Café Gijón

Founded in 1888, Café Gijon is more than a café, it is a historic monument which had its glories in the 1930s when it was the favourite place for intellectuals, favourite writers,... Ernest Hemingway, John Dos Passos, Orson Welles, Joseph Cotten, Ava Gardner, Deborah Kerr and more celebrities passed in this place filled with History; And the decoration did'nt really change since that time;

Now as all the very famous places, you pay the price of the histroy and prestige; The food is ok, but more expensive than a normal madrilan bar; The service is not very friendly either, but you go there mainly for the atmosphere.

They have a nice terrasse in front, and I would more recommend it for a coffee and pastry than for a full meal.
As in many bars in Madrid, prices at the counter are significantly cheaper than if you're sitting at a table.Less