Madrid has a well deserved reputation as a fun and happening city. Dinner here doesn't start till at least nine or ten at night and it is peppered with lots of conversation and wine. Then when the waiter brings the bill there is a shot of liqueur on the house all around. For more good news, we've compiled a list of the top ten restaurants in Madrid where you'll be inclined to have a fabulous time.
Our top pick is Champagnería Gala. It's a fun restaurant - especially for groups - with a festive indoor patio setting, large paellas and entrees to share, and dessert wine served in a traditional Spanish porrón, a sure-fire conversation piece.
Our second pick for fun restaurants in Madrid is Casa Patas. This restaurant is famous for its dramatic and passionate flamenco shows, but even without a show it's a good place to have a fun meal of traditional Spanish food.
During the day our third pick, Gula Gula, is a pleasant place to have lunch and enjoy the views over Madrid's Gran Vía avenue, but by night Gula Gula heats up with raucous cabaret and drag queen shows - a favorite for bachelor and bachelorette parties.
Our fourth pick, El Cuchi, is a Tex-Mex restaurant with a sense of humor. The words "Hemingway never ate here" appear under the name in the front of the establishment and the menus hang inside from ropes. Do as the others do and order a tequila shot.