The invention of fibre optics was great, and the creation of personal days was also a game changer, but what about tardeo? What about tardeo?
The person who came up with the idea of going out after work or on the weekend for a quiet drink, but with the door half open to continue and end up going out at night, was a genius. Good move.
You trick your body into thinking you’re just going out for a snack and maybe a cocktail… and you end up leaving one of Madrid’s best nightclubs after two in the morning. A masterstroke.
After-work and tardeo drinks in Madrid 2026
After-work drinks is a loanword from English that we’re not going to allow anymore, just so you know. Because tardeo is a wonderful word that has become very much our own.
We’re going to show you the best places to spend the afternoon, whether it’s to hang out with your workmates for a couple of hours or to make the most of Madrid’s afternoon and evening scene.
Whatever your plans and intentions, here are the best places to enjoy the afternoon, from bars and pubs to nightclubs.
Bars y pubs for tardeo
Florida Retiro
Paseo de la República Dominicana, 1
We start by raising the stakes, just like that. At Florida Retiro, you can start with brunch, so you can plan your outing however you like, with Florida being an almost obligatory stop whatever time you want to start.
It’s an almost iconic spot in the city, with its fantastic atmosphere and location in El Retiro, it’s hard not to include it in all the lists of places to go for a drink and a good time chatting and having fun.
An afternoon tardeo outdoors, with tapas at La Galería, music at the kiosks, but without any big fuss, you can enjoy the music as well as chat with your friends or with the people who come here to have a good time.
Café Berlín
Calle Costanilla de los Ángeles, 20
This place is amazing, my goodness. It’s a concert hall, but it offers a little more than your average concert hall. It has a different atmosphere, a different vibe. It calls out to you to spend the afternoon and evening there.
The art deco décor is very tasteful, giving this venue a brilliant presence. There’s live music, but it’s top notch. Artists of the highest quality, with a mix ranging from jazz to flamenco to soul.
From Wednesday to Sunday, starting at 8 p.m., you have a date here for good music. They usually have two concerts, with a second one after 10 p.m., so keep an eye on their website for all the info.
And if things get interesting and you don’t want to leave, there are DJ sessions from Thursday to Saturday from midnight until dawn. Don’t forget to check out their cocktail menu, it’s amazing.
El Viajero
Plaza de la Cebada, 11
Its popularity has continued to grow, and it’s no wonder why. In La Latina, there is a place with spectacular views of the Basilica of San Francisco el Grande and the rest of the neighbourhood.
Its terrace is a hidden gem, with lots of greenery, lots of vegetation, lots of people and lots of enthusiasm for enjoying Madrid’s afternoon scene. It’s nothing new; in fact, it’s already one of those places you have to go to if you want to experience what a real afternoon in Madrid is like.
If you start your afternoon a little later than usual, you’ll have a hard time finding a spot, but you have to try, because it’ll be worth it.
Restaurants with tardeo in Madrid
What’s the matter? Doesn’t spending the afternoon in a restaurant appeal to you? But let’s see, after a traditional meal, what do you feel like doing? Well, having a coffee, a drink, a good conversation.
So, don’t think about starting an afternoon out, think about extending your lunch, and there you have it, the perfect plan.
La Caníbal
Calle Argumosa, 28
Here you can sit down and eat delicious Galician cuisine until you’re almost bursting, or go for tapas and try a little bit of everything. Either way, it’s a fantastic place to start your evening.
Right in the heart of the Lavapiés neighbourhood, with fantastic cuisine and a very chill atmosphere that will invite you to eat in peace and enjoy both the food on the table and the company.
Cuenllas Salesas
Calle Orellana, 4
Let’s go for a walk and head to Chueca. Here in Chueca, anything can happen, and starting an afternoon, an evening, or a lifetime here is always a great idea.
Here you can come to buy gourmet products, but they also had the wonderful idea of adding a bar and opening a cosy wine and tapas bar. How clever of them. They hook you from the very first second, and I warn you, you’ll let yourself be hooked.
The place is wonderful, with an amazing vibe for good conversation, and on top of that, you’re in Chueca, where every two steps there’s a fantastic plan waiting for you. What more could you ask for?
Llama Inn
Calle Conde Xiquena, 2
We’re not leaving Chueca, why would we? Here we have a gem of a neighbourhood and of all of Madrid. My goodness, what a fusion, what cuisine, what great ideas and how delicious everything is. Everything, without exception.
Their cuisine is pure fantasy, with influences from all over the world and dishes that fuse all Spanish-speaking cuisines. They also offer brunch on Sundays and an extensive cocktail menu, with an impressive bar where you can stop by after work and celebrate surviving another day on the job.
Cervecería Santa Bárbara
Plaza de Sta. Bárbara, 8
Let’s call a spade a spade: a restaurant is all well and good, but when you see the word “beer hall”, you say to yourself, “I’m staying here”. You don’t know what it’s like inside, but something inside you tells you that yes, it’s a good idea. Well, listen to your intuition.
They’ve been serving beer for over two centuries, so these people know a thing or two about afternoon drinks. Open all day, from early morning until just after midnight. A classic beer hall with traditional décor, lots of character and much loved by the people of Madrid. And that says a lot about the place.
Nightclubs for afternoon partying or tardeo in Madrid
We’ve told you about the best places to start your afternoon party, so how could we not tell you about the best places to end it? Even if you finish at 5 in the morning, it’s still considered a tardeo.
Sala Morocco
Calle del Marqués de Leganés, 7
Morocco’s Saturday Super Pop Afternoon is not to be missed. And with a name like that, how could you not go? It’s calling out to you. From 6pm onwards, they’ll be waiting for you with great music and a desire to party.
They’ll be playing the greatest hits from yesterday and today, and we don’t say that lightly, they’re real classics. The kind that, when you hear them, you start nudging your friend and saying, ‘I haven’t heard that song in ages!’
And don’t think you’ll just stand there—your body will want to dance and order a drink. Plus, there are raffles, shows, events, lots of excitement, and lots of partying.
Rita´s Club
Calle Ignacio Zuloaga, 6
Everything has an explanation, and if you already knew this club, you may now be somewhat confused. Rita’s is located at Calle de la Isla de Java, 2, in Valverde. So, what’s going on?
What happens is that when the good weather arrives, Rita looks for good company and a good atmosphere, so she goes to Mokai Beach Club at Calle Ignacio Zuloaga, 6, and that way summer is more summer, and the party is more party. And believe me, when it comes to parties, Rita’s knows a thing or two.
Live music, events and spectacular performances with a fantastic atmosphere and a great desire to have fun. That’s where you go to dance, meet people and enjoy everything Rita has to offer.