La Chilostra

La Latina / Lavapiés, Madrid –

Tapas bars are a dime a dozen in Madrid, but La Chilostra offers a truly authentic atmosphere where patrons can find an amiable mix of bohemian and no-frills locals from the Lavapiés and Tirso neighborhoods who spill out into the street with drinks and tapas in hand.

The peculiar yet homey décor consists mainly of a rustic collection of antique hoes, axes, and other farming tools once used on the arid ranches that surround Madrid, and a large wooden truss mounted over the bar that supports a row of lights and a rack of glasses. Close inspection may even reveal old Spanish peseta coins bearing the face of Franco jammed between the beams.

Scrawled on scattered chalkboards are the various tapas available, but the real specialties are the tostas – thick slices of lightly toasted bread topped with cured hams, beef, and cheeses.

Another bar and the kitchen are situated in the back room and create a long, narrow nook with small wooden tables and short stools that provide an appropriately shadowy space where groups engage in scintillating discussions and occasional heated debates about politics, culture, and life in general.

The easygoing atmosphere at La Chilostra is complemented by the groovy bass lines of suave hip-hop and mellow electronic music kept at a decent volume that doesn’t stifle conversation.