{"id":12237,"date":"2020-09-22T13:20:41","date_gmt":"2020-09-22T11:20:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/madridfoodtour.com\/?p=12237"},"modified":"2020-09-22T13:20:41","modified_gmt":"2020-09-22T11:20:41","slug":"madrid-small-businesses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/dev.devourtours.com\/blog\/madrid-small-businesses\/","title":{"rendered":"58 Small Businesses in Madrid You Can Support Right Now"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Our co-founder James noticed an interesting, if sad, phenomenon upon heading out into central Madrid to film a recent video<\/a>. Some of the most iconic parts of the city that are normally bustling with life\u2014Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor among them\u2014are eerily empty these days. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The reason? Tourism has dropped dramatically in Madrid, even after the nationwide lockdown ended in spring 2020. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Many of our favorite Madrid small businesses, especially those in the city center, depend heavily on tourism to stay afloat. If these kinds of places were to close, a part of Madrid’s heart and soul would disappear with each one. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This guide is a resource for anyone living in Madrid who wants to help support these Madrid small businesses during this rough patch. Compiled by Devour Tours co-founders James and Lauren and featuring suggestions from even more of our Madrid-based guides and friends, it’s full of the kinds of places that make Madrid the thriving, vibrant, passionate city we know and love. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Don’t live in Madrid? We’ve got you covered\u2014many of the small businesses listed here also ship their products worldwide. <\/p>\n\n\n This century-old pastry shop<\/a> sits right on the Puerta del Sol and could easily be a tourist trap. But instead, it\u2019s home to some of the city\u2019s most delightful classic pastries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Their most famous are the napolitanas<\/em>\u2014a sort of pain au chocolat\u2014that comes filled with (you guessed it) delicious chocolate. They also have a crema<\/em> (pastry cream) version that\u2019s equally delicious. If you\u2019re craving Spanish pastries for a snack, get together, or special occasion, this is your place, and they even have an online shop with delivery throughout Spain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n As the holidays approach, Casa Labra<\/a> usually crowds with people. Though this year will be different, they are still one of the best places in Madrid for traditional salt cod fritters and salt cod croquettes. You can quickly order their specialties, which are among Madrid\u2019s best street foods, to go. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Located only steps away from the Puerta del Sol, next time you\u2019re in the area, grab something to go from Casa Labra and support the hard-working people who run a piece of Madrid\u2019s history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n We visit Casa Labra on our <\/em>Tapas, Taverns & History Tour<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For a quick bite on the go, nothing ever beats a calamari sandwich at La Campana (Calle de Botoneras, 6<\/em>). One of Madrid\u2019s most famous places for this signature dish, you don\u2019t even have to go inside to order, making it a perfect bite to grab and go. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We visit La Campana on our <\/em>Ultimate Spanish Cuisine Tour<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the hallmarks of a great classic Madrid tapas bar is that it specializes in one thing. And Mes\u00f3n del Champi\u00f1\u00f3n<\/a> takes this rule seriously. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s run by Francisco, whose uncle started the bar. And as the name suggests, they\u2019re famous for one thing: champi\u00f1ones<\/em>, or mushrooms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Even mushroom-haters have been converted by this place, thanks to their special mushroom tapa recipe that combines button mushrooms with chorizo, garlic, parsley and lemon juice. If you don\u2019t eat meat, they\u2019ll make you a version without the chorizo. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Top Tip: <\/strong>If you want to order another dish, grab a plate of flash-fried pimientos de padr\u00f3n<\/em>\u2014these guys know how to cook them to perfection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We visit Mes\u00f3n del Champi\u00f1\u00f3n on our <\/em>Tapas, Taverns & History Tour<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s survived hundreds of years and a civil war\u2014let\u2019s not let COVID get the best of Bot\u00edn<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Officially the world\u2019s oldest restaurant (according to the Guinness Book of World Records), Bot\u00edn was founded in 1725 and has been open ever since. It\u2019s famous for the traditional food of this area, and especially for their suckling pig from their wood fired ovens. If you want to feel as if you\u2019ve traveled back in time, head here for a meal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We visit Bot\u00edn on our <\/em>Prado Museum Tour + VIP Bot\u00edn Lunch experience<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Founded in 1855, El Riojano<\/a> is one of Madrid\u2019s most famous and classic pastry shops. Worth going to for the incredible decor alone, their sprawling tea room<\/a> is an easy place to enjoy a treat while also social distancing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Their famous soletilla<\/em> cookies with a piping hot mug of chocolate caliente are what I order. If you call, they\u2019re happy to deliver their cakes and pastries to you. Pastry chef Roberto makes everything fresh daily, on-site. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We visit El Riojano on our <\/em>Ultimate Spanish Cuisine Tour<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This classic Madrid tavern<\/a> is a local icon. It\u2019s been in the same family since opening in 1906, and they\u2019re famous for one dish: gambas al ajillo<\/em>, i.e. delicious garlicky shrimp. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They whip up the famous gambas<\/em> right before your eyes in the tiny \u201ckitchen\u201d in a corner of the bar (true old-school Madrid style), and the famous dish is best paired with their own sweet red wine. So when you\u2019re heading to central Madrid for a classic tapas crawl, make sure La Casa del Abuelo is on your list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Top Tip: <\/strong>They\u2019ve opened a couple of extra tapas bars in the area because their original bar is so small. But if you want the true Abuelo experience, make sure you go to the original at Calle Victoria, 12.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We visit La Casa del Abuelo on our <\/em>Tapas, Taverns & History Tour<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Want to see how La Casa del Abuelo’s legendary gambas al ajillo<\/em> come to life? Check out the video below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n They don\u2019t make \u2018em like they used to! Casa Toni<\/a> is one of the few classic Madrid bars left in the center that is increasingly filled with chains or tourist traps. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Like in every true-blue Madrid tasca<\/em>, all the food is simply and quickly prepared on the grill behind the bar. And there\u2019s always a great mix of die-hard local fans and tourists. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Try their mushrooms (champi\u00f1ones<\/em>) and patatas bravas<\/em> (with a homemade sauce and the potatoes double-fried, as good bravas must be). Pair them with a glass of simple red\u2014the wine list is short and perfect for this kind of rib-sticking rustic food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Top Tip: <\/strong> If you\u2019re feeling adventurous, order the famous grilled, garlicky mollejas<\/em> (sweetbreads). What are they? All you need to know is that Madrid has a strong tradition of so-called organ meats. Trust us\u2014you won\u2019t regret it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We visit Casa Toni on our <\/em>Tapas, Taverns & History Tour<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of Madrid\u2019s best wine bars<\/a>, Angelita<\/a> is run by brothers Mario and David. If you\u2019re craving a great glass of wine or special meal out, it\u2019s the perfect place to make a reservation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Angelita team can help you choose the perfect wine (they have over twenty by the glass!), and if you prefer craft beer or cocktails they have a fantastic American-style cocktail lounge in the basement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We visit Angelita on our <\/em>Gourmet Tapas & Wine Tasting Tour<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the Madrid craft beer<\/a> pioneers and still one of the city center\u2019s only microbreweries, come to F\u00e1brica Maravillas<\/a> for a quick ca\u00f1a<\/em> or grab some of their brews to go. If you live close by, they\u2019ll also do their best to deliver. They started offering this service during the lockdown to make sure everyone had good beer!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t miss this Israeli restaurant<\/a> in the Chueca neighborhood that opened in 2020. It\u2019s super authentic and has fresh, bright flavors in all of its dishes. Try one of the delicious hummus dishes (a favorite is the classic that comes with pillowy soft fresh pita) and the shakshuka. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They give out free shots after your meal too\u2014so it feels like a party!<\/p>\n\n\n\n This tip comes from Tamara, bagel expert and owner of the popular <\/em>Maz\u00e1l Bagels & Caf\u00e9<\/em><\/a> (more on this later!). <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Located inside the wonderful Mercado Barcel\u00f3, this place<\/a> is the epitome of market cuisine. It does a fabulous men\u00fa de degustaci\u00f3n<\/em> (tasting menu) for only \u20ac35 based on products from the market itself. You can\u2019t beat that!<\/p>\n\n\n\n This tip comes from Joy, Madrid expert tour guide and the foodie behind <\/em>@joyofmadrid<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n For delicious coffee, brunch and cakes in Malasa\u00f1a, don\u2019t miss HanSo Caf\u00e9<\/a>. Run by husband and wife team Nicho and Eva, they serve amazing specialty coffee, fusion food, and pastries with an Asian touch. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re lucky, Eva might have made their matcha roll filled with white chocolate and macadamia nuts when you go. If so, don\u2019t even think\u2014order it! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Madrid\u2019s veteran quality coffee shop, Toma Caf\u00e9<\/a> was able to start shipping their award-winning coffee worldwide during the quarantine, surely getting many people through the long days inside! This is the perfect place to enjoy a great coffee, or a snack\u2014their baked goods and savory sandwiches are excellent. Don\u2019t miss the grilled cheese!<\/p>\n\n\n\n SEE ALSO<\/em><\/strong>: How to Order Coffee in Spain Like You Know What You’re Doing<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n This tiny shop<\/a> hidden away in the Conde Duque neighborhood is a must for sweet lovers. The owner, Jos\u00e9 Manuel, fell in love with eclairs in Paris, and decided to bring the famous pastry to Madrid. Thank goodness he did! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Today, he offers flavors like passion fruit, hazelnut, raspberry and lemon merengue, just to name a few. You can order a big box, perfect for a picnic or any special occasion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Madrid\u2019s best cheese shop<\/a> got creative throughout the lockdown by offering cheese boxes that can be shipped anywhere in Spain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They have a variety of boxes available, but the best are their small producer boxes. Since a lot of these cheesemakers rely on restaurants to buy their cheeses, they\u2019re in big trouble right now. By selling the small producer boxes, Queser\u00eda Cultivo hopes to keep these small businesses going (and their own as well!). <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you prefer to shop in person, they have two stores in Madrid. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For excellent coffee, brunch, and baked goods, check out Misi\u00f3n Caf\u00e9<\/a> located right behind Gran V\u00eda in the Conde Duque neighborhood. You can take your coffee to go, or stock up on their excellent coffee to make it at home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Yolanda used to work as an architect before realizing that her true passion is wine. When she opened De Vinos<\/a> just under 10 years ago, she was more of a wine lover than a wine expert. But over the years she\u2019s perfected her craft, and turned De Vinos into one of Madrid\u2019s coziest specialty wine bars, and really popular with the local crowd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Swing by for a glass of wine and charcuterie board if you\u2019re in the area. They have vino<\/em> from across Spain (beyond the typical Rioja and Ribera combo), as well as international options. Beyond cheese and meats, they also have a simple tapas menu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Naji Alasil opened Naji Specialty Coffee<\/a> only a month before we went into lockdown. But that hasn\u2019t stopped people from heading out to try his famous pistachio latte. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Naji comes from Iraq, where pistachios are an important part of the local diet. He wanted to create a drink that celebrates the pistachio, and he did just that. His coffees, toasts, and cakes are delicious, too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This tiny Thai fusion takeaway restaurant<\/a> is located in the heart of the Chamber\u00ed neighborhood<\/a>. It\u2019s without a doubt one of the best takeout spots in the city.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gingerboy has recently started offering delivery exclusively through their own website (presumably to cut out the middleman and their high fees), so please do support them with an order next time you\u2019re craving pad thai. And don\u2019t miss their famous desserts, too! <\/p>\n\n\n\n One of Madrid\u2019s best Neapolitan-style pizza joints, these guys<\/a> have been creative in trying to make it through the slow months of the pandemic. They offer pizza and \u201cpasta kits\u201d to go, and you can order<\/a> straight from their website. For the pasta kits, they send you ingredients and instructions so that you can prepare restaurant-quality pasta from the comfort of your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hidden away in the Chamber\u00ed neighborhood is La Colectiva Caf\u00e9<\/a>, a specialty coffee shop and vegan caf\u00e9. They have the best chai latte in town, and a tempting array of pastries, toasts, sandwiches, and soups that change daily. All of their food and drinks can be prepared to go, and their downstairs area is spacious if you want to eat in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Le Qualit\u00e8 Tasca<\/a> is an intimate, cozy escape along the lively Ponzano strip. Owners Marcos and Mar\u00eda take great pride in local Spanish products, only working with small artisanal vendors, producers and vineyards from right here within Spain. Their ever-changing seasonal menu features fresh quality ingredients and traditional Spanish flavors that bring \u201ccari\u00f1o<\/em>\u201d [or love] from their kitchen to your table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t miss: <\/strong>Costilla de vaca.<\/em> Slowly cooked for hours, this meat is fall-off-the-bone delicious. Another great pick are the tacos de morcilla de Le\u00f3n<\/em>, and save room for dessert in the form of the baked cheesecake featuring cheese from family-owned Queixos Castelo<\/a>. To drink, go with a gin Lollipop, a cocktail made with Lollipop gin and hibiscus flavored tonic water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This tip comes from Lauren, a food lover and Madrid-based <\/em>moving abroad life coach<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Owned by Tamara and Luis, at Maz\u00e1l<\/a> you\u2019ll find Madrid\u2019s most authentic NY-style bagels, boiled and baked fresh daily. You can support them by ordering their fresh bagels to take away, as well as sandwiches, brunch options, and homemade cakes. Everything is baked fresh every day!<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the most famous places for tortilla in all of Madrid, Casa Dani<\/a> is located in the Mercado de la Paz in the Salamanca neighborhood. Their incredible tortilla and excellent men\u00fa del d\u00eda<\/em> are worth heading out for\u2014but if you prefer to enjoy their food from home, you can order to go. They deliver within five kilometers of the bar with Glovo, UberEats and Deliveroo. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This delicious Iranian restaurant<\/a> serves market-fresh food out of their restaurant near Manuel Becerra. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A popular spot pre-COVID, it\u2019s now essential to reserve if you want to eat in. But they also do their dishes to go, and have even adapted and put themselves on some delivery apps such as Deliveroo. Don\u2019t miss their meatballs in a saffron tomato sauce if they have them when you go!<\/p>\n\n\n\n This classic Madrid tavern, painted bright red and located steps away from the Royal Palace, could easily be a tourist trap\u2014but don\u2019t be fooled! <\/p>\n\n\n\n El Anciano Rey de los Vinos<\/a> is run by Bel\u00e9n, who took it over from her father\u2014who had worked there since he was only 15! Bel\u00e9n has given the ancient tavern a slightly modern twist, with some delicious tapas like their famous oxtail fritter, the \u201cregalito de rabo de toro<\/em>.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n They also have a great terrace if you prefer to eat outside\u2014just make sure to call and reserve. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We visit El Anciano Rey de los Vinos on our <\/em>Ultimate Spanish Cuisine Tour<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This<\/a> roasted chicken institution located in the Principe Pio area (close to the Royal Palace) is a great option for lunch any day of the week. You can order their famous chicken to go (don\u2019t forget to add in a tortilla and some chorizo, too) or eat in at their rooftop terrace in the fresh air. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you go, a bottle of Asturian cider and a hunk of Cabrales blue cheese is non-negotiable. These guys have been here since 1888, so let\u2019s make sure they stay alive and well a lot longer!<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of Madrid\u2019s bread temples, Obrador San Francisco<\/a> is a place worth visiting to stock up on all your bread needs. If you have the freezer space, their classic sourdough loaf freezes well, and if you go on a Friday don\u2019t miss their spicy bread (go early or it sells out). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Luke Darracott and Roque Madrid are self-professed wine lovers who run one of Madrid\u2019s best wine shops<\/a>. Their mission is to share the stories behind every bottle, and they do that through their curated selection of Spanish wines, their in-person and virtual wine tastings, and, recently, their wine boxes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can visit them in person in Madrid\u2019s La Latina neighborhood, or get in touch about ordering a box of Spanish wines. They ship throughout Spain (for free!). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nowadays, Cava Baja is the<\/em> street to hit for a serious tapas crawl. But back in 1992, before this street was lined with tapas bars, there was one place the locals loved to come for a quiet drink and tasty tapas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n D\u00edaz y Larrouy (Calle Cava Baja, 6<\/em>) kicked off the Cava Baja craze along with a few other spots and continues to serve an excellent range of wines by the glass, as well as fantastic tostas<\/em> (delicious things on bread). If you\u2019re missing a good old Madrid-style tapeo<\/em>, swing by and pull up a pew at the low-slung bar. It\u2019s happily also one of the few places in Madrid that does cava by the glass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Top Tip:<\/strong> Try the tosta de sobrasada <\/em>(a soft pork sausage from the Balearic Islands), or they also do a delicious one with melted goat cheese. Or just ditch the bread and get a plate of cured meats and cheese to accompany your big glass of red.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s La Latina, and then there\u2019s DEEP La Latina. Casa Gerardo<\/a> lands very definitely in the second group. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The big clay vats down the back attest to the fact that it was once a bodega,<\/em> or bulk wine shop, but has since morphed into one of Madrid\u2019s coziest little tapas bars. Their menu varies, but those who know come here for the cheese and the wine. They have a fabulously stinky selection of Spanish and madrile\u00f1o<\/em> cheeses out the front, and a very long cheese menu if you\u2019re not comfortable just pointing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Swing by here if you\u2019d like to discover the quieter, more local side of La Latina. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Casa Dani<\/a> isn\u2019t quite as famous as its neighbor Casa Gerardo, and it\u2019s certainly more low key. But it\u2019s the kind of place that reminds of Madrid\u2019s roots: a simple, spartan tapas bar, with a white-aproned man serving ca\u00f1as<\/em> and a sweaty leg of cured ham hanging from a hook on the wall. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So if you want to experience true, old-school Madrid, this is your tapas hangout. Dinner may simply consist of a plate of fine jam\u00f3n<\/em>, a serious cured sheep cheese from La Mancha and a big juicy tomato sliced up and drizzled with olive oil. But what a dinner!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some bars truly do stand the test of time. And Caracoles<\/a>, aka Casa Amadeo, is one of them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Amadeo is a silver-haired, silver-tongued trooper who landed in Madrid from the countryside in 1939, and has spent the last 80 years working in taverns in Madrid\u2019s Rastro flea market<\/a>. He\u2019s famous for making Madrid\u2019s best caracoles<\/em>, or snails, as well as a range of other old-school dishes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Even if you\u2019re not a fan of snails, the spicy sauce served with this dish of juicy mollusks is perfect for dipping your bread in. Or if that\u2019s still a stretch, just swing by for a vermouth and stand in this glorious bar that hasn\u2019t changed much in half a century. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While you can swing by the bar, they\u2019re also doing takeaway food which you can order via their website. So ditch the pizza\u2014order a serving of snails!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n
Sol<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Pasteler\u00eda La Mallorquina<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Casa Labra<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. La Campana<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Mes\u00f3n del Champi\u00f1\u00f3n<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Bot\u00edn<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. El Riojano<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7. La Casa del Abuelo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
8. Casa Toni<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Chueca<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
9. Angelita<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
10. F\u00e1brica Maravillas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
11. Barganzo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
12. Bichopalo Restaurant<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Malasa\u00f1a & Conde Duque<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
13. HanSo Cafe<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
14. Toma Caf\u00e9<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
15. Eclair Madrid<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
16. Queser\u00eda Cultivo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
17 Misi\u00f3n Caf\u00e9<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
18. De Vinos<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Chamber\u00ed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
19. Naji Specialty Coffee<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
20. Gingerboy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
21. Fratelli Figurato<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
22. La Colectiva Cafe<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
23. Le Qualit\u00e8 Tasca<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
24. Maz\u00e1l Bagels & Caf\u00e9<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Salamanca & Goya<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
25. Casa Dani<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
26. Banibanoo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Royal Palace & Casa de Campo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
27. El Anciano Rey de los Vinos<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
28. Casa Mingo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
La Latina<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
29. Obrador San Francisco<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
30. Madrid & Darracott<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
31. D\u00edaz y Larrouy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
32. Casa Gerardo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
33. Vinos 11 Casa Dani<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
34. Caracoles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ant\u00f3n Mart\u00edn\/Tirso de Molina<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
35. Badila<\/h3>\n\n\n\n