Tronco - Madrid

I don 't write many 'bad reviews '. Certainly not of bars in Spain, which I frequent enough. Arrive at the bar and ask for a 'cana ', happy enough to sit and dr... read more I don 't write many 'bad reviews '. Certainly not of bars in Spain, which I frequent enough. Arrive at the bar and ask for a 'cana ', happy enough to sit and drink, no standing at the bar allowed it seems. Hustled by the barman to choose 'raciones o Una tapa? ' Look up at the list of pictograms for 'guirri ' like me and ask for some 'albondigas '. Only then I see underneath 8.50 euros....oh, well thinks I thinks it 's Madrid they must be good. Ring of the microwave bell, signalled the arrival of a miniscule portion of reheated, fresh out of the pouch, supermarket 'meatballs ' without request a tiny morsel of day old 'pan ' was tossed on the table. I chewed on the greasy, barely edible congealed mass, and chided myself on the fact, there 's 'one born every minute '.. I tried to enhance the taste by prolonging my consumption of the 'cerveza de barril ' but it was more like the size of 'quinto ' than that of any 'cana ' I 'd ordered before. I finished, and decided I would 'fly ' off before he could 'strangle ' me any more. Cuanto vale? Trece.... Trece euros? I looked at him, with an incredulous smile and decided to go full 'berlitz ' language class 1.01 bars and restaurants... Cuanto vale, Una Cana? 'Tres euros ' replies my esteemed genial host... 'entonces, es 11.50 euros ' replies myself, proud of both my Spanish and my maths.... Pan, un euro cincuenta! replies Robin Barsted.... I smack down the 1 and two euro bits on to the zinc bar top, (dirty and greasy) and ride off into the sunset.... I 've now woken up with indigestion, I wonder why, can 't have been the beer....

Accidentally ran into this place near our Ibis Hotel. Early for dinner I motioned through the window if they were open. Happily the barman waved us in. We spent... read more Accidentally ran into this place near our Ibis Hotel. Early for dinner I motioned through the window if they were open. Happily the barman waved us in. We spent too much time there sampling wine and accompanying tapas complimentary and paid) Before we knew it we realized that this was dinner and we had passed a fun couple of hours. The tasty dishes were amazing, the wines and vermouth were special. This was a memorable evening in a charming place. I love Madrid thanks to places like this!

We were looking for a good dinner spot before our show at Cardamomo Flamenco Show. This tapas bar/restaurant was right next to it. At first we were hesitant, bu... read more We were looking for a good dinner spot before our show at Cardamomo Flamenco Show. This tapas bar/restaurant was right next to it. At first we were hesitant, but we decided to try out this little hidden gem. Thank goodness we did. There were many locals and it looked like a small family owned restaurant. The staff was great and the owner was just so charming. We ordered the omelette tapas which seemed like the most popular dish among the locals. It was just so good, I wish I had another piece now! The wine was cheap and we got a hefty amount. The food was so authentic and it was such a charming little spot. I highly recommend for everyone around the area!

I came here because a dear friend is a regular customer. I'm going now even if my friend isn't. the trunk is this place that you can go for coffee or a vinito,... read more I came here because a dear friend is a regular customer. I'm going now even if my friend isn't. the trunk is this place that you can go for coffee or a vinito, and tapas of the verdah. The atmosphere is from the locals who go through to do the same thing and that gives you the vibration you are from the neighborhood.