Casa Alberto

How to Complete

4 steps to experience this fully

1. 📜 1

   Stand in Cervantes' Building

   history Free

   Enter the building where Miguel de Cervantes wrote Part 2 of Don Quixote and 'Los trabajos de Persiles y Segismunda' at Casa Alberto (Calle de las Huertas, 18, Barrio de las Letras). Take Metro to Antón Martín (L1) and look for the commemorative plaque outside — you're drinking where literary history was made.

   🔄 BACKUP: If too crowded, the street itself is worth wandering - bronze literary quotes are embedded in the pavement.

   🍷 Log Memory
2. 🍷 2

   Drink from the Antique Tap

   wine $

   Order 'vermut de grifo' — house-made vermouth from the antique tap at Casa Alberto's bar. This is vermut as Madrid invented it. Say 'Un vermut de grifo, por favor' (€3-4) and receive it traditionally served over ice with an orange slice, the way it's been poured since 1827.

   🔄 BACKUP: If they're out of draft, they'll have bottled house vermouth behind the bar.

   🍷 Log Memory
3. 📜 3

   Spot the Bullfighting Memorabilia

   history Free

   Find photos and memorabilia from regulars Manolete, Juan Belmont, and the Dominíguez family — bullfighting royalty who made Casa Alberto their corner — scattered across the walls throughout the tavern. Ask staff about the bullfighting history; they're genuinely proud of hosting these legends.

   🔄 BACKUP: The back dining room has more historical photos if the bar is packed.

   🍷 Log Memory
4. ⛰️ 4

   Try the Rabo de Toro

   Optional

   adventure $$

   Order the oxtail stew (rabo de toro) in Casa Alberto's dining area — a classic dish that's been on the menu since 1827. Sit down for a proper lunch; the tripe and tortilla goyesca are also legendary and connect you to nearly two centuries of unchanging tradition.

   🔄 BACKUP: If not hungry, at minimum try the croquetas (€3-4) with your vermouth.

   🍷 Log Memory