Andy B.
Yelp
Hidden away on the narrow Calle de la Reina in Chueca is Bar Cock, a Madrid institution since 1921. There's an old-fashioned men's club-style feel to the place, with its wooden columns, coffered ceilings, comfortable leather seating, ornate carved fireplace, and a classically beautiful bar - the kind of place you'd see in a period movie. While the setting may be old-school, the vibe is much more comfortable, making for a great place to start a night out on the town.
What really impressed me involved my ordering something that wasn't on the cocktail menu: a classic drink called a boulevardier, a cousin of the negroni where bourbon is substituted for the gin. Normally, the server will say something like "a boule-what?" or the bartender will ask me how to prepare it, but not at Bar Cock - when I ordered it, the server smiled, signaling his approval by saying "Un clásico!" The drink was prepared perfectly, with the bourbon, vermouth, and Campari coming together to make a wonderfully smooth cocktail - the best boulevardier I've ever had, bar none. One of my friends was also quite pleased with his mai tai, and my other friend discovered a new favorite beer based on the server's recommendation. A bowl of potato chips was brought by with the first round of drinks, some very good green olives with the second.
I love classic places like this, and Bar Cock was a great place for us to begin our last night in Madrid. If you're in the Chueca district, definitely check them out. ¡Salud!