Cervantes Cervecería

Cervantes is just incredible. I don't have enough superlatives to describe how much I like it. Since being in Madrid these last few months, it was a regular haunt prior to lockdown and I'm so happy they swiftly re-opened after restrictions were eased. This one tapa bar / restaurant is worth 50 other restaurants as far as I'm concerned. It is unassuming inside with some traditional decor, clean and buzzy when all of the tables are full. Everyone that works there is lovely - shout out to Alfonso - and efficient and liberal with the tapas (and sometimes the odd drink at the end of a meal). And the free tapas are great! Proper little morsels of deliciousness that change every time you order a drink. The busier it is the better for tapa diversity - mussels, followed by a strong cheese, olives, patatas. And when you order a racion you won't be disappointed, the quality is great and they have a huge choice of dishes, my go-to raciones are currently the boquerones, which are the best I've had in Madrid, really juicy, just the right amount of vinegar and a generous portion; the pulpo - OMG THE PULPO! This is a show-stopper right here. Massive portion of the most tender, melt-in-the-mouth pulpo going, it is normally cooked to perfection with liberal amounts of olive oil; also have to mention the torreznos - really tasty too. They also have Mahou Maestra on draft - definitely the best Spanish draft beer going. As a wine lover, if I could I would change their by-the-glass wine choices - best to stay away from them really and just enjoy a beer or vermut, they're not great. All in all, this is probably my favourite place to go and eat in Madrid. It has authentic character, is great quality and the service is brilliant. Highly highly recommended.