Long lines in Madrid

The viral places people queue for, what to get when you reach the front, how long the wait usually is, and how to beat it. Waits are typical, not live.

11 places in Madrid · by Chef Amazing · updated October 23, 2026
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

1. 1

   Chocolatería San Ginés

   Sol

   Get: Churros with thick hot chocolate

   Churros since 1894, at any hour. Expect: 15 to 30 min, open late. Beat it: go mid-morning.

   Also on the list: Breakfast and sandwiches in Madrid.

   Map · Add to Chef Amazing
2. 2

   Casa Labra

   Classic tapas · Sol

   Get: Cod croquettes and the tajada de bacalao (fried cod)

   A classic tapas bar in Madrid, open since 1860. Expect: a busy bar at aperitivo time. Beat it: go at noon.

   Also on the list: Where locals eat in Madrid.

   Calle de Tetuán, 12, 28013 Madrid · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
3. 3

   El Brillante

   Atocha

   Get: Calamari sandwich

   Madrid's calamari bocadillo. Expect: lines at peak times. Beat it: go mid-afternoon.

   Also on the list: Breakfast and sandwiches in Madrid.

   Pl. del Emperador Carlos V, 8, Madrid · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
4. 4

   La Mallorquina

   Sol

   Get: Napolitana de crema (a cream-filled pastry)

   A Puerta del Sol pastry shop since 1894. Expect: counter crowds. Beat it: go early in the morning.

   Also on the list: Breakfast and sandwiches in Madrid.

   Map · Add to Chef Amazing
5. 5

   Casa Dani

   Salamanca

   Get: Tortilla de patatas, a thick slice

   The tortilla many Madrileños call the city's best, inside the Mercado de la Paz. Expect: lines at breakfast and lunch at the market. Beat it: go at 9am.

   Also on these lists: Breakfast and sandwiches in Madrid, Madrid: what to eat and where, New and hot in Madrid, Where locals eat in Madrid.

   Calle Ayala, 28, Madrid · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
6. 6

   Bar La Campana

   Plaza Mayor

   Get: A bocadillo de calamares (fried squid sandwich)

   Madrid's most famous squid sandwich, just off the Plaza Mayor. Expect: fast, crowded counter. Beat it: go mid-afternoon.

   Calle de Botoneras 6 · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
7. 7

   Casa Revuelta

   La Latina

   Get: A tajada de bacalao (fried salt cod) and a vermouth

   An old tavern known for its fried cod. Expect: 15 to 30 min on Sunday mornings. Beat it: go on a weekday.

   Also on the list: Where locals eat in Madrid.

   Calle de Latoneros 3, 28005 Madrid · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
8. 8

   Chocolatería Los Artesanos 1902

   Sol

   Get: Churros or porras with thick chocolate

   A quieter alternative to San Ginés. Expect: 15 to 30 min on weekends. Beat it: go on a weekday morning.

   Calle de San Martín, 2, 28013 Madrid · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
9. 9

   Docamar

   Quintana

   Get: Patatas bravas with their secret sauce

   The bravas Madrid lines up for, since 1963. Expect: lines on weekends. Beat it: go on a weekday afternoon, or take away a tub of sauce.

   Calle de Alcalá 337 · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
10. 10

    Bodega de La Ardosa

    Malasaña

    Get: The tortilla, salmorejo and a draft beer

    A century-old tavern with one of the city's best tortillas. Expect: standing room only at night. Beat it: go at 6pm.

    Also on the list: Where locals eat in Madrid.

    Map · Add to Chef Amazing
11. 11

    Pez Tortilla

    Malasaña

    Get: Tortilla de patatas with fillings like truffle or bacalao, and a craft beer

    A tortilla bar with lines on Calle del Pez. Expect: 30 to 45 min at night. Beat it: go before 8pm.

    Calle del Pez, 36, Madrid · Map · Add to Chef Amazing