Casa Camacho

This is the kind of place that makes Madrid, Madrid. Casa Camacho has been pouring vermouth on Calle de San Andrés since the late 19th century — first as a bodega, then renamed in 1929 — and walking in feels like stepping into a time capsule, in the best way. The bar is tiny, with barely room to stand, but that's part of the ritual. You squeeze in, order a vermut de grifo (vermouth on tap, served with a sifón of soda water on the side), and let the brothers behind the bar take care of you.

Food-wise, the croquetas are the headline act — reviewers call them the best they've ever had, creamosísimas and packed with flavor. Don't skip the verduras crujientes con alioli de ajo negro, which are crispy, salty, and dangerously addictive. The squid tentacles with broken egg are another standout if you see them on the chalkboard.

It gets crowded, fast, especially on weekends. There are only a few stools and most people drink standing at the bar or spilling onto the street. That's the charm. Come before 1pm on a Saturday if you want elbow room, or embrace the chaos and go late afternoon when the Malasaña crowd is in full swing. Prices are honest, the vermouth is house-made, and nobody here is trying to be cool — which is precisely what makes it cool.