**WHAT MAKES TRADITIONAL TAVERNS SPECIAL IN SPAIN** Spain is a country of bars. It’s not just about eating or drinking; it’s about sharing the moment. The life of the town or neighbourhood takes place in the bar. This is where the locals meet to chat, to talk about football or the weather, to argue about politics and the economy, to celebrate the good times or to mourn the bad. The bar is the centre of community life and the place where people go to relax. There’s always an excuse to go to the bar and any time of the day is the right time: in the morning, for a quick coffee before work or a pincho de tortilla (Spanish omelette) at midmorning; at lunchtime, for a beer with a tapa; in the afternoon, for a coffee or a glass of wine; and in the evening, perhaps a gin and tonic or a cocktail. Each bar or tavern has its own ambience, its regular customers and its own specialty, which might be a particular dish or drink. Each has its own way of serving the food and drink, its own way of decorating the premises and its own way of addressing its customers. And with a little luck, you might find a place where they call you by your name. The traditional bars are an important part of the cultural heritage of Spain. They are places that have been there for decades, and sometimes even centuries, places that are full of memories and history, of stories that could be told, of conversations that have been had and of important decisions that have been made. Some of these bars have become famous for their history, their location or their decoration, and are worth a visit just to see inside. These are often familyrun places, where the owners have passed down their knowledge and love of the business from generation to generation.
Spains traditional taverns are a testament to the rich cultural tapestry that defines the country. Each tavern tells a story, not just of the place itself but of the people who have frequented it over the years. In Madrid, a visit to Casa Alberto, a legendary tavern founded in 1827, is a must. Located in the Barrio de las Letras, a neighborhood renowned for its literary history, Casa Alberto stands out with its classic red façade and a sign that proudly reads Casa fundada en 1827. Inside, the tavern exudes an oldworld charm, with dark wood furnishings, vintage tiles, and a long bar where patrons can enjoy a variety of tapas like callos a la madrileña (Madridstyle tripe) and bacalao a la madrileña (Madridstyle cod). The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the walls are adorned with memorabilia from a bygone era, making it easy to imagine the conversations and toasts that have taken place here over nearly two centuries. Moving to Andalusia, the heart of flamenco, one finds taverns that are as passionate and vibrant as the region itself. In Seville, El Rinconcillo, established in 1670, claims the title of the oldest bar in the city. This tavern is a living piece of history, with its original 17thcentury decor still intact. The owners have maintained the traditional feel, with wooden beams, vintage tiles, and a fireplace that adds to the cozy atmosphere. The menu at El Rinconcillo is a celebration of Andalusian cuisine, with dishes like jamón ibérico (Iberian ham), salmorejo (a thick tomato soup), and espinacas con garbanzos (spinach with chickpeas). As you savor these flavors, you can almost feel the rhythm of flamenco in the air, and it’s not uncommon for impromptu performances to break out among the patrons. In the north, Basque Country offers a different take on the traditional tavern experience. Known for its culinary prowess, the region is dotted with pintxos bars, where the focus is on small, artfully crafted bites that showcase the best of local ingredients. One of the most famous is Gandarias, located in the heart of San Sebastiáns Old Town. Here, the bar is a visual feast, with row upon row of pintxos laid out like a colorful tapestry. Each pintxo is a masterpiece, from the bacalao pilpil (cod in garlic sauce) to the txuleta (beef steak), and the atmosphere is lively, with locals and tourists alike jostling for space at the bar. The camaraderie is infectious, and it’s easy to strike up a conversation with the person next to you, sharing stories and recommendations. No exploration of Spanish taverns would be complete without a nod to the cider houses of Asturias and the Basque Country. These traditional establishments, known as sidrerías, are where locals gather to enjoy the region’s famous cider straight from the barrel. In Astigarraga, near San Sebastián, Sidrería Petritegi offers a quintessential cider house experience. The tavern is set in a rustic farmhouse surrounded by apple orchards, and inside, the walls are lined with massive barrels of cider. The ritual of pouring the cider is an event in itself: patrons hold their glasses low and catch the cider as it streams out of the barrel, a technique that aerates the drink and enhances its flavor. The menu is simple but hearty, with dishes like chorizo a la sidra (chorizo cooked in cider) and txuleta, making it the perfect place to experience Basque hospitality at its finest. Finally, in Barcelona, the eclectic mix of traditional and modern is epitomized by Quimet & Quimet, a tiny but iconic bar in the Poble Sec neighborhood. This familyrun establishment has been serving locals since 1914, and its walls are lined with bottles of wine, vermouth, and spirits from around the world. The bar is famous for its montaditos, small openfaced sandwiches topped with everything from smoked salmon and yogurt to foie gras and fig jam. The combination of flavors is a testament to the creativity of Spanish cuisine, and the bustling atmosphere is a reflection of the city’s vibrant energy. Quimet & Quimet is a place where tradition meets innovation, and where every bite is a celebration of the art of tapas.
