Madrid Huertas

Kapital, Atocha, 125 (☎91 420 29 06), If you only have one night in Madrid, be sure to make it to Kapital, one of the biggest clubs in Spain (if not the world). With seven different floors of music and a huge variety of drinks to encounter, this sprawling discoteca has something for every party animal—even you, Mom. Don't come too early; the place starts going strong around 2am. 2min. walk up Atocha street from Atocha. Cover €15; includes 1 free drink. Drinks €10-15. Open Th-Sun 11:30pm-5:30am. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Serves alcohol.
Sweet, C. del Doctor Cortezo, 1 Suspended cages, a disco-ball dance floor, and men and women in daring apparel are staples of this hot nightclub. Whips may be confiscated upon entrance. From Anton Martin, walk uphill on Atocha and make a left on C. del Doctor Cortezo. Cover €10-14 cover; includes one drink Open F-Sa 11pm-daybreak. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Serves alcohol.
El Imperfecto, Plaza de Matute, 2 (☎91 366 72 11), Despite the name, this is the perfect place in Huertas to grab dessert or a drink. In most bars it is nicer to drink outside weather permitting, but this bar's intricately decorated interior makes it the exception. With a huge variety of cocktails, try the mojito (€6.50). Coffee, hot chocolate, and other non-alcoholic drinks (€4). From Anton Martin, walk uphill until you reach Plaza de Matitute. Make a right towards C. de las Huertas. It will be on your right. Drinks €4-10. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Serves alcohol.
The Variety Tavern, C. de las Huertas, 63 (☎91 369 10 46; www.varietytavern.com), Wish you could dance like a true Spaniard? On Mondays this tavern offers free dance lessons from 2:30-7:30pm. Incurable case of two left feet? One of the tavern's excellent beers or cocktails (€4-8) could make you feel like your name is Fred Astaire. C. de las Huertas by C. del Fucar. Drinks €3-10. Serves alcohol.
El Secreto de Rita, C. Echegaray , 10 A restaurant and bar with feminine embellishments in the decor (think pink, crystal, and any other look from your little sister's room), El Secreto de Rita is a peaceful venue in the middle of noisy Huertas for a pre-club drink. From Plaza Santa Ana walk north up C. Echegaray toward Puerta el Sol. It will be on your left. Drinks €3-10. Open M-W 6pm-2am, F-Sa 6pm-2:30am Takes credit cards. Serves alcohol.
Dubliners, C. Espoz y Mina, 7 (☎91 522 75 09), Come to this Irish bar for a bucket of beers (€15), a huge screen for sporting events, and a good ol' time. Filled with travelers from all over the world, Dubliners has a fun, international vibe and gets packed and crazy during major sports games. Ever seen grown men from around the world attempt their own drunken rendition of “We are the Champions”? You can even go in for the Dubliners' breakfast (€5.70). From Puerta del Sol walk straight south down C. Espoz y Mina. Bar will be on your left. Drinks €5-10. Open M-Th 11am-3am, F-Sa until 11am-3:30am, Su 11am-3am. Takes credit cards. Serves alcohol. Has air conditioning.
iReal, C. Echegaray, 16 With flashing laser lights, a mixture of Spanish and American pop music, and speedy bartenders, iReal should be on your upcoming playlist. Come here for a drink with friends before going big at one of the nearby discotecas. From Plaza Santa Ana walk straight up C. Echegaray towards Puerta del Sol. Drinks €5-10. Open daily 11pm-3am. Serves alcohol. Has air conditioning.
Midnight Rose, Plaza de Santa Ana , 14. (☎91 701 60 20; midnightrose.es), Feeling elegant? Put on your fancy pants and go to this lounge and restaurant for chic decor and drinks to match. Low lighting, a huge selection of fancy cocktails (€5-15), and a swanky setting make this the perfect place for a sumptuous night out. The view from the rooftop terrace is rumored to be among the most beautiful in Madrid, but you'll have to wait in line to see this beauty. Most prominent building in Plaza Santa Ana (lit purple at night). Cocktail €5-15. Takes credit cards. Does not take credit cards. No wheelchair access. Serves alcohol.
Vinoteca Barbechera, C. del Principe, 27 (☎91 420 04 78; www.vinoteca-barbechera.com/), With tables and chairs made out of beer barrels, Vinoteca Barchechera is a fun place to grab a reasonably priced drink while still enjoying the bustle of Plaza Santa Ana. Part of a chain of wine bars, Vinoteca Barbechera also serves a good range of tapas, including rolls stuffed with chorizo, ham or anchovies, smoked tuna and trout, and a range of desserts. Plaza Santa Ana. Drinks €5-15. Open daily 10am-midnight. Takes credit cards. Serves alcohol.
Viva Madrid, C. de Manuel Fernández y González, 7 (☎91 429 36 40), Students, travelers, artists, and artists who sometimes travel as students come to party in this crowded and noisy bar, decorated in turn-of-the-century decor. It is rumored that during the 1950s, Ava Gardner and the bullfighter Manolete got handsy here—watch out for some perverted Picasso looking to buy you a drink. From Sol, walk towards the museum district on Carrera de San Jeronmino; make a right onto C. de Manuel Fernandez y Gonzalez. Beer €4. Other drinks €6. Open F noon-1am, Sa noon-2am. Serves alcohol.
Sol y Sombra, C. de Echegaray, 18 Friendly bouncers, Spanish disco music, and paper flowers at the entrance make this an exhilarating club to back, back, back it up. Although smaller than most of Madrid's discotecas, the lively vibe makes Sol seem bigger than it is. All the single ladies should come early to get in for free. From Sol, walk towards the museum district on Carrera de San Jeronmino, make a right onto C. de Echegaray. Drinks €10-15. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Serves alcohol.
Sala Stella, Arlabán, 7 (☎91 523 86 54), A local favorite, Sala Stella's '70s disco decor and techno beats make this weekends-only club a stylish all-night spot. Come for the mosaic ceiling tiles, beautiful people, and a packed dance floor. From Sevilla, go south down C. de Cedaceros and make a right on Arlabán. Cover €10-14; includes one drink. Open F-Sa 1am-7am. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Serves alcohol.