Madrid al Fresco
August 9th, 2011 | Posted by in Food and Restaurants | Jamie | What's Happening Madrid
My sister enjoying the view from The Penthouse
Living in Madrid one cannot help but notice the abundance of bars and restaurants that this city has to offer. Now that summer is in full swing and most of the locals have fled the city to invade the beach, it is the perfect time to explore these places and enjoy Madrid from one if its many terrazas.
If you are looking to dine al aire libre, I recently discovered Nihil Prius, a lovely modern Mediterranean restaurant located near the Banco de España. The terrace is not street-level but rather two flights up, affording both tranquility and privacy while enjoying your meal. The food was also excellent as well as reasonably priced considering the setting.
For those looking for a beer or cocktail instead, I have a bit more experience in that arena. I cannot think of many better places for an afternoon beer or wine outside than la terraza of El Espejo, located on Paseo Recoletos near Plaza Colon. If you are lucky, you will be there when of the piano players is performing, thereby enriching the atmosphere even more. While you are in the neighborhood, there is a concentration of bars with outdoor seating in Plaza Santa Barbara, including Bulevar, Cruz Blanca, and Cervecería Santa Barbara. Another terrace ideal for a drink during daylight hours is El Viajero in La Latina. It has great views of the city´s old quarter and has a fun, tropical vibe as well. The mojitos are also noteworthy.
For something a little fancier and after dark, there are several hotels with great rooftop bars, including Room Mate Óscar in Chueca, Hotel Urban in Barrio de las Letrasand The Penthouse in Plaza Santa Ana. All of these places boast great views of the city, posh settings and great cocktails. On a warm, dry, Madrid summer night you really cannot go wrong.
Considering it is August, be sure to check ahead of time to make sure places are open before making the trek as I have noticed that many establishments enjoy a descanso just like the rest of us this month. ¡Salud!
Calle Marques de Cubas, 2
Paseo de Recoletos, 31
Calle de la Cebada, 11
Plaza Vázquez de Mella, 12
Carrera de San Jerónimo, 34
Plaza de Santa Ana, 14
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