Having a beer or a tapa in a flamenco atmosphere does not necessarily have to be in a tablao. These flamenco bars are great options to enjoy your favourite music in an informal way. Are you in?
1. Bodegas Alfaro
C. del Ave María, 10. Madrid
We start with this tavern with more than 100 years of history, where flamenco artists used to (and still do) come to take a break from their agenda. Its owner, a Jerez-born passionate about this art, has a talent for choosing what is played in the venue.
2. San Román
Plaza Puerta Cerrada, 7. Madrid
It is a very small bar, about 15 square metres, in the hands of a flamenco enthusiast, Vicente, who has many stories to tell about Madrid’s nightlife and artistic scene. You can have some tapas with sausages and salmorejo, but it doesn’t have a kitchen. What it does have is a very authentic Andalusian sound. By the way, this flamenco tavern has a second name: Al Vicente.
3. La Fuenseca
C/Juan Rufo, 20. Córdoba
La Taberna Fuenseca is a classic of flamenco in Cordoba (180 years old!), a place where you can easily meet some renowned artists, young promises, writers, painters… A place for meetings and get-togethers, for moments of guitar playing and singing, for exhibitions; this is where the peña that honours Merengue de Córdoba meets. Andalusian wines are their speciality and their tapas are very much of the local gastronomy.
4. Bar Provincias
Calle Provincias, 4. Granada
Among the flamenco bars, this one is a classic for the people of Granada, because it is one of “those of a lifetime”. It was inaugurated in 1945 in an alley between two of the most beautiful squares in the city, the Cathedral and Bib-Rambla. Its walls are full of memories of flamenco artists, especially Enrique Morente. And this is the type of public that continues to go for tapas at this establishment. You must try their fritura de pescaíto (fried fish with beer) or the migas andaluzas (Andalusian breadcrumbs).
5. Caragato
Plaza de la Paz. Vejer de la Frontera. Cadiz
This tavern in Cádiz offers flamenco at all hours, both live (and sometimes unannounced) and on the soundtrack that fills the place. They are true fans of Camarón de la Isla. Salted fish, tuna and toast are among its specialities, as well as a good selection of sherry wines.