Las Carboneras tablao flamenco — Local services in Madrid

I came here while visiting Spain to study flamenco. Of course I went to many tablaos during my time here. My favourite tablao (Casa Patas) closed during the pandemic so I decided to try this place that I heard good things about. The performers I saw (dancers were: Aitana Rousseau, Paula Bolanos, Tasha Gonzalez, Felipe Clivio Peirano, singers: Teresa Hernandez, El Pola, guitarist: Marcos de Silvia) were absolutely phenomenal. They did 2 long sets and had such a great connection with each other. They gave really moving, all out, deep performances. I was moved to tears!!

You can check their instagram to find out who is performing.

The place itself is spacious and it was not full on a weeknight in April when I went (the late show, 10pm). So I was able to get a good view of the stage even from the back. I reserved online last minute on the same day. The servers were discreet and kind.

As someone studying flamenco for many years, I can assure anyone reading this that this place is legit and authentic with some top artists coming through. Yes, there will very likely be tourists enjoying the show alongside you. The reality is that these places cannot sustain themselves doing 2-3 shows a night, 7 days a week without tourists. My suggestion is to just buy the ticket with a drink (they will give you a free place of delicious olives too!) rather than the dinner package which is more expensive. I was lucky that the tourists around me (there was one table with a very large group) were respectful of tablao etiquette. I can see in other reviews when there are rowdy tourists that are not respectful of the performers, it can impact your experience. I do think the staff here try their best to maintain a good environment.

I highly recommend this place for an authentic flamenco evening whether you are a flamenco aficionado or a newbie. Please: Do not clap along to the music -- it can throw off the performers You are allowed to film or take photographs but please be discreet about it and also do not film the whole thing or block other people's view Do not talk loudly while they are performing If something moves you don't be shy to give jaleos (shouts of encouragement such as "ole", "eso es" etc). Be careful if you are sitting in the front row - the male dancers often have long hair worn loose and do really fast turns and their sweat often sprinkles to the front rows lol Go home and tell your friends about flamenco or even look into classes in...

Yesterday, our group was treated to a private lunch and flamenco experience at Las Carboneras, organised by our tour company, Tauck. This wasn’t just any flamenco performance—it was something entirely unique, just like every show at this intimate restaurant.

During the performance, one of the dancers shared how flamenco at Los Carboneras is not rehearsed or scripted. In fact, 90% of what we witnessed was pure improvisation—every clap, every strum of the guitar, every step of the dance. She said, “It’s like a university for us, where we learn from one another every day. We never disconnect, and what you saw today will never be repeated again.”

The beauty of this show wasn’t just in the skill of the performers but in the energy exchange between the artists and the audience. As the dancer explained, “We use energy—your energy and ours—to create something special each time.”Knowing that what we experienced was truly one-of-a-kind made it all the more special.

Our guide also put the whole experience into perspective, explaining how flamenco is a blend of Spain’s many cultural influences from the qCeltic and Basque roots of the north to the Islamic sounds woven into the music. Flamenco itself has deep ties to the Romani people, who have been in Spain for over 2,000 years. He said, “By ending your journey in Madrid with flamenco, you’ve experienced a piece of the country’s cultural soul.”

It was such a special afternoon, one made even more exclusive by Tauck’s thoughtful organisation. If you ever have the chance to see flamenco in this setting, don’t miss it—it’s not just a show, but a living, breathing piece of Spain’s...

If you’re choosing to see a show here because they advertise free drink and a tapas with the ticket, it’s not that spectacular. The ham and cheese I was served today literally angered me. It wasn’t even nicely presented. I would’ve been better off not knowing they offer food with the ticket. I went by myself. Arrived at 8:11. Show time: 8:30. Show actually started 8:45. Coke arrived a little before then but my four dry crackers and less than a sample of ham arrived at 9:19. Well after a normal person’s beverage is long gone.

There were only 2 servers. 1 of the servers was also the host. They were both running around tirelessly. Felt bad for them. There were at least 50 people in attendance. The show itself is good and they do a chat afterwards. There’s an English translator too! 3 dancers, 2 women and 1 guy who closed the show. The guitarist Jesus Nunez was phenomenal. First flamenco show ever, didn’t really know what to expect. Can’t say I was blown away but i can always respect and appreciate a different culture and their passion for what they do.

I left around 9:55 so I don’t know how much more chatting was done. The audience was full of adults who probably only text each other outside of the event but during this one hour of intimacy they decided to talk. So then they were shushed like they were children by other members of the crowd. Not the company’s fault, merely providing a complete review. All in all I would see...