Mercado San Antón

"Feel like wandering around and sampling homemade potato chips, empanadas, and anything else that screams “I’m in Spain”? The ground floor of the three-story Mercado de San Antón in Chueca is full of vendors where you can eat Iberian ham, cool off with a lime, yogurt, and cardamom popsicle, or sip gin tonics while admiring the city’s red roofs on the outdoor terrace. But you’re here for tapas, and this place is full of them, especially on the second floor. We love the variety of seafood tapas and tostas served up at La Casa del Bacalao, and the juicy grilled pork at La Manuela for a protein infusion. Just be prepared to eat while standing." - lori zaino

"Feel like wandering around and sampling homemade potato chips, empanadas, and anything else that screams “I’m in Spain”? The ground floor of the three-story Mercado de San Antón in Chueca is full of vendors where you can eat Iberian ham, cool off with a lime, yogurt, and cardamom popsicle, or sip gin tonics while admiring the city's red roofs on the outdoor terrace. But you’re here for tapas, and this place is full of them, especially on the second floor. We love the variety of seafood tapas and tostas served up at , or the juicy grilled pork at for a protein infusion. Just be prepared to eat while standing." - Lori Zaino

"Not sure what you’re in the mood for, but feel like wandering around and sampling homemade potato chips, empanadas, and anything else that screams “I’m in Spain”? You can do all that and more at Mercado de San Antón. There are first-floor stands where you can taste freshly-sliced Iberian ham, cool off with a lime, yogurt, and cardamom popsicle, or pick up artisanal soaps or olive oil to take back in your suitcase. The market’s al fresco rooftop is a hip hangout when it’s warm out, and overlooks the red rooftops of the city’s funky Chueca neighborhood. If you’re looking for a full meal, skip the sit-down restaurant and head to the food stalls on the second floor. Try some seafood tapas and tostas at the Casa Bacalao, or the fresh tiger mussels from Hevia. " - Lori Zaino

"More geared toward gourmet grazing than grocery shopping, the stylish Mercado de San Antón, in the heart of Chueca, lures locals and tourists alike with its three floors of Spanish and international food stalls. It's as polished and pleasant as Mercado de San Miguel but draws half the tourists, meaning you won't have to wade through the fanny-packed hordes to get a beer. Try to seek out the papas arrugadas ("wrinkly potatoes") slathered with green (cilantro) and red (mild chili) mojo sauces from 7 Delicatessen. You won't find a better rendition of this Canary Islands specialty in the Spanish capital." - Benjamin Kemper