If Chueca is the feather, Malasaña is the leather jacket. It is the neighborhood where vermouth coexists with glitter, traditional bars coexist with hidden art galleries, and tapas coexist with performance art. Here there is no single way of being, of living, or of having tapas. Malasaña is free, vibrant and somewhat chaotic. And that is also noticeable in its bars.
Do you fancy a queer-friendly tapas route through this iconic area of Madrid? Well, put on your sunglasses even at night, because we bring you 10 essential bars to have tapas with attitude (and hunger).
1. Pez Tortilla – Tortillas that fall apart and croquettes that you fall in love with
📍Calle del Pez, 36
Creamy, huge and tasty tortillas. And some croquettes that seem designed by the gods of comfort food. It’s always full, yes. But the wait is worth every second. Bonus: good craft beer menu.
2. La Taberna de El Pescador – Classic tapas with soul
📍Calle del Espíritu Santo, 2
There are no frills here. Just good product and tradition. Their anchovies in vinegar, their salad or their broken eggs taste like Sunday at home. Friendly treatment and a relaxed atmosphere for everyone.
3. The Musa – Fantasy tapas on a small plate
📍Calle de Manuela Malasaña, 18
One of the most legendary places in the neighborhood. Creative tapas, with very well thought-out mixtures of flavors. The mini beef burger or eggs with truffle are a classic. Attention: there is always a queue, but it is worth it.
4. Casa Macareno – Vermouth, modernity and traditional soul
📍Calle de San Vicente Ferrer, 44
An old grocery store transformed into a very stylish tavern. Tapas that reinvent the classic without losing the essence. The salmorejo with goat cheese ice cream is something to cry with emotion.
5. Bar La Blanca Paloma – The bar that never fails
📍Calle del Espíritu Santo, 21
Traditional traditional bar, with simple but tasty tapas. There are no pretensions here: bravas, lacón, tortilla and joy. There is always someone chatting at the bar, and that is already an invitation.
6. Hopefully – Tapas, brunch and a sand basement
📍Calle de San Andrés, 1
If you like the exotic, this is your place. International fusion in cover format, diverse atmosphere and a decoration that seems straight out of Pinterest. Ideal for long afternoons or first queer dates.
7. Café de la Luz – More than coffee, charming tapas
📍Calle de Puebla, 8
Although it is famous for its cakes, it also has tapas and informal brunch options. Cozy place, with vintage sofas, books on the tables and many corners where you can feel at home.
8. Casa Julio – Where croquettes are religion
📍Calle de la Madera, 37
A neighborhood classic. The Cabrales, spinach or blood sausage croquettes are among the best in Madrid. It’s small and tends to fill up quickly, but that’s part of the charm.
9. Madklyn – Modern tapas in a queer key
📍Calle del Espíritu Santo, 23
Young and very open atmosphere, with urban decoration and a menu designed for sharing. Order the tacos, beet hummus or pulled pork. There is always an accompanying playlist here.
10. La Bicicleta Café – Coffee, beers and tapas with slow pedaling
📍Plaza de San Ildefonso, 9
Specialty coffee, industrial decoration and snack dishes with an urban soul. They have brunch, toasts, informal tapas and a lot of queer energy. Ideal for sitting and observing, writing or flirting with a knowing look.
Is everything as alternative as it seems?
Malasaña boasts freedom, but sometimes it also falls into the image trap: the “alternative” becomes marketing and the inclusive remains on the poster. There are places where queer aesthetics are not always accompanied by a truly respectful attitude. Furthermore, gentrification is pressing: every year historic bars close to open soulless gastrospaces. How do we keep tapas accessible, diverse and real?
Tips to avoid getting lost between tapas and modernity
- Take your route walking: everything is close and the walk is worth it.
- Share a table if necessary: it’s Malasaña, here you even chat with the wall.
- Avoid the craziest hours (Fridays 9:00 p.m.–10:30 p.m., guaranteed hell).
- Ask for recommendations, the staff usually have a good vibe and are willing to talk.
- Be yourself, here that always adds up.
Queer tape, but with foundation
Tapas in Malasaña is much more than trying delicious dishes. It is immersing yourself in a neighborhood that is constantly transforming, where diversity is welcome (even if you have to continue fighting for it). It is a toast to alternative culture, neighborhood memory and new beginnings. So now you know: go out hungry, curious and eager to go out. Because here, between tapas and tapas, the revolution is also served on a small plate.
