This is more of academic institution than a dive bar. Sure, it looks kind of grimy, and the…read morepeople and tapas may appear slightly off. HOWEVER, the prices are great, they'll sing to you if you're American, service is quick and correct, and people are very friendly. The people are cordial and are ready to strike up a pleasant conversation at any time. The terrace is perfect for a warm day, and can be covered for colder winter evenings. It also gets packed for futbol matches.

Great espresso martini. Cute little gem that opened up at 4pm. Down stairs feels more like a…read morespeakeasy

Based on a little pre-trip research, 1862 Dry Bar was on my must-do list for a recent business trip…read moreto Madrid. I visited on a rainy Thursday night so there wasn't a large crowd and I grabbed an open seat at the end of the bar. A friendly gentleman gave me a menu and asked what I was interested in. When I mentioned the Old Fashioned, he advised that it was an Amaro-based version without the usual bourbon/whiskey spirit. I noticed a Brooklyn and commented that I sometimes made those at home. Very politely he noted that if I was making them in the US, it wasn't with Amer Picon, which isn't available in the US. He's right. So an actual, real Brooklyn it would be! I thoroughly enjoyed the Brooklyn. I also enjoyed some brief conversation with the bartender who was very good. The kind who uses the spoon or straw to taste each drink to ensure it was made properly. As I was paying my bill and mentioning to the gentleman who initially greeted me that I wanted to bring my business partners here later in the week, he wrote his phone number on a business card and told me to call him in advance as the bar got very busy when it wasn't raining. Turns out, this friendly man is Alberto the owner! Guess I didn't do quite as much research as I could have! I regret we weren't able to make a second visit to 1862 Dry Bar on this particular trip, but it is going to be my first stop next time I'm back in Madrid. Great vibe, excellent staff and a classy and friendly owner.

Look no further if you're in the Oporto area and in search for some value sized tapas and fresh…read moreseafood. The folks here at Botafumeiro will take care of you the moment you step in the door with a continuous flow of free tapas each time you order a round of drinks. The free tapas are a great mix of about 8-10 different ones and not nearly like the cheap chips or olives that many places give you these days. One could probably get a whole dinner's worth of good food just ordering a few round of drinks. During this visit, this happened to be the only place I saw razor clams and this special kind of scallops that are customarily from Northern Spain in Galacia. Both dishes tasted phenomenal and our patatas bravas could've served us for days. It was huge! Absolutely the best neighborhood tapas bar to fulfill your seafood cravings. Next time, I'll have to add their octopus (pulpo) to my list. It is a pulperia after all!

Excellent Service for our party of 7. We tried the best plates and were pleased with the quality…read more Delicious Cava sparkling and Albariño white wine complimented our seafood perfectly. A great evening celebrating my B-day.

Came here to meet a bunch of people who I'd attended an engagement party with the day before. As I…read morewas the first one there, I sidled up to the bar and waited to get a drink. There were two staff members behind the bar, and they were looking pretty busy. The bar is open and has lots of picnic/cafe style seating. What's unique about this place is that there are foot baths up along the upper tiers along the bar's perimeter. I didn't partake, but lots of people did and they all looked like they enjoyed themselves. After a while, one of them approached me and asked me what I'd like to drink. "A Whiskey Sour," I said. The bartender told me he could make me one, but it would have different variations to it. Don't know if he was being creative, but I rolled with it. I forgot what it was eventually made of, but it didn't taste anything like a Whiskey Sour. :-/ I guess I'm a purist. That said, I think I switched to beer afterward and for the rest of the day. Eventually the group showed up and we all chatted the afternoon away. Dunno if I'll come back here again, though.

Great atmosphere!!! Have you Billy to put your feet in the water after a long walk around Madridread more