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EL BARRIL DE LAS CORTES ATMOSPHERE
Recommended Reviews - El Barril de las Cortes
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¡Qué rico! We were recommended to this place by a few friends, but initially hesitant. However, their paella was simply delicious--one of the best I've ever had! I would definitely recommend this restaurant for good seafood. We tried the lobster and monkfish, both of which were delicious. The artichoke salad pleasantly surprised us with its flavor. It's definitely worth a visit!
Probably the best paella I've personally had in Madrid, possibly the best under 30 minute paella I've ever had. If you are looking for tasty Spanish food on a trip to Madrid with quick service (by Spanish standards) then this place is probably five stars. However, when a five star hotel refers you here for great paella, three stars is generous. The ingredients were excellent and the recipe was probably pretty good, but it was significantly lacking in saffron and not left on the heat long enough. Everything was cooked fine, the rice was tender and the seafood moist, but there was only a hint of socarrat (paella crust -- the good part) at best. If the paella had been left over the fire for another fifteen minutes or so it might have been great. As it was, I've had better paella in Hell's Kitchen (NYC). As for service, it was fast (by Spanish standards) at the expense of totally ignoring your requests. We asked for two different types of Verdejo and the staff reluctantly brought them, when trying to order two different types of Tempranillo they poured both from the same bottle. I don't blame the staff, they were hustling with far too many customers for the space and staff available. In summary, for a business trip to Madrid this place is probably excellent, for authentic paella this place is a bust.
We had late lunch here, which can be difficult finding in Spain. Food was excellent. Service and ambiance matched up as well. Highly recommended if you ate into seafood and less into meat. Everything was fresh and t
So very yummy, all the options were very fresh. The ambience is very nice. Had dinner with my hubby & mother while visiting Madrid and we had a difficult time finding something with good reviews. The service was a bit of a mix of quick until we ordered several items then he relaxed. The oysters were so fresh. Not excited about the Croquettes, the oils on the table fantastic! The paella is a go! Get it the rice was not crunchy, it was AMAZING! Get it! Chicken dish was seasoned with lots of thyme. The wine El Vinculo delish we had 2 bottles, nice light wine. The rice pudding was totally worth it! Get it!!! Not a bad dish here. Sorry some pics don't have the food as the waiter already mixed and served it. But visit this place so yummy.
Hard to find due to the strange street numbering scheme around here. It is odd that sequential numbers are not right next to each other. But once I found it, I was surprised to find such a charming little restaurant in the middle of Madrid. I ordered the sirloin with sauce and fries. They came soon enough and were absolutely perfect. Enough sauce for the steak. Cooked to perfection. You can't beat the prices too. Back in America, this kind of meal would be 2 x the price.
The food is amazing; we had the best paella in Madrid here. We tried several places and this restaurant is matchless. Everything from the ambiance to the staff and food were wonderful. It was our first visit to Madrid after many years and they made it special. Thank you El Barril! Muchísimas Gracias
The calamari was very good. Took 20 min to get a glass of wine. The service was not knowledgeable on drinks, I ordered a carajillo (originated from Spain) and the brought a warm espresso with baileys. The corn bread was very taste far superior in taste than the white bread. Las paellas tomaron un poco en llegar pero rica, pedimos la paella limpia y la paella surtida. Llego fría es el único problema. La actitud de los mesero fue un poco extraña con la pregunta de un carajillo y sobre lo que tenia la paella. Ambiente muy elegante, y el baño muy bonito.
First off,, total local spot with fish being the main on the menu. Does have a bit of steak as well. Place is happening. The food is good but the service is pretty bad, we had Andrea and she looked miserable. I guess if we had someone who at least smiled and talked a bit, the whole experience would have been better. She has no business in the service industry . Overall food good, ambiance good, but service not good. So take as you want
Delicious food and a classy atmosphere. They served a rich, complimentary vegetable soup (?squash) that tasted like it had chicken broth as a base. The gazpacho was fresh and delicious. As a primi plato, I loved the pulpo (octopus) de pedrero a las brasas con alioli suave. It was perfectly prepared and not over cooked or rubbery, which happens often.The very formal waiter didn't speak a lot of English and didn't try conversing with me in Spanish either, but suggested I get this option because it was "smaller." When he brought out most of an entire tentacle, no one else wanted any so I ended up eating all of it. Mom's steak was not to her liking, so I gave her the rest of my hake fish, which was excellent. My dad and teenage brother thought the meal was average, but they ordered roast chicken with citrus and rosemary that came in a pan with rice.
Food was fresh was the octopus was not that tasty. We asked to put salt on it. Bread was not good quality and we had to ask for olive oil. The waiters were a bit passive. The place was packed on a Saturday night. Perhaps that's why the service was not great.
One of the concierge from our hotel recommended this restaurant, as it had gotten rave reviews. Anxious to try something really "Spanish" and upscale, I was impressed upon entering the restaurant and it's beautiful interior. The raisin bread and the Jamon were the best part of the meal. We dressed to the nines for our first real night out on the town, but it didn't matter. Service took a very long time. Ho hum. Bring your needlepoint. Sat down, and once the server realized we didn't speak Spanish fluently, he gave us American menus and then would disappear like a thief in the night, Jason was so thirsty for water at one point, he actually flipped his water glass upside down, because it was dry as a bone, to maybe show a sign to a server, instead the server took it away. Haha. Different customs I guess (even though we had to pay for the water). We ordered: Our starter (complimentary) two pieces of sliced baguettes with squiggle piped mashed potato? Tasted like baby food that was broiled quickly by a salamander... one bite of that Bread - not included, price is 5 EUROS per piece - the white bread was hard and I later thought I should have kept it to throw to get someones attention when we were ignored... the raisin bread was fantastic Mineral Water 4 EUROS In actual glass bottles, mineral water from where (I'll bet they refill them)... maybe a filter in the back? Hmmm... Jamon Iberico Bellota (Acorn fed Iberian cured ham) 25.50 EUROS - absolutely the best part of my meal, a huge portion, and very tasty, My reason for visiting Spain! Croquetas Varidas (Home-made creamy croquettes, different filling every day)13.80 EUROS The ham and cheese were tasty. The ones with fish reminded me of a creamy version of Gordon's fish sticks from the US. Mehhh. Couldn't eat. And the third, even worse, couldn't pinpoint that taste. The cheese shavings? More like the rind of the cheese. Hard as rinds. Comaparable to fiberglass. Inedible. Carravalseca Copa (2 glasses @ 4 EUROS) 8 EUROS Should have just gotten drunk for dinner Merluza A la Plancha - bilbaina lomo 22.50 EUROS (this was to replace the inedible meat dish he ordered) His beef was SOOO overcooked, reminiscent of second class airplane slop, or a Hungryman dinner. Took over 45 seconds to cut through with a knife, tasteless and chewy. Not even brown sauce to cover it. Potatoes were also bland AF. His replacement fish (after I had to call a server over and explain to him, (as a chef myself) that his dish was simply inedible and unfortunate, offered him a fish dish not on the American menu. Figures. They must think that Americans only enjoy McDonalds or something. The fish was tastier and the roasted tomato. The potatoes were basically the same.
2 months ago
Right around the corner and open weird hours so I needed a snack to hold me over till dinner so I got some home. The bartender was super friendly and help me figure out which one I wanted. I had that with an apple spritz and life was good again. Right around the corner from my hotel and open weird hours. I needed a snack to hold me over till dinner so I got some jamon iberica. The bartender was super friendly and help me figure out which one I wanted. I had that with an Aperol spritz and life was good again. read more
1 month ago
This was a one of the restaurants recommended by the Four Seasons Hotel concierge when asked about where to go for paella. Well, I didn't have paella for lunch but the food I had was outstanding! The service was quick and the servers were friendly! This is a great place for a casual or business dining. read more
2 months ago
Recommended by the hotel concierge. It was very good. The have traditional Spanish cuisine in a modern atmosphere. They have amazing seafood and dish. Did white prawns, navajas, and all fresh and on point. read more
¡Qué rico! We were recommended to this place by a few friends, but initially hesitant. However, their paella was simply delicious--one of the best I've ever had! I would definitely recommend this restaurant for good seafood. We tried the lobster and monkfish, both of which were delicious. The artichoke salad pleasantly surprised us with its flavor. It's definitely worth a visit! read more
1 year ago
Probably the best paella I've personally had in Madrid, possibly the best under 30 minute paella I've ever had. If you are looking for tasty Spanish food on a trip to Madrid with quick service (by Spanish standards) then this place is probably five stars. However, when a five star hotel refers you here for great paella, three stars is generous. The ingredients were excellent and the recipe was probably pretty good, but it was significantly lacking in saffron and not left on the heat long enough. Everything was cooked fine, the rice was tender and the seafood moist, but there was only a hint of socarrat (paella crust -- the good part) at best. If the paella had been left over the fire for another fifteen minutes or so it might have been great. As it was, I've had better paella in Hell's Kitchen (NYC). As for service, it was fast (by Spanish standards) at the expense of totally ignoring your requests. We asked for two different types of Verdejo and the staff reluctantly brought them, when trying to order two different types of Tempranillo they poured both from the same bottle. I don't blame the staff, they were hustling with far too many customers for the space and staff available. In summary, for a business trip to Madrid this place is probably excellent, for authentic paella this place is a bust. read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
So very yummy, all the options were very fresh. The ambience is very nice. Had dinner with my hubby & mother while visiting Madrid and we had a difficult time finding something with good reviews. The service was a bit of a mix of quick until we ordered several items then he relaxed. The oysters were so fresh. Not excited about the Croquettes, the oils on the table fantastic! The paella is a go! Get it the rice was not crunchy, it was AMAZING! Get it! Chicken dish was seasoned with lots of thyme. The wine El Vinculo delish we had 2 bottles, nice light wine. The rice pudding was totally worth it! Get it!!! Not a bad dish here. Sorry some pics don't have the food as the waiter already mixed and served it. But visit this place so yummy. read more
2 years ago
Hard to find due to the strange street numbering scheme around here. It is odd that sequential numbers are not right next to each other. But once I found it, I was surprised to find such a charming little restaurant in the middle of Madrid. I ordered the sirloin with sauce and fries. They came soon enough and were absolutely perfect. Enough sauce for the steak. Cooked to perfection. You can't beat the prices too. Back in America, this kind of meal would be 2 x the price. read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
The food is amazing; we had the best paella in Madrid here. We tried several places and this restaurant is matchless. Everything from the ambiance to the staff and food were wonderful. It was our first visit to Madrid after many years and they made it special. Thank you El Barril! Muchísimas Gracias read more
3 years ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
The calamari was very good. Took 20 min to get a glass of wine. The service was not knowledgeable on drinks, I ordered a carajillo (originated from Spain) and the brought a warm espresso with baileys. The corn bread was very taste far superior in taste than the white bread. Las paellas tomaron un poco en llegar pero rica, pedimos la paella limpia y la paella surtida. Llego fría es el único problema. La actitud de los mesero fue un poco extraña con la pregunta de un carajillo y sobre lo que tenia la paella. Ambiente muy elegante, y el baño muy bonito. read more
3 years ago
First off,, total local spot with fish being the main on the menu. Does have a bit of steak as well. Place is happening. The food is good but the service is pretty bad, we had Andrea and she looked miserable. I guess if we had someone who at least smiled and talked a bit, the whole experience would have been better. She has no business in the service industry . Overall food good, ambiance good, but service not good. So take as you want read more
3 years ago
Delicious food and a classy atmosphere. They served a rich, complimentary vegetable soup (?squash) that tasted like it had chicken broth as a base. The gazpacho was fresh and delicious. As a primi plato, I loved the pulpo (octopus) de pedrero a las brasas con alioli suave. It was perfectly prepared and not over cooked or rubbery, which happens often.The very formal waiter didn't speak a lot of English and didn't try conversing with me in Spanish either, but suggested I get this option because it was "smaller." When he brought out most of an entire tentacle, no one else wanted any so I ended up eating all of it. Mom's steak was not to her liking, so I gave her the rest of my hake fish, which was excellent. My dad and teenage brother thought the meal was average, but they ordered roast chicken with citrus and rosemary that came in a pan with rice. read more
2 years ago
4 years ago
Food was fresh was the octopus was not that tasty. We asked to put salt on it. Bread was not good quality and we had to ask for olive oil. The waiters were a bit passive. The place was packed on a Saturday night. Perhaps that's why the service was not great. read more
One of the concierge from our hotel recommended this restaurant, as it had gotten rave reviews. Anxious to try something really "Spanish" and upscale, I was impressed upon entering the restaurant and it's beautiful interior. The raisin bread and the Jamon were the best part of the meal. We dressed to the nines for our first real night out on the town, but it didn't matter. Service took a very long time. Ho hum. Bring your needlepoint. Sat down, and once the server realized we didn't speak Spanish fluently, he gave us American menus and then would disappear like a thief in the night, Jason was so thirsty for water at one point, he actually flipped his water glass upside down, because it was dry as a bone, to maybe show a sign to a server, instead the server took it away. Haha. Different customs I guess (even though we had to pay for the water). We ordered: Our starter (complimentary) two pieces of sliced baguettes with squiggle piped mashed potato? Tasted like baby food that was broiled quickly by a salamander... one bite of that Bread - not included, price is 5 EUROS per piece - the white bread was hard and I later thought I should have kept it to throw to get someones attention when we were ignored... the raisin bread was fantastic Mineral Water 4 EUROS In actual glass bottles, mineral water from where (I'll bet they refill them)... maybe a filter in the back? Hmmm... Jamon Iberico Bellota (Acorn fed Iberian cured ham) 25.50 EUROS - absolutely the best part of my meal, a huge portion, and very tasty, My reason for visiting Spain! Croquetas Varidas (Home-made creamy croquettes, different filling every day)13.80 EUROS The ham and cheese were tasty. The ones with fish reminded me of a creamy version of Gordon's fish sticks from the US. Mehhh. Couldn't eat. And the third, even worse, couldn't pinpoint that taste. The cheese shavings? More like the rind of the cheese. Hard as rinds. Comaparable to fiberglass. Inedible. Carravalseca Copa (2 glasses @ 4 EUROS) 8 EUROS Should have just gotten drunk for dinner Merluza A la Plancha - bilbaina lomo 22.50 EUROS (this was to replace the inedible meat dish he ordered) His beef was SOOO overcooked, reminiscent of second class airplane slop, or a Hungryman dinner. Took over 45 seconds to cut through with a knife, tasteless and chewy. Not even brown sauce to cover it. Potatoes were also bland AF. His replacement fish (after I had to call a server over and explain to him, (as a chef myself) that his dish was simply inedible and unfortunate, offered him a fish dish not on the American menu. Figures. They must think that Americans only enjoy McDonalds or something. The fish was tastier and the roasted tomato. The potatoes were basically the same. read more
4 years ago
Ordered Sole, on the bone, and the clams. Reasonable prices and friendly service. Great atmosphere. Check out the wine cellar on the way to the restrooms. Built on the foundation of an old brick house. Within 3 minutes walking distance of out Hotel- The Westin Palace read more
3 years ago
2 years ago
7 years ago
7 years ago
Being that we had to leave early in the morning, we were looking for a place that was open all day rather than at 8 PM. We lucked out that this place was! The layout of this place is very relaxing and quaint. As we were seated, they offered us English menus, which is nice when you don't have a speaker with you. Our server did his best and very well to help us. We started with some Rioja and a salad. They also present you with a large piece of bread and minutes later a creamy soup. I'm not sure if it is complimentary as I didn't pay the bill, but it is tasty. The salad was ordered off the menu, so that for sure isn't. The salad was very tasty with its combination of great flavors from the jambon serrano, Parmesan, tomatoes, walnuts, raisins, and tangy dressing. It worked well together, and I don't usually order these sorts of salads! Finally, the entrees arrived. My two friends ordered the Hake with vegetables and potatoes. I ordered the tenderloin cooked in onions and Port. Instead of fries I subbed it for baby potatoes. My friends said their hake was good, but not as good as my dish. My dish was fullllll of flavor from that port sauce! I was dipping anything left over in it. Lastly, they gave us complimentary (I assume) small pieces of a spice cake? It was extremely tasty! It was a nice place to stop in if you're looking for something with hours like these and a nice traditional meal. read more
Came here for a late lunch. The restaurant was nearly empty, I think just because of the time of day. Service was excellent - we were seated right away and our waiter was very attentive. The restaurant was very clean and nicely decorated. We came for the seafood paella and it was not the best we've had but still very good. The portion was huge, and along with the bread they served and the appetizer of octopus with aioli (which was delicious), the meal was very filling. Come hungry! The only slight disappointment was that we had to order the same type of paella to share. We would have liked to try two different kinds, but were not able to order individual servings. Still, a great lunch stop on our trip to Madrid. read more
3 years ago
3 years ago
5 years ago
For starters, we had the cheese, jelly, and nuts plater along with a green salad that was made up of Iberian Ham, sun dried tomatoes, walnuts, and fresh shaved Parmesan over fresh mixed greens with a Moderna dressing. For the main course, the wife had the Paella seafood deluxe while I had the black bellied monkfish. The staff was kind enough to serve us a single Paella dish as the menu states it Is to be ordered for two. Regardless, the single serving was more food then my wife could eat. My Monkfish was just plain phenomenal. It was our anniversary so we intended to have desert but we were stuffed. Yet they still brought us two bite sized pieces of cake with white powdered sugar on top. read more
4 years ago
7 years ago
I would give 3 stars for food, but give 2 for awful service tonight on my birthday dinner. No one showed even the slightest interest to make it a memorable evening for us. The waitress was inattentive, mixed orders ( she didn't speak a word of English)... One of the mains was served practically cold ( the other was hot). We were waiting for my dessert for over 45 min and asked her twice, she responded in Spanish . We finally cancelled the dessert and asked her for the check- that's when another man - waiter, manager(?) appeared with my dessert and a candle- he apologized and said " It"ll be free of charge!" Seriously, we tried to stay in good and festive mood through the evening, not paying attention to your awful service,etc. And you think nearly an hour of my birthday night is worth a couple of euros?! It IS about attitude, not money. P.s: they charge you for bread ( as in many other places in Madrid. Be sure to ask for freshly baked, hot ( they have wheat and rye and raisin rye)- that's what I did when our waitress brought us white and cold). We had a delicious lunch there before and Xavier was a great server, so, hopefully, the management will find ways to organize dinner services in a more professional way read more
7 years ago
8 years ago
8 years ago
We tried a lot of dishes and everything is good! It's in Spain so everything is nice and slow and nice. Our team calls it slow Spanish time. So manage your expectation for fast service. Seadfood dishes such as house salad, clam, grill pulpo are all delicious. Paella is very popular here but min 2 ppl. Crepe is also delicious and they cook in front of you. Overall experience is great. Definitely recommend to go. read more
7 years ago
7 years ago
7 years ago
8 years ago
