Our final stop on this route is a little more upscale than the others, but that’s not too unexpected considering its location next to Madrid’s Royal Palace. One of the hard-to-find places in Madrid that still serves a free tapa (of their choosing) when you order a drink, you don’t have to pay for any food at El Anciano Rey de los Vinos to have something to snack on. Despite the fact that they offer a free tapa with your beverage, and even though it will set you back €11.50, there is one specialty here that we highly recommend ordering: the Regalitos de Torito.

This classic red doored tavern, with its colourful glazed tiles, high ceilings and carved columns has stood opposite Catedral de la Almudena and Palacio Real since 1909 and is therefore popular with tourists and locals alike. In old Madrid, red doors used to indicate the premises served only wine, and drinkers would bring their own food. Today, the wine and vermouth offering is still impressive, however is now served with great tapas at fantastically low prices and there's even a marbled restaurant in the back room.

With a privileged location just steps from the Royal Palace and a little ways down the street from Plaza Mayor, El Anciano Rey de los Vinos is one of the best traditional restaurants in Madrid’s city center. In operation for over a century, this storied locale has brought homestyle Spanish cooking to generations of madrileños and visitors. While classic Spanish dishes are at the heart of the offering here, don’t overlook one of the more unconventional bites: the regalitos de rabo de toro.

The traditional and quintessentially Madrilenian tavern, El Anciano Rey de los Vinos, celebrated its centennial in 2009. Located in the heart of Madrid’s Austrias district, facing the Almudena Cathedral and the Royal Palace, the establishment offers traditional Madrilenian gastronomy with a contemporary touch. At the turn of the century, illiteracy rates in Spain were at a whopping 50%, hence the bar’s red facade indicated to those who couldn’t read that wine was served there.

El Anciano Rey de los Vinos is a tavern that follows the authentic Madrilenian tradition. They have a history of more than 100 years and have a special location between the Almudena Cathedral and the Royal Palace in the centre of Madrid. Its cuisine is traditional Spanish with exquisite specialities such as the "regalito de toro", the sirloin steak in sweet wine, the black pudding with apple and the chicken strip with Cabrales cheese.

El Anciano Rey de los Vinos, next to Madrid ‘s Royal Palace and with a timeless elegance since its inception in 1909. This historic wine bar boasts an ambiance steeped in old-world charm, transporting visitors to a bygone era. Renowned for its extensive selection of Spanish wines, it caters to both connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts alike.

El Anciano Rey de los Vinos, opposite the Almudena Cathedral, is one of them. Open since 1909, it offers vermouth on tap, traditional wines and traditional tapas such as croquettes and tripe. Its location opposite the Royal Palace makes it a must for those who want to soak up the most authentic Madrid.

Right across from the Royal Palace, I ignored this place for years before finally realizing how amazing it is!. Famous for its traditional dishes (like bull tail and huevos rotos), it also has great vermouth and red wines, and its own sweet wine with cookies too!

€€ | Views of The Royal Palace | Traditional Cuisine | Vermouth and Tapas | Outdoor Seating. This is the best option for a quick stop while visiting the Royal Palace. The tavern from 1909 is all about traditional decor and Spanish cuisine.

Opened in 1907 and still maintains the tiles and decoration of the time. Aparantly Alfonso XIII liked to stop by for a wine. There is beer and vermouth on tap and various tapas.