Madrid Argüelles And Moncloa

La Taberna de Lieria, C. del Duque de Liria, 9 (☎91 541 45 19; www.latabernadeliria.com), This offbeat restaurant serves up classy Basque food in interesting flavor combinations in an atmosphere that seems like your distant relative's living room. To get a taste of everything, try their preset menu combinations made for two or more people. Wine and cheese tastings as well as lessons in how to cook duck foie gras are offered periodically, so consult their website for a schedule of these tasty exhibitions. Ventura Rodriguez. Walk forward, take the left fork in the road (C. San Bernardino), and walk straight forward. Entrees €15-20. Open daily 10am-2am. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Serves alcohol. Has air conditioning.
El Jardín Secreto, C. de Conde Duque, 2 (☎91 541 80 23), Tucked away in a tiny street close to C. de la Princesa, El Jardín Secreto is Arguelles's best-kept secret. Walk into this eclectic cafe filled with beaded window coverings, wooden ceiling canopies, and crystal-ball table lights to enjoy one of their dozens of coffees, hot chocolates, and snacks. For a real taste of the varied treats Secreto has to offer, try the Chocolate El Jardín served with chocolate Teddy Grahams and dark chocolate at the bottom of your cup (€6) or the George Clooney cocktail with horchata, crème de cocoa, and cointreau (€7.25). Ventura Rodriguez. Walk straight, take the left fork in the road (C. San Bernardino) and walk forward. Coffee and tea €3-6. Cocktails €7.25. Desserts €4.20. Open M-Th 6:30pm-1:30am, F-Sa 6:30pm-2:30am, Su 6:30pm-1:30am. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Serves alcohol. Has air conditioning.
Nebraska, C. de la Princesa, 3 (☎91 542 64 97; www.gruponebraska.com), This chain with eight locations around the city serves up Spanish and American fare such as ham dishes, hamburgers, and steak—we'd say it's close to Tex-Mex, but somehow that seems geographically wrong. Their best deals are the menú del día (€10) or breakfast special that comes with coffee and a churro (€2.10). Plaza de España. Meals €3-12. Open M-Th 8am-11:30pm, F-Sa 8am-1:15am, Su 8am-11:30pm. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Serves alcohol. Has air conditioning.
Cascaras, C. Ventura Rodriguez, 7 (☎91 542 83 36; www.restaurantecascaras.com), With cityscapes decorating the walls, bookshelves filled with novels and ceramic pots, and chic lighting fixtures near the bar, Cascaras walks a fine, friendly line between homey and modern. Come to watch the game on one of the many TVs that are placed throughout the sprawling two-level restaurant, or simply enjoy one of their specialty vegetarian dishes like the pumpkin ravioli with mushroom sauce. Ventura Rodriguez. Walk south down C. de la Princesa and make a right onto Ventura Rodriguez. Meals €5-15. Open M-F 7:30am-1am, Sa-Su 7:30am-2am. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Serves alcohol. Has air conditioning.
Las Cuevas del Duque, C. del Duque de Liria, 9 (☎91 559 50 37; www.cuevasdelduque.galeon.com), With a motto that roughly translates to “the nobility and art of the good eat,” Las Cuevas del Duque features typical Spanish fare as well as unique hunting dishes like boiled deer with mixed vegetables and pickled quail. If you're going with a group, split their tasting menu for a three-course meal to share, a high-quality meat dish, a “fresh and good” fish tasting, dessert, and a regional wine. Ventura Rodriguez. Walk forward, take the left fork in the road (C. San Bernardino), and walk straight. The restaurant will be on a tiny street to your right. Entrees €15-30. Open daily 7-11pm. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Serves alcohol. Has air conditioning.
Kurto al Plato, Serrano Jover, 1 (☎91 758 59 46; www.kultoalplato.com), Described as Basque haute cuisine in miniature, Kurto al Plato is a great place to try designer tapas in a swanky atmosphere. Located right next to the El Corte Ingles department store, Kurto al Plato is your perfect stop for a post-shopping dinner, but make sure your wallet isn't wiped before you order. High black chairs, funky plates, and a colorful chalk drink menu all add to the upscale but slightly offbeat decor. Argüelles‎. Walk straight south down C. de la Princesa. Meals €12-20. Open M-Th 8:30-11:30pm, F-Sa noon-1am, Su 8:30-11:30pm. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Serves alcohol. Has air conditioning.