WHERE TO GET A DELICIOUS BOCADILLO DE CALAMARES IN MADRID
You’ve heard of paella and cocido madrileño, but there’s one dish that tops them all in Madrid: the bocadillo de calamares. This simple and unassuming sandwich is a local favorite and can be found all over the city.
What is a Bocadillo de Calamares?
Take a freshly baked roll, cut it in half and fill it with thick, juicy fried squid rings. Usually, the calamari is cooked to order so it’s hot and crispy, never soggy. Most places squeeze some lemon juice and a shake of sea salt to enhance the flavor. Although optional, a hearty dollop of garlicky aioli sauce on top rounds this sandwich off nicely. And the best part? The price! A scrumptious bocadillo de calamares is 2.70-6€, depending on the size.
In other words, this is a perfect example of what the Spaniards say: es un “BBB”, which means Bueno, Bonito, Barato! (good, nice, and cheap!) Add an ice-cold beer for the ultimate combo…
Our top 5 picks for the best Bocadillo de Calamare in Madrid
Bar La Campana
Bar La Campana is at the top of the list for bocadillos de calamares. Locals know all the best spots for squid sandwiches are around Plaza Mayor, and this quaint bar is no exception. Just off the plaza, La Campana is always packed with locals waiting to grab a sandwich any time of day. Count on waiting in line for a bit, but after just one bite, you’ll soon see why it’s totally worth the wait!
Address: Calle de Botoneras, 6
La Ideal
La Ideal is right next door to La Campana and competes closely for the title of best bocadillos de calamares. While they have an impressive tapas menu as well, the bocadillo de calamares is the star of the menu. Many locals go to this place and you can see that from the many napkins on the floor. In Madrid, they say that the more napkins a tapas bar has on the floor, the better the place… So, don’t miss out on this joint: tasty sandwiches, reasonable prices, and an unbeatable location.
Address: Calle de Botoneras, 4
Bar Postas
You can easily hop over to Bar Postas as it neighbors La Campana and La Ideal. This classic bar offers simple, yet delectable, traditional tapas. You can get a beer and a bocadillo de calamares to enjoy at the bar or take away to eat on the go.
Address: Calle de Postas, 13
See more: El Corte Inglés Gourmet Experience: a Foodie Heaven in Madrid
Casa Rúa
Casa Rúas house specialty is calamari sandwiches, so it’s no surprise that they’re on our locals’ list. It’s one of the cheapest tapas bars around Plaza Mayor, which explains its popularity. For just a few euros, you can have a tasty bocadillo, cold beer, and great ambiance at your disposal.
Address: Calle de Ciudad Rodrigo, 35
Cervecería Sol Mayor
Somewhere between Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, you’ll find Cervecería Sol Mayor. In this tapas bar, you can get lots of different dishes, but the highlight is the fresh fish they fry up. And this includes squid for a scrumptious bocadillo de calamares.
Address: Calle de Postas, 5
Everything on this list is “BBB” as Spaniards say: bueno, bonito, barato!
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