After all the food at La Latina, what's better than more drinks and more tapas!!Next stop Plaza Santa Ana, a great start to Madrid's evenings. The Madrileños will often start arriving to this area around 11pm on Friday's and Saturday's. Located just off Puerta del Sol and situated in an older barrio of Madrid; it is a pleasant square surrounded by culture and nightlife. Nearby a couple of streets away in Calle Cervantes, you'll be able to see the house where Miguel de Cervantes (writer of Don Quixote) lived. The square was originally the site of the Convent of Santa Ana, founded in 1586 but José Bonaparte (Napoleon's brother), in 1810 demolished the whole structure. In 1848, the Plaza was created. On its east side, sits Teatro Español, whose origins go back to 1583 (rebuilt in 1807 due to a fire); whereby Spain's most important writers have seen their works acted out on stage. To the west, you'll be able to see Reina Victoria Hotel built in 1916, a must for some cocktails at the rooftop bar. You'll notice 2 statues in the square that pays tribute to two great Spanish personalities, Pedro Calderón de la Barca (1600 - 1681), the famous Spanish playwright and Federico García Lorca (1898 - 1936), poet and dramatist, killed by the Nationalists during the Spanish Civil War.
A few streets away is Calle de Las Huertas (Calle Huertas), a pedestrian street with dual personality. During the day, the streets are lined with distinguished antique shops, famous restaurants and several bookshops. Around Calle Huertas, you'll be transported back to the Golden Age, Gongora, Cervantes, Quevado and Lope de Vega who used to reside here. At night, the street's nightlife scene is sought after by the visitors and locals alike. Regardless of time, Calle Huertas retains the charm of old Madrid yet very much present.
Cocktail Recipe #3
Sidecar - Mix Cointreau (1 part), lemon juice (2 parts), Brandy (8 parts) and cracked ice in a shaker. Strain into a glass with sugar coated rim (optional)
Worth noting:
La Casa del Abuelo, Calle Victoria 12 - Enjoy sweet wines rich in history (circa 1906)
El Diario, Calle Huertas 69 - Great place, nice food & good price
Vinoteca Barbechera, Calle del Principe 27 - Another extensive wine bar (300 wines) and inexpensive
Taberna de Delores, Plaza de Jesús 4 - Not too bad
El Cervantes, Plaza de Jesús 7 - I think it's overrated but I do like the octopus and bacalau here. Worth a quick stop
Populart, Calle Huertas 22 - All that Jazz!
La Boca del Lobo, Calle de Echegaray 11 - Local live music on weekdays
What is in a number? 0%, 27.5%, 52%, 74% or 100% Is it that important?
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