Bodega de la Ardosa — Restaurant in Madrid

Hard to know why anyone would not give this place 5 stars. It's so perfect in every possible way. I can't believe that I have lived on and off in Madrid since 2008 and I was never there until last night.

First of all: what a perfect selection of beers on tap. Pilsner Urquell, Guinness and Lagunitas IPA. It's both retro and modern at the same time. Having also lived in California for many years, it's great to see the Lagunitas there, although I didn't get to taste it last night.

The bar food (tapas) is excellent, Great tortilla de patata, competes with the best tortilla de patata caseras in Madrid. We were mostly drinking not eating but the three plates we tried were excellent.

Spoken as a genuine Irishman: This is possibly the best Guinness in Madrid, Including all the actual Irish pubs (sorry guys). Just delicious, arguably served slightly too cold (which is all too common outside of Ireland). But savor it and it will warm up a bit in the glass.

OK, the decor. This is a "Castizo" bar, i.e. a traditional bar from Madrid, and it more than lives up to its name. Just such a beautiful, aged, aesthetic.

I haven't even mentioned how every single staff member shows up at 100%. Great service, very caring and attentive. Although I speak almost-perfect Spanish some staff members tried to speak with me in English to show that if I preferred, I could order in English.

Just, really, a five-star bar experience. And I'm picky. I don't write many reviews but this place is a standout. Can't wait for the next time I...

I had an amazing night at the Ardosa. The atmosphere especially for the aperitivo was fantastic. I tried some tapas, too many I have to say, and they were all great. Staff is always caring for the customers, serving always with a smile, they do really care. The tortilla was really good, and so was the salmorejo, but all tapas really. The vermouth served with wine was also special. I also had a beer, but honestly it's the only thing I wouldn't do again because wine and vermut are so good. I also have to say that is a great value for money. I see people complaining but they clearly don't know what it costs to prepare and serve that kind of food in that way. Also they expect dinner with tapas, which is really not a thing. You can do it of course, like I did, like even many Spanish people do, but tapas are not a meal. It's an aperitivo to eat and share with friends before a proper meal. That's why they cost more than other meals compared to the quantity. Also, the quality of the food and the service must be taken into consideration. I think this place keeps this spirit and I hope it won't change ever. Could be easy for them to give trash food that costs nothing, big portions, more money for them. I hope instead they will keep what they're doing. And by the way, prices are even absolutely fair. I suggest to go there, try a tapas or two each with the wine or vermut or both, and enjoy the...

We have been regular clients of La Ardosa for over 30 years. This was the best place in Madrid to go for Patatas Bravas. Unfortunately, it has just changed owners 6 months ago. Today we went and were shocked at the way they treated the clientele. We witnessed the waiter bump in to an older client, and proceed to yell and berate the client. The waiter then picked the item he had dropped on the floor and violently threw it in the trash can. When the elderly man spoke politely to the barman explaining that he was sorry to be in the way, but that he felt the reaction to be extreme, the barman proceeded to yell at the elderly patron and tell him to move or get out. When the man protested, the barman told him he was not welcome back. This humiliation of a client took place in front of my children and other clients were visibly disturbed. No matter how annoying an elderly client may be, or in the way of a busy waiter, to yell and publicly humiliate the client is not justified. No elegant, professional establishment would ever treat a client this way. Sadly, after generations and 30 years of coming here, I do not recommend this place to anyone. On top of everything, with the new owners, for the first time, the potatoes were...