When the weather gets cold, sometimes you just want a cozy spot for a tea or a café con leche. So where do you go when the fluorescent lights and metal counter of the corner bar won’t cut it? Sure, there are lots of places with a long list of teas in every color and flavor. But for me, it’s all about ambiance—plush booths, peace and quiet, or a beautiful setting. Here are a few eight of my favorite places to warm up in Madrid (I think I drink more coffee than I realized).
Malasaña
Café del Ruíz
A lovely, though definitely cozy, spot—this one’s not for large groups. Great for a quiet carajillo, though.
Calle de Ruíz, 11
Pepe Botella
Lots of nooks and crannies, free wifi, plus they give you a cookie with your drink. Can’t argue with that.
Calle de San Andrés, 12
Chueca
Café Belén/Café Madrid
Either of these places, right next to each other on Calle Belén, is great for a cup of tea and a long conversation. Choose whichever suits your mood at the moment.
Café Belén is at Calle de Belén, 5; Café Madrid is at Calle de Belén, 7
Acuarela
Intimate and gay-friendly; make sure to get a window seat for people-watching.
Calle de Gravina, 10
El Espejo
One of those classic old spots, and a beautiful one at that. Skip the restaurant part and stick to the little outdoor pavilion.
Paseo de Recoletos, 31
La Latina
La Rayuela
Big windows, wood interiors and rotating art on the walls—I’ve whiled away many a Sunday afternoon here.
Calle de la Morería, 8
Café Monaguillo
Lots of seating and enough of a variety of tés, cafés, batidos and carajillos to keep everyone in your party happy.
Plaza de la Cruz Verde, 3
Lavapiés
Nuevo Café Barbieri
This place has the weirdest hours, but if it’s open, its 19th-century interior is a nice place to wake up from your Indian-lunch-induced food coma.
Calle de Ave María, 45
Do you have a favorite café in Madrid? Let us know in the comments below.
