In Bilbao there are not residents, there are txikiteros. Txikiteros are names given to those who drink txikitos, small glasses of wine served in the bars.
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Puerta de Alcalá, Puerta del Sol, Retiro Park, Gran Vía, and above all, the squid sandwich. That's right, these are the monuments you should not miss on your visit to Madrid.
It doesn't matter if you try it on arrival, every day or on the last day of your visit, it doesn't matter, but what does matter is where and with whom. Obviously you choose the company, but we'll take care of the place.
We bring you a selection of some of the best bars where you can enjoy this little piece of local gastronomy. Although the recipe is simple, the correct preparation is what makes the difference between a simple sandwich and a culinary masterpiece.
Plaza Emperador Carlos V
We begin our tour of bars with one that, if there's one thing it tastes like, it's calamari sandwiches. It's a classic in the Spanish capital and its location to be a premonition for all those looking to try their first bite in Madrid; Atocha area.
It's very close to the train station, so it's almost impossible not to pass through this area, either during your visit, on your arrival or on your departure. You'll run out of excuses not to try a good bocadillo, that means sandwich. However, bear in mind that here you pay not only for the quality but also for the place, the sandwich will be a bit more expensive than in other places.
Credits: TimeOut
Calle de Botoneras, 4
Walking around Plaza Mayor, the centre of the squid sandwich culture, we go to the bar La Ideal, where quality and quantity go hand in hand. Forget about minimalist plans, here you'll get your good portion of sandwich, loaded with squid and tradition.
All you have around you is tradition and culture of the most Madrilenian. You are going to eat a typical sandwich in a place with a long tradition, where you eat standing up most of the time, with a decoration that speaks for itself. It is a luxury within everyone's reach.
Credits: Tripadvisor
C. de Botoneras, 6
If, as you approach the place, you notice that there is a queue of people waiting, you know you've come to the right place. Its reputation is growing and it's no wonder, its products are top quality; fresh calamari and daily bread, with reasonable prices, fast service and a fantastic location.
La Campana combines all this plus fast and efficient service to make your first bite of squid sandwich a positive experience. The question isn't if you'll be back, the question is when.
Credits: Todobares
Calle Postas, 13
If it's fried, it's at Bar Postas. It's as clear as that, and no wonder, because they have been in business for over 70 years. So believe us when we tell you that if you want any fried product, this is the place for you.
And can you guess what is fried and is a star dish in the capital of Madrid? That's right, your longed-for calamari sandwich. More than just a bar, it's a Madrid institution, selling an average of just over three thousand sandwiches a day. Yes, you read that correctly.
Credits: TimeOut
Calle del Gral. Oráa, 45
We change the pace at our next stop. We leave aside, just for the moment, the most typical bar in Madrid to give way to a mixture of restaurant with a touch of cocktail bar. Welcome to Apura.
Mario Céspedes, its owner, wanted to combine the most traditional aspects of Madrid with the most natural aspects of his native Lima, and the result is a fusion sandwich and snack bar that you're going to love. Its mix of culture and flavours are worthy of any palate. And, of course, you couldn't miss their calamari sandwich, but with a different touch that makes it a unique snack.
Credits: Pinterest
Calle de las Infantas, 34
We move on to Chueca, where the most traditional of Madrid's traditional world survives: El Respiro. Here you can enjoy a stop on your route through Madrid and have a bite to eat.
Remember that with your drink, you'll get a tapa, and variety and flavour go hand in hand. Although, if we talk about what we are interested in, El Respiro gives a twist to squid sandwiches. They are not round but elongated and they don't put so much in the sandwich so you can bite into it and handle it better. Quality and excellent service, a winning combination, no doubt.
Credits: Salir
Calle del Marqués de Urquijo, 1
A cosy place where you can sample the most traditional dishes on the tapas menu. It has just three tables, so you'll get the full experience of the city while eating, almost certainly, at the bar.
The name doesn't deceive; they specialise in sandwiches, and, of course, the calamari sandwich stands out, where the quality of both elements is superior. If we add to this an efficient, pleasant and fast service, you will find a perfect place for quick and pleasant stops on your getaway in Madrid.
Credits: Restaurantguru
