La Vía Láctea Bar

Malasaña / Chueca, Madrid –

A mainstay of Malasaña nightlife for over thirty years, La Vía Láctea is a throbbing, two-story bar that still draws a huge crowd of young madrileños, students, and travelers alike.

If the long bar on the first floor, which spans the room from end to end, is too crowded, patrons can wait for an opening at one of the comfy front booths with the space-age lighting or pass the time with a game of pool at the lone billiards table.

The vintage posters and custom mini-murals of famous rock bands that cover the walls and ceiling are a nod to the bar’s nonstop flood of classic rock, funk, and the occasional Motown tune remixed with techno beats.

Patrons will find more of the same in the smoky upstairs area, which is equipped with another bar, a smattering of tables, and an old 50s-style jukebox.

Ample floor space provides plenty of room for dancing, but patrons should keep in mind that by 2am, La Vía Láctea is packed to the rafters with an animated crowd that leaves little wiggle room.