Gijón: ambiance and quality
La Taberna del Gijón
Since Gijón opened in 1888, it has not lost one bit of its charm. Monday is poetry night and, consequently, it is one of Madrid’s most famous literary pubs. Throughout the ages, many an artist, writer, poet and even politician has sat down at a table here. The national library is just around the corner. The atmosphere and quality of the food have an excellent reputation.
The interior of Casa Alberto
Casa Alberto
Casa Alberto is one of the most intriguing taverns in Madrid. Its walls are adorned with oil paintings and a 70-year-old can often be found manning the bar. Casa Alberto, established in 1827, is housed in a building in which the famous Spanish writer Cervantes is said to have written one of his novels. The tavern has survived all these decades thanks to its fantastic tapas and vermouth on tap. Make sure to try the legendary oxtail stew.
Casa Ciriaco
Since the very start, Casa Ciriaco has enjoyed numerous famous guests, including both bullfighters and members of the Spanish royal family. Smiling portraits of many of them hang on the walls of the dining area. This tavern was a meeting place for intellectuals before the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War. In other words, it offers a solid dose of history and delicious food (the specialty is suckling pig).