http://tupalo.com/madrid/tag/nonpretentious.rss Tupalo en-us http://tupalo.com/spot/2356-el-jardin-secreto-madrid-spain c The quirky coffeeshop: every American college town can lay claim to at least one. Add five or six years to Harriet the Spy, Claudia Kishi, or Hermione Granger, and they could all work at the Secret Garden, which actually neither as exclusive as the former nor as pleasant as the latter. The antithesis to "classy," "chic" joints in Salamanca and Chueca, this cafe's SO alternative, that you want to look for an alternative, especially because the best coffeeshops, in my opinion, are open for fauxllectual discussions with friends before FIVE in the evening. Then again, you don't want to go that Moby Dick haunt, right? You trudge back in, gloss over the extensive beverage menu, and make your drink last, chortling at the junior-high decor, until the next party arrives. cafe light_meals conde_duque merienda nonpretentious hot_chocolate tea 40.425686 -3.711632 Fri, 11 Apr 2008 20:45:55 +0200 http://tupalo.com/spot/2356-el-jardin-secreto-madrid-spain http://tupalo.com/spot/6611-dona-pulguita-madrid-spain c restaurant tapas quevedo chamberí nonpretentious arapiles 40.435249 -3.704342 Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:26:35 +0200 http://tupalo.com/spot/6611-dona-pulguita-madrid-spain http://tupalo.com/spot/6606-casa-gala-madrid-spain c bar tapas moncloa cafe budget nonpretentious 40.432108 -3.720195 Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:47:49 +0200 http://tupalo.com/spot/6606-casa-gala-madrid-spain http://tupalo.com/spot/6604-creperie-ma-bretagne-madrid-spain c restaurant malasaña crêpes budget nonpretentious 40.425605 -3.70217 Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:16:11 +0200 http://tupalo.com/spot/6604-creperie-ma-bretagne-madrid-spain http://tupalo.com/spot/2267-cafeina-madrid-spain c I like to come here when it first opens in the afternoon and stay on until early evening, reading a book. Very, very chulled out atmosphere which is great for very fearful, very shy people like me. Either hang out upstairs by the bar and watch dogs go by or for more seclusion, downstairs, and mack on your partner. I mean...I heard Wednesdays are big for DJed flamenco, but I've yet to check it out. cafe malasaña nonpretentious 40.423767 -3.705392 Mon, 31 Mar 2008 21:41:55 +0200 http://tupalo.com/spot/2267-cafeina-madrid-spain http://tupalo.com/spot/5847-la-blanca-doble-madrid-spain c cafe chamberí nonpretentious 40.435145 -3.700461 Mon, 03 Mar 2008 21:08:37 +0100 http://tupalo.com/spot/5847-la-blanca-doble-madrid-spain http://tupalo.com/spot/5844-creperie-breizh-madrid-spain c restaurant galettes cider malasaña crêpes breton nonpretentious 40.424367 -3.703593 Mon, 03 Mar 2008 20:47:09 +0100 http://tupalo.com/spot/5844-creperie-breizh-madrid-spain http://tupalo.com/spot/5831-nuevo-cafe-barbieri-madrid-spain c cafe lavapiés tea relaxing nonpretentious 40.409299 -3.701049 Fri, 29 Feb 2008 23:31:05 +0100 http://tupalo.com/spot/5831-nuevo-cafe-barbieri-madrid-spain http://tupalo.com/spot/2776-el-granero-de-lavapies-madrid-spain c restaurant vegetarian lavapiés nonpretentious vegetarian vegan-friendly 40.408181 -3.699118 Thu, 07 Feb 2008 11:58:04 +0100 http://tupalo.com/spot/2776-el-granero-de-lavapies-madrid-spain http://tupalo.com/spot/2515-cafe-belen-madrid-spain c Intimate. So far my favorite coffeeshop in which to relax during weekday afternoons, with a book or with friends or just staring off into space listening to music that I always seem to enjoy, though I might not necessarily know who is playing. On the weekends, it can be sometimes tough to find a spot because it's a rather "well-known secret." Really good but kind of expensive (2EUR) tea. cafe chueca entre_amigos nonpretentious 40.424244 -3.696676 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 13:31:36 +0100 http://tupalo.com/spot/2515-cafe-belen-madrid-spain http://tupalo.com/spot/2337-la-herradura-madrid-spain c I always seem to come here with there's barely anyone, right at the beginning of lunchtime, and then I leave when it starts crackin'. The few times I've been here, I always order the fixed-price lunch menu, and when there's nothing vegetarian to eat, the same server always checks with the chef to see if they can't cook me up an alternative. They always do AND they still charge the same price! Now, THAT'S service! I keep coming back because of the relaxed atmosphere and the employees are friendly without overdoing it, know when to leave you alone to enjoy your food. Try the very exquisite crepes! restaurant conde_duque menú mexican tacos budget nonpretentious 40.4279 -3.709743 Sun, 18 Nov 2007 20:58:51 +0100 http://tupalo.com/spot/2337-la-herradura-madrid-spain http://tupalo.com/spot/2334-paraiso-chino-madrid-spain c My friend was craving Chinese, so I thought we'd head over to El Buen Gusto, which we never found. Walking back up the street, she saw a sign for Paraiso Chino out of the corner of her and eye, and after scanning the menu (cheap and veggie options), we decided to try it out. Got there right at lunch time, efficient and friendly service, nondescript decor (although they have tablecloths and cloth napkins!) though nothing really above the ordinary. The two fixed-price lunch menus (at 7 and I believe, 10,-EUR each) are only available during the week, but we spent about 10,-EUR each, anyway. Be careful with the wontons, though, as they apparently have pork and not the cheese ones. The spicy tofu is really good, as is the veggie lo mein. The desserts look mighty delectable as well; I shall have to find out next time. restaurant delicias arganzuela chinese budget nonpretentious 40.398877 -3.703104 Sat, 17 Nov 2007 22:10:26 +0100 http://tupalo.com/spot/2334-paraiso-chino-madrid-spain http://tupalo.com/spot/2304-el-rincon-madrid-spain c cafe terraza malasaña bar nonpretentious juan_pujol vegetarian vegan-friendly 40.425388 -3.70374 Mon, 12 Nov 2007 22:31:52 +0100 http://tupalo.com/spot/2304-el-rincon-madrid-spain http://tupalo.com/spot/2296-libreria-de-lavapies-madrid-spain c bookstore lavapiés nonpretentious 40.407612 -3.696478 Sat, 10 Nov 2007 17:25:57 +0100 http://tupalo.com/spot/2296-libreria-de-lavapies-madrid-spain http://tupalo.com/spot/2291-pepe-botella-madrid-spain c cafe malasaña bar nonpretentious vegetarian vegan-friendly 40.426595 -3.70377 Sat, 10 Nov 2007 02:53:56 +0100 http://tupalo.com/spot/2291-pepe-botella-madrid-spain http://tupalo.com/spot/2268-luke-soy-tu-padre-madrid-spain c bar chueca indie nonpretentious 40.421857 -3.69851 Wed, 07 Nov 2007 21:42:57 +0100 http://tupalo.com/spot/2268-luke-soy-tu-padre-madrid-spain http://tupalo.com/spot/2177-el-bandido-doblemente-armado-madrid-spain c A very cool bookshop/cafe without the pretense. Such a favorite with the artsy/literary folk, sometimes you can't get past the cafe to the books, but it's worth jostling the crowd for a look at the carefully-selected titles. Check out the free readings and exhibits (mostly photography and painting), if you're into that, too. Otherwise, stop by just to try their AMAZING hot chocolate (three different kinds at last visit)--at 2,50,-EUR, it's so much better than what you get at San Ginés. bookstore poetry gatherings malasaña cafe bar nonpretentious 40.427294 -3.701303 Fri, 26 Oct 2007 01:01:43 +0200 http://tupalo.com/spot/2177-el-bandido-doblemente-armado-madrid-spain http://tupalo.com/spot/2163-bufalino-madrid-spain c restaurant malasaña budget style nonpretentious 40.422199 -3.703304 Sun, 21 Oct 2007 08:36:47 +0200 http://tupalo.com/spot/2163-bufalino-madrid-spain http://tupalo.com/spot/2148-wok-delight-madrid-spain c restaurant chinese ventas nonpretentious 40.431723 -3.658094 Fri, 19 Oct 2007 23:31:42 +0200 http://tupalo.com/spot/2148-wok-delight-madrid-spain http://tupalo.com/spot/2118-j-and-j-books-and-coffee-madrid-spain c A cozy little cafe (upstairs)/used bookshop (downstairs) run by Jamie & Javi. The atmosphere is laidback, where you can sit for hours with the literary world of your choice. What's really cool about this place are all the events they host, such as language exchanges on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and Friday quiz nights. And, yes, of course, se habla ingles. cafe english nonpretentious books malasaña 40.425722 -3.70692 Sun, 14 Oct 2007 23:24:57 +0200 http://tupalo.com/spot/2118-j-and-j-books-and-coffee-madrid-spain http://tupalo.com/spot/1473-gourmet-empanadas-argentinas-madrid-spain c Formely called "Todo Empanadas," the "little" empanada place is revamping its look. Gourmet or not though, it's still my favorite place to get a cheese and onion treat. The spinach and bechamel empanada is not too shabby, either. At 1,80-EUR each, you can't go wrong, though you'll surely want to eat a couple more after each delicious bite. If you're really hungry (or are having a party), consider a dozen and get it delivered to your door. Ugh, just looking at their new glossy menu makes my mouth water! (Note: There's also a branch at Pza Cuzco on Calle del Pensamiento and also one in Alcobendas.) cafe casual quevedo budget snacks nonpretentious sandwiches empanadas arapiles to_go chamberí delivery argentinian restaurant 40.4351997375 -3.7114698887 Thu, 31 May 2007 18:44:31 +0200 http://tupalo.com/spot/1473-gourmet-empanadas-argentinas-madrid-spain http://tupalo.com/spot/1438-heladeria-los-alpes-madrid-spain c I tell you, I sure do love my artisan ice cream! This particular one may beat even Berthillon or Octave of Paris. Los Alpes has been in the family for three generations and while they don't have much in the way of seating, they make up for it in the delicious offerings. Be sure to take a loyalty card as I guarantee you that you'll be back sooner than you know it! My personal favorite is cream with pine nuts. cafe ice_cream nonpretentious moncloa argüelles 40.4337997437 -3.7177200317 Sat, 19 May 2007 00:22:43 +0200 http://tupalo.com/spot/1438-heladeria-los-alpes-madrid-spain