your eyes It's one part entertainment, one part delicious to equal an awesome evening. We had sooooooooo much fun. Go. Do it. You'll be glad you did. Eat something first, they don't serve food. It's truly a cocktail bar, nothing else.

One of my favorite bars here in Madrid. Beautiful, cozy, fair prices, friendly staff, and the cocktails are amazing. Try The Rye Rabbit if you want to branch off a whiskey sour, but want something similar for the night. I suggest large ice cubes for whiskey cocktails and have you folks tried Rittenhouse Rye? Makes some of the best spirit forward Rye cocktails. I highly suggest stocking it!

Drinks were decent, service was lacking and ambiance was quiet but not riveting. Prices reasonable for quality of cocktails