Taberna Laredo

"A posh, more upscale crowd frequents this tavern for the perfectly seasoned raciones (any bar this close to Retiro Park attracts Madrileños wearing yuppie logos like Pedro del Hierro and Ralph Lauren). We love the mussels marinated in the Canary Islands’ mojo picon sauce, huevos rotos with tender panceta, and tortilla de patata with seasonal artichokes. If you make a reservation, you can have a more refined experience with white tablecloths and floral centerpieces upstairs in the restaurant’s sit-down area, but we much prefer grabbing a high-top table near the bar. Just get here early by 7pm to snag one before it gets too busy, and dress the part—expect stares if you show up in your Lululemon leggings." - lori zaino

"A posh, more upscale crowd frequents this tavern for the perfectly seasoned raciones (any bar this close to Retiro Park attracts Madrileños wearing yuppie logos like Pedro del Hierro and Ralph Lauren). We love the mussels marinated in the Canary Islands’ mojo picon sauce, huevos rotos with tender panceta, and tortilla de patata with seasonal artichokes. If you make a reservation, you can have a more refined experience with white tablecloths and floral centerpieces upstairs in the restaurant’s sit-down area, but we much prefer grabbing a high-top table near the bar. Just get here early by 7pm to snag one before it gets too busy, and dress the part—expect stares if you show up in your Lululemon leggings." - Lori Zaino