La Carmencita

This 'taberna', the second oldest in Madrid, dates back to 1854, and has been frequented by the likes of Federico García Lorca and the rest of the Generation of '27, who shared a glass of vermouth at their social gatherings. Today, having been renovated whilst retaining all the charm of its traditional decor, it offers organic homemade cuisine, and is open from the morning to late into the night. 

The owner, Carlos Zamora, has retained the authentic spirit of the original La Carmencita, with decoration that combines beautiful antique tiles on the walls with tables and frames made from aged wood, and an eye-catching bar made from wood and tin. Its menu, in keeping with the rest of the place, is just as authentic. It contains over 70 offerings that include typical recipes such as Salisbury steak with French fries, fried eggs with chorizo or morcilla sausage, and chicken fricassee, all made using the finest ingredients.  

Although it serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, La Carmencita is at its liveliest at 'Vermouth Time' (la hora del vermut), when this typical beverage is often accompanied by tapas such as tiger prawns, fried squid rings, anchovies from Santoña, and Russian salad.