Madrid already has a new illustrated cultural map, this time dedicated to the city’s cocktail bars: trendy venues that, while keeping up with current trends, revive a tradition deeply rooted in Madrid’s culture. This guide is part of the collection promoted by the Department of Culture, Tourism, and Sports to visually and attractively showcase the various cultural and tourist landscapes of the capital. In this case, the itinerary covers 20 classic and contemporary cocktail bars that have made Madrid a reference in the sector.
This project is supported by the Forum for Madrid, through the Office of Strategic Projects and Business Participation of the Department of Economy, Innovation, and Finance. The selection of venues has been made by bartender Diego Cabrera, and the texts describing each establishment are written by Miguel Ángel Palomo, a journalist specialized in gastronomy. The illustrations are the work of Jorge Arranz.
From Lavapiés to Malasaña
The first stop on this route is at Savas, located at 3 Calle de la Sombrerería, an informal neighborhood bar where a couple from Lithuania has made Lavapiés deserve a prominent place in the world of cocktails. Moving on to Antón Martín, on Calle del León, Japanese Shingo Gokan leads a team of bartenders known for their refined technique at Devil’s Cut.
Argentinian Diego Cabrera, at the helm of Salmon Guru, is one of the leading figures in the rise of high-end cocktails in Madrid. His establishment is the featured stop on the map, at Calle de Echegaray, 21. Cabrera is also responsible for revitalizing a traditional city space, turning it into a modern temple of aperitifs: Viva Madrid, the fourth stop. Without leaving the area, the fifth cocktail bar on the map is one of the latest additions to the route: Mauz Madrid, owned by Nico Constantino, which combines timeless luxury with a touch of irreverence.
The next two stops are on Calle de la Reina. At number 12, a classic: Del Diego, a New York-inspired bar designed in the 90s where the Del Diego brothers carry on their father’s legacy, a distinguished student of the legendary Chicote. At number 16, Bar Cock, with its century-old legend still visible in the restored stained glass and wooden pillars, was the setting for parties, gatherings, and real spy intrigues.
The eighth stop takes us to Malasaña. At Dry Bar (27 Calle del Pez), veteran bartender Alberto Martínez advocates for timeless classics that never disappoint. The journey continues on Calle de Sandoval, where Holy Drop Cocktail & Whisky Bar pays homage to this drink in a corner location that also houses the Whisky Club Madrid.
Chueca and Chamberí
We reach the halfway point at Momus (11 Calle de San Bartolomé). The tenth stop on the illustrated map is at this cocktail bar where Gaditanian Alberto Fernández is responsible for one of the city’s most creative bars. Continuing on to Shift Public House, stop number 11 on Calle del Cardenal Cisneros, it has carved out a place in Chamberí’s new scene while maintaining the neighborhood’s charm.
Just a step away from Plaza de Olavide, Rubén de Gracia’s cocktail bar, The Dash, on Calle de Murillo, is a pioneer in the district. It adds a touch of simple distinction and revives almost lost recipes. Harvey’s The Invisible Bar (5 Calle de San Lorenzo), owned by Edu Gutiérrez, awaits at stop number 13 with a selection of short and intense cocktails with American influences.
From Puerta de Alcalá to Antón Martín
Near the Puerta de Alcalá, at 16 Calle de Recoletos, is Harrison 1933, a proposal by Carlos Moreno that blends an English pub with a cocktail bar. From there, the route invites you to head towards Gran Vía, first stopping at Angelita (4 Calle de la Reina) owned by the Villalón brothers, a prime example of the new era of Madrid’s hospitality. This 15th stop on the map is home to the city’s most famous bloody mary.
Next, it’s time for the iconic Museo Chicote. A Gran Vía emblem, Madrid is said to be incomplete without this cocktail bar, the first in Spain, founded in 1931 by Perico Chicote, the bartender who changed everything. International figures like Ava Gardner and Ernest Hemingway frequented this establishment. Today, it remains a must-visit spot for residents and tourists who enjoy its cocktails and art deco decor by Luis Gutiérrez Soto, which has been preserved intact.
Lovo Cocktail Bar, the 17th stop on the map, is a modern-day cabaret that immerses itself in the wild Paris of the 1920s, inspired by the legendary Josephine Baker. Frank Lola’s cocktails await at 20 Calle de Echegaray. On Calle del Marqués de Duero, you’ll find Planta Baja, a friendly venue away from the tourist circuit, where Argentinean Kevo Jacoby brings his idea of modernity.
The final two points on the route are near Antón Martín. At La Analógica, south of Huertas, Nick Paredes has created a unique atmosphere around indie rock and analog photography. The last stop, number 20, is for a characterful cocktail bar: Santos y Desamparados, owned by bartender Alberto Villarroel.
Discovering the city in a different way
Illustrated cultural maps are guides that offer different routes to explore the city around a specific theme, with the participation of prominent writers and illustrators. The maps are free and can be obtained online on the city’s tourist portal, esMADRID.com, and on Madrid Destino’s corporate website. Printed copies are also distributed in libraries, tourist information points, and cultural centers. /
