Madrid Chueca

KIYO, C. de Barbieri, 15 (☎91 522 01 82), This lime green bar stands out even in the eclectic Chueca district. Come in for their signature kiwi cocktail drink made with fresh crushed kiwi, vodka, and sake (€7) served by bartenders passionate about this newly opened spot—just don't be surprised when pop like Lady Gaga is blasting on replay. Chueca. Walk straight south down C. Barbieri towards Gran Vía. Discoteca will be on your right. Cocktails €5-9. Open daily 9pm-3am. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Serves alcohol.
EL51, C. de Hortaleza, 51 With white leather chairs and purple underlighting, EL51 is steps away from some of Chueca's best nightclubs, and a good stop for classy cocktails and conversation before going out. Get two for one cocktails until 1am. Chueca. Make a right on C. Augusto Figuroa, then a right onto C. de Hortaleza. Cocktails €8-10. Open daily 6pm-3am. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Serves alcohol. Has air conditioning.
Areia, C. de Hortaleza, 92 (☎91 310 03 07; www.areiachillout.com), With crimson drapes, wood benches, and embroidered pillows and couches, this Moroccan-themed cocktail bar is a romantic place for drinks with a date. Try a margarita or martini served in fancy glassware with fresh fruit. Chueca. Make a right onto C. Augusto Figuroa, then a right on C. de Hortaleza; bar will be on your right. Cocktails €6-9. Open daily 1pm-3am. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Serves alcohol.
Short Bus, C. Pelayo, 45 The motto of this funky bar is “open your mind and everything else,” and we're sure they mean just about everything. With questionable cartoons on the walls and bright colors everywhere, this is a haven for the weird and wonderful. Chueca. Walk straight north up C. Pelayo; bar will be on your left. Cocktails €5-10. Open daily 11am-2pm and 9pm-3am. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Serves alcohol.
Long Play, Plaza de Vázquez de Mella, 2 (☎91 532 20 66), The DJ at Long Play spins upbeat Lady Gaga, Rihanna, and Spanish pop that gets the packed dance floor moving. Most clubgoers are gay, but great jams and a lively atmosphere make it a fun time for everyone. Go to the upstairs bar for a break from sweaty dancing. Gran Vía. Go north up C. Hortaleza, make a right onto C. de las Infantas, and a left to Plaza de Vázquez de Mella. Cover €10, includes one drink. Drinks €8. Open daily midnight-7am. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Serves alcohol. Has air conditioning.
Museo Chicote, Gran Vía, 12 (☎91 532 67 37; www.museo-chicote.com), Longtime favorite of artists and writers, this retro-chic cocktail bar maintains its original 1930s design. During the Spanish Civil War, the foreign press came here to wait out the various battles, and during the late Franco era it became a haven for prostitutes. Today this bar continues to make headlines as one of Madrid's most talked about hotspots. Gran Vía. Walk east from the metro stop. Museo Chicote will be on the left side of the street. Cocktails €7-9. Open daily 8am-3am. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Serves alcohol. Has air conditioning.