Madrid La Latina And Lavapiés

Shoko, C. de Toledo, 86 (☎91 354 16 91; www.shokomadrid.com), With massive “bamboo” shoots that reach to the ceiling, a huge stage featuring internationally acclaimed acts, and a swanky VIP section Let's Go wishes it could live in, Shoko is an Oriental-inspired discoteca that follows the rules of Feng Shui and breaks any rules against a good time. La Latina. Head straight south down C. de Toledo. Cover €10-15. Open daily 11:30pm-late. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Serves alcohol.
Casa Lucas, Cava Baja, 30 (☎91 365 08 04; www.casalucas.es), The inviting orange walls, paintings, and corked wine bottles create a friendly vibe, and once you've opened that wine bottle, you'll never want to leave this mellow, comfortable casa. Casa Lucas is a comfortable place to grab a glass of wine. Calmer than some of La Latina's rowdy options, Casa Lucas also has tapas and raciones—just pay attention to the prices, as some expensive raciones can turn into a brutal bill. La Latina. Walk west down Plaza de la Cebada. Make a right onto C. de Humilladero and continue right on Cava Baja. Open daily 8:30pm-midnight. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Serves alcohol. Has outdoor seating.
Angelika Cocktail Bar, C. Cava Baja, 24 (☎91 364 55 31; www.angelika.es), Come to this sleek cocktail bar for a classy cocktail in an all-white lounge. Glowing purple lights and well-dressed patrons add to this ultra-cool environment that actually rents DVDs. We can't decide if this is the drunkest Blockbuster or the most cinema-friendly bar in Madrid. La Latina. Walk west down Plaza de la Cebada. Make a right onto C. de Humilladero and continue right on Cava Baja. Cocktails €5-10. Open daily 3pm-1am. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Serves alcohol. Has outdoor seating.
El Bonanno, Plaza del Humilladero, 4 (☎91 366 68 86; www.elbonanno.com), Located at the southern end of hoppin' Cava Baja, El Bonanno is a fun place to grab a beer or cocktail before heading out to a discoteca. With no real place to sit, patrons sip their drinks standing up in this lively bar. La Latina. Walk east toward Plaza del Humilladero. If you've reached Igl. S. Andrés, you've gone too far. Cocktails €3-10. Open daily 12:30pm-2:30am. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Serves alcohol. Has outdoor seating.
La Perejila, C. Cava Baja, 25 (☎91 364 28 55), This place immediately stands out because of the live parakeets out front. The tropical theme continues inside with green walls, fake shrubbery, and quirky knick-knacks that make this feel like a themed restaurant at an amusement park. Come to see the eclectic decor, stay for a taste of their homemade tapas, and spend the night for cerveza and sangria. La Latina. Walk west down Plaza de la Cebada. Make a right onto C. de Humilladero, and continue right on Cava Baja. Cocktails €5-10. Open daily 1-4pm and 8:15pm-12:30am. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Serves alcohol. Has outdoor seating.
Aroca XI, Plaza de los Carros (☎91 366 54 75; www.grupoaroca.com), Quieter than many of the bar options on nearby Cava Baja, Aroca XI provides a nice restaurant and bar for conversation and cocktails before a big night on the town. High metal chairs, candlelight, and friendly service make for a posh start to your evening. La Latina. Walk west down C. de Humilladero until you see Igl. S. Andres on your right. As you face the church, Aroca XI will be on your left. Entrees €5-15. Cocktails €6-8. Open daily noon-midnight. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Serves alcohol. Has outdoor seating.