Viva Madrid

Finally, I had the chance to visit this place, a favorite of one of the Philippine National Heroes, Dr. Jose Rizal, and a spot frequented by Ernest Hemingway, who even wrote here. The food we had was quite good and paired well with the drinks they offered. I just wish the bar incorporated more of its rich history into the menu and perhaps added some stories about its past to the walls, which would make it even more interesting. We enjoyed some wine—Riviera, which had a soft taste, and Madrid, which was stronger, according to their descriptions. Some of the other drinks seemed expensive at EUR 12, but it might be worth trying at least one. For food, we had Gilda Viva Madrid, Taco con carne, and Scallops with ginger—everything was delicious, and I savored every bite. The place offers outdoor, bar, and indoor seating. The indoor area is more suited for eating and drinking, with a great vibe and a perfect spot to hang out with friends. The service was fast and efficient, and we had no issues.

Traditional bar. Considering the group that owns it I was expecting something more "flashy." Was very busy and the cocktails were nice. If the bright lights, colors, and uniqueness of their other bars aren't your scene, this might do the trick for you. For me, it was just "common."

From the outside and inside it appears to be a very traditional Spanish taberna, but the menu is anything but that. The food is excellent- especially the croqueta and Cuban sandwich. It is also nice that they are open during off hours- so they don’t close in mid-afternoon like so many places. We stopped by at 3pm and it was extremely quiet but had a great snack and some drinks.

Such a cute place! The tile inside and out is beautiful. It looks tiny from the front windows but has another section upstairs with high top tables and low tables with comfortable chairs. Along with seating at a second beautiful bar. It’s the first place I’ve found near me that has creative and tasty cocktails (along with beer and wine). It’s got a bit of a speakeasy vibe. I really enjoyed the music playing. Service was great. Super friendly and helpful. We tried a few of the non traditional Spanish items. The chili con carne tacos were quite good. I really liked the cheese sauce (this is a compliment but it reminded me of velveta, very smooth). The arepas were also good. Three to an order. Good combo of slightly crispy arepa with shrimp and crab filling. The buns on the sliders were soft and buttery - yum! The burgers were tender and cooked medium(ish). I wanted a pickle or pickled jalapeños or something to add crunch and spice, but that’s personal preference. Overall a great place for a cocktail and good food options if you’re hungry. And in a beautiful setting.

In the bustling heart of Madrid, one finds a most remarkable establishment that merits commendation. The proprietor, Mr. Oscar, though he might prefer to shun the limelight, displays a kindness and generosity that are truly admirable. His thoughtful recommendations for my forthcoming sojourn to Barcelona proved invaluable, each one a delightful discovery. I extend my sincerest gratitude to you, dear sir, for your gracious hospitality and guidance. One must also thank ChatGPT for rewriting my review in the style of Jane Austen.

Extremely cool vibe with the most delicious tapas and drinks. Empanadas were super tasty. Great place for drinks and chilling with friends if you are in Las Letras area.

The place is definitely beautiful, an atmosphere you can not find everywhere. Service is also of very high quality. However, the cocktails were disappointing. For this kind of price (~15e), you definitely expect something more. It was pretty but very average in taste. A pity because the place is very enjoyable otherwise.

Delicious food in a beautiful room. Kind of fusion/modern tapas. To the expensive side (for tapas). Best dishes were gnocchi and fried cod