Ángel Sierra

Malasaña / Chueca, Madrid –

Finding Ángel Sierra at the northern end of Plaza de Chueca is simple – just look for the lively crowd standing around with drinks in hand by the double-door entrance on the corner.

The elaborate and colorful Victorian-style architecture of the building and the small bar, whose design and décor have obviously been left unchanged since it was opened in 1919, lend this tavern a truly authentic feel.

The scuffed tile floor, the low-hanging iron chandelier, the vintage Vermouth ads, and the antique, ivy-entwined beer taps rising from the wooden bar take patrons back to old Chueca and its charming decadence of yesteryear.

Throughout the day, a diverse and gay-friendly clientele of artsy locals, students, and travelers form a steady stream at the bar as they line up for a caña, some tapas, and a bit of friendly conversation.

When it’s too crowded at the bar, visitors can simply go back outside, duck around the corner, and re-enter through a side door, where they’ll find the venue's sunken tavern. With a décor of huge beer barrels, stained glass windows, and extravagant pastel ceiling paintings of Renaissance scenes, this secondary space at Ángel Sierra offers yet another unique atmosphere in which to enjoy good company and a cool cerveza.