Madrid El Centro: Sol, Ópera, And Plaza Mayor

Food in El Centro tends to be on the pricey side, as the area is rampant with tourists. If you're sitting outside on the terrace, just grab a seat and the waiter will come to you. Many places will charge you for table bread, so don't touch it if you don't want to pinch pennies. Most restaurants in El Centro don't provide free water, either, but will instead bring you their most expensive bottled mineral water with a fine vintage year—so stick to the house wine or explicitly ask for beverage prices. If you go down a winding cobblestone street, you're bound to find a hole-in-the-wall restaurant with more reasonable prices. For those on an even tighter food budget, a nice alternative to eating out is to go to a local grocery store such as Dia% or Carrefour or a small shop labeled alimentaciones to buy sandwich fixings and fruit for a bargain. You'll find even better bargains at the Plaza de San Miguel marketplace (see Markets, p. 59).

El Anciano Rey de los Vinos, C. de Bailén, 19 (☎91 559 53 32; www.elancianoreydelosvinos.es), Right across the street from the Catedral de la Almudena, this is the perfect place to relax after a tour of the cathedral or Palacio Real. Sit outside on the terrace and sip an afternoon drink (€3.50). Try the Tinto de Verano, a refreshing wine-based drink similar to sangria. El Anciano offers canapés (€6.50), salads (€10-15), a variety of tapas (€6-13), and sandwiches (€6) that all can be topped off with dessert (€5). Walk across the C. de Bailén from the Catedral de la Almudena. Open daily 10am-midnight. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Serves alcohol. Has air conditioning.
El Madrono, Plaza Puerta Cerrada, 7 (☎91 364 56 29), Steps away from Plaza Mayor, El Madrono provides traditional Spanish fare. Split the special of four tapas and a main course (€16.50) between two, but buy your own cocktail (€2-5). Entrees (€10-20) are also big enough to be shared. If there's a wait, try the sangria at the bar. Make sure to order the Meatballs of the Grandmother, and go next door for mindblowing gelato. Right by the main entrance to the Plaza Mayor. El Madrono's green paint and Spanish murals make it stand out. Entrees €10-20. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Has outdoor seating.
Chocolatería San Ginés, Plaza de San Ginés, 5 (☎91 366 54 31), An absolute late-night must for clubbers and early risers, this chocolatería is famous for its classic chocolate con churros (€4). After dancing off just as many calories, come here around 5 or 6am to cap your night off with a sweet treat. From Puerta Del Sol, walk down C. Arenal until you get to Joy nightclub. It will be tucked in the tiny Plaza de San Ginés. Chocolates from €4. Open 24hr. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Serves alcohol. Has air conditioning.
Restaurante Sabatini, C. Bailén, 15 (☎91 547 92 40), Restaurante Sabatini's motto, “Disfruta como un rey,” or where you can “eat like a king” is appropriate, as it is located directly across the street from Madrid's famous royal palace. Get the gelato before walking through the palace gardens, or get their menu of the day (€9.50). Tapas run around €3.60 and raciones calientes, or hot dishes, are €8. Directly across C. Bailen from the Palacio Real. Tapas €3-12. Open daily 7:30am-11:30pm. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Serves alcohol. Has air conditioning.
Cervecería la plaza, Plaza de San Miguel, 3 (☎91 548 41 11), Locals and tourists come here to get relatively cheap tapas and entrees (under €10) to go with their cerveza. Hugely popular, Cervecería la Plaza has two locations, one in the Plaza de San Miguel and one in Plaza de Santa Ana. Both with packed outdoor terraces shaded by large umbrellas to protect against intense sun, they offer lively atmospheres with generous portions. From the Palacio Real, walk down C. Mayor toward Puerta del Sol. Plaza de San Miguel will be on your right. Beers €3. Entrees and tapas under €10. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Serves alcohol. Has air conditioning.
Faborit, Alcalá 21 (www.faborit.com), The Starbucks of Spain, Faborit is near almost every major tourist site in Madrid. Their shakerettes, or fresh juice mixes, are delicious. Try the orange and strawberry juice mix or go for a frappe iced coffee drink. Buy a medium (€3.25) and large drink (€4.25), and enjoy the modern furniture and young cool vibe. If you can't wait for your next meal, grab a dessert or sandwich (€5). Sol. Walk down Alalá. It will be on your left next to Starbucks. Most locations offer free Wi-Fi. Juices, desserts, and sandwiches €3-6. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Has internet. Serves alcohol. Has air conditioning.
Dehesa Santa Maria, C. Mayor, 88 (☎93 367 00 52; www.dehesasantamaria.com), This chain restaurant with locations throughout Madrid features traditional Spanish tapas such as Tapa de Tortilla Rellena Con Jamon, a mini tortilla pastry with ham. It's also known for its meats and cheeses, so try the Ibéricos y Quesos. If you're in the mood for just a snack, go for the special—beer and a tapa for €1. At the corner of C. de Bailén and C. Mayor. Tapas €3-12. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Serves alcohol. Has air conditioning. Has outdoor seating.