Today Melissa shares her tips for the best free tapas in Madrid! If you're looking for some delicious—and budget-friendly—food, you're in the right place.
If there's one word that sums up both the reputation and reality of Spanish culinary culture, it's tapas. Tossed around everywhere from the traditional taverns of Madrid to avant-garde eateries in NYC, the concept of tapas is quickly conquering the globe.
In its simplest definition, "tapa" refers to a small portion of food that's often meant to be shared among diners; essentially an appetizer. But dig a little deeper and you'll find there's much more to it.
The first tapas supposedly consisted of slices of bread topped with cured meat or cheese that were used to cover glasses of sherry, in order to keep out flies (appetizing, right?).
Therein lies one of the most important characteristics of truly authentic tapas: they're free. It's customary to serve some type of snack along with each drink ordered in a Spanish bar. Nowadays, however, that usually means a simple bowl of potato chips, olives, or even gummy candies.
The places that keep up the tradition of serving an actual plate of food with every round of drinks are few and far between, especially in big cities, but they do exist.
The culture of free tapas is alive and well in Granada, in the southern region of Andalusia. But even in Madrid, you can find the remnants of this custom—as long as you know where to look.
Where to Find the Best Free Tapas in Madrid
Here's a list of some of the most famous spots for free tapas in Madrid, plus a few local secrets. Go on a self-guided tapas tour of the city and try them all!
1. Tapería La Pequeña Graná
Located just south of the city center in Embajadores, Tapería La Pequeña Graná is a classic Andalusian-style bar where each drink comes with a free tapa of your choice. Its name alludes to the way that Granada locals pronounce the name of their city: Graná, without the final syllable.
Getting to choose your own free tapas is definitely a perk! There are about 20 options, including several vegetarian tapas (which are clearly marked). For an authentic taste of Granada's tapas culture in Madrid, it's well worth heading down to La Pequeña Graná.
Address: Calle de Embajadores, 124
See Also: A Guide to the Most Typical Spanish Tapas in Madrid
2. El Tigre
This is probably the most well-known place to get massive portions of free tapas in Madrid. Located just a couple blocks from the main thoroughfare of Gran Vía, El Tigre draws both tourists and broke college students in droves.
Order a pint of beer for a few euros and you'll be served a heaping plate of croquettes, fried potatoes, pinchos, or even paella. The focus here is certainly quantity over quality—but if you're hungry and on a budget, there's no better place to be.
Address: Calle de las Infantas, 30 / Calle de Hortaleza, 23
See Also: Madrid Tapas Tours
3. El Respiro
Right down the street from El Tigre, this bar has become somewhat of a second-choice spot if its more famous neighbor is full—but it deserves a visit in its own right.
Crispy fried eggs, glistening Padrón peppers, huge slices of sausage, patatas bravas... El Respiro proves that sometimes the simplest pleasures are also the tastiest—and the cheapest.
Address: Calle de las Infantas, 34
4. Entre Cáceres y Badajoz
Far from the touristy madness of Gran Vía, you'll find this traditional spot near Goya where you can have the true tapas experiences.
I went to Entre Cáceres y Badajóz one Saturday afternoon with a group of friends. No sooner had we sat down than the waitress had served us a round of cañas, no questions asked. A few minutes later a giant plate of fried potatoes and chistorra was dropped onto the table without a word—now that's service.
Address: Calle de Don Ramón de la Cruz, 109
See Also: The Top 12 Must-Try Spanish Foods
5. Petisqueira
Order a caña (or two!) at this local favorite and see what they give you de tapa. It could be anything from a mini hamburger to delicious huevos rotos—definitely some of the best free tapas in Madrid.
This popular spot tucked away near the Tribunal metro station is well worth a visit, but keep in mind that it fills up at prime times. Luckily, Petisqueira is one of the larger tapas bars on this list, and a full dinner for under €10 is too good an offer to pass up.
Address: Calle de Churruca, 6
Free Tapas in Madrid FAQs
Most of the time, tapas aren't free in Madrid. You'll likely get a small snack when you order a drink, but if you want a substantial amount of food, you'll need to order it separately—unless you go to one of the few classic bars that still serve delicious tapas for free!
Amazing tapas are absolutely everywhere in Madrid, but I especially love going out for tapas in the historic neighborhood of La Latina. However, if you're looking for free tapas, you'll need to go to one of the spots above, which are scattered across the city.
The most famous city for free tapas in Spain is Granada, although this tradition continues in other Andalusian cities as well. It's much more common in southern Spain, but you can also find great free tapas in cities like Madrid and Barcelona if you know where to look.
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Barry O Leary
Hey,
I can't believe they give away free tapas in Madrid! I've had plenty of free tapas in Granada, been there a few times, but down here in Seville (the king of tapas, supposedly) you'd be lucky to get a free plate of mouldy olives.
When I speak to my suegro, he goes on about the days of free tapas. He actually told me that the reason they are called tapas is because they used to be the lid (tapa) to stop flies going in their beers.
Anyway, thanks for the tips.
Barry O'Leary
Kirstie
I've frequented El Tigre, and I recommend El Respiro as the quieter alternative to anyone I know visiting Madrid, but I didn't know about these others! Hopefully I'll get a chance to return to Madrid for a visit this time next year, so I'll definitely be trying all of these out.