One of Malasaña's best craft beer bars with an extensive selection of local Spanish microbrews alongside international favourites on tap
Cervecería El Madrileño is one of Malasaña's best dedicated craft beer bars, offering a thoughtfully assembled selection of Spanish and international microbrews on tap and in bottle. The bar sits in the heart of Malasaña, a neighbourhood in central Madrid that has been at the centre of the city's countercultural movements since the movida madrileña of the 1980s, and the craft beer scene fits naturally into that independent spirit. The interior is warm and unpretentious — exposed brick, wooden tables, and a long bar with a prominent tap line showcasing the current selection. The crowd is dominated by local Malasaña residents in their 20s and 30s: design professionals, musicians, students, and craft beer enthusiasts who use the bar as a regular meeting point.
The beer programme changes regularly, with a focus on independent Spanish producers alongside well-chosen international guests from Belgium, Germany, the UK, and the United States. The tap line typically covers a range of styles — pale ales, IPAs, stouts, sours, and lagers — allowing for exploration across a single visit. The bottle selection is more extensive and includes rarer releases from producers that don't distribute widely in Spain. The bar staff are knowledgeable and willing to guide unfamiliar visitors through the current selection, suggesting pairings and describing styles in accessible terms. A short food menu of shared plates and pintxos rounds out the offer for guests who want to extend an evening.
Prices are fair for the quality and provenance of the beer: draught pints run approximately €5–€7 depending on the beer, and specialist bottles are priced accordingly. The bar runs at a comfortable pace on weeknights and becomes lively but not overwhelming on Fridays and Saturdays. Unlike many Madrid bars that peak after midnight, El Madrileño tends to fill in the earlier evening hours from 8 pm to midnight, reflecting a crowd that prioritises quality beer over late-night dancing. The bar has no cover charge and does not require reservations; groups of more than six may find seating limited on weekend evenings.
Good to know
- Signature
- Spanish craft beers on tap
Highlights
- One of Malasaña's best craft beer bars with a rotating tap line of Spanish and international microbrews
- Focus on independent Spanish producers alongside sought-after guests from Belgium, Germany, and beyond
- Knowledgeable bar staff who actively guide guests through the current selection and suggest styles
- Warm, unpretentious interior with exposed brick and a sociable neighbourhood crowd
- Beer styles range from pale ales and IPAs to sours and stouts — broad enough to suit any preference
Tips for visiting
- Ask the bar staff for a recommendation from the rotating tap list — the selection changes and staff knowledge is genuinely useful
- Weeknights from 8 pm to 10 pm offer the best atmosphere: lively but uncrowded enough for conversation
- The bottle selection includes rarer Spanish craft releases not on tap — worth exploring alongside the draught options
- Draught beer runs approximately €5–€7 per pint; specialist bottles cost more
- Groups larger than six should arrive early on weekend evenings as seating is limited
Frequently asked questions
What types of beer does El Madrileño specialise in?
The bar covers a broad range of styles — pale ales, IPAs, stouts, sours, and lagers — with a focus on independent Spanish producers and quality international guests.
How often does the tap list change?
The selection rotates regularly based on seasonal availability and new producer partnerships; the list on any given visit is unlikely to exactly match a previous one.
Is El Madrileño a good choice for someone new to craft beer?
Yes. The bar staff are approachable and skilled at explaining styles and suggesting starting points based on taste preferences.
Does the bar serve food?
A short menu of shared plates and pintxos is available, suitable for accompaniment rather than a full dinner.
Are reservations needed?
No reservations are required. Walk-in on weeknights is straightforward; weekend evenings are busier but manageable with an early arrival.