5 BEST PATATAS BRAVAS in Madrid | We decide the WINNER!

Where are the BEST PATATAS BRAVAS in Madrid? Yoly and I take one for. the team and hunt them down! Venga, let's go! 🥝
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MORE ABOUT THIS VIDEO 😃
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Patatas bravas one probably the most famous tapa in the world. And man, I love them! Almost every bar does them, but so many are disappointing. So Yoly and I decided to hunt down the best ones in the city!
Patatas bravas were invented in Madrid in the 1940s/50s, and they have since spread to Catalonia and other parts of Spain. In Madrid they're generally a hot(ish) red pepper sauce, on double fried potatoes. While in Catalonia and Valencia they are generally served with a pepper sauce, which is also mixed with alioli. Both styles are delicious! And we try both in the video.
The bars we hit in the video are...
1. Las Bravas: These guys have a patented sauce that is totally secret and it's a classic place for bravas in the centre of Madrid. A super traditional opens.
2. Askuabarra: A modern option! The owners come from Valencia, and they do their bravas east-coast style, which means with alioli. Creamy, a bit spicy, delicious! They also do a great steak here if you feel like some meat and potatoes.
3. La Ardosa: Out in the Iglesia neighbourhood, this is not the famous Bodega La Ardosa in Malasaña. This is a very cool old neighbourhood school bar, that's packed with locals and just a cool place to hang out. Their bravas are the traditional style.
4. La Maruca: We're going modern again. In the Salamanca neighbourhood (aka the rich barrio), this is the kind of place where they serve the beer in wine glasses. Yep, you know what I mean. And their bravas are a unique take on the classic dish.
5. Docamar: Way out in the Quintana neighbourhood, this place is a famous neighbourhood stop for bravas. They even sell their secret bravas sauce in bottles to takeaway. They're also famous for their bocadillo de calamares.
So, we hit these five bar (3 traditional, 2 modern) to see who will be the winner!!!
WHO ARE WE? 🥝
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Hola, Spain lovers! We're James and Yoly. James is a New Zealander, and Yoly is from Spain. And we both live in Madrid. This channel is all about giving you a local insight into life in Spain, and helping you experience this country like a local when you come to visit (or live!). If that sounds like your kind of thing, bienvenido!
*This description contains affiliate links which means we may earn a commission if you use them 🙏🏻

[@fountver2884]

That rich genuine Madrid tapa, traditional of all life, is the best thing with a cold beer accompanied by some friends to have a good time

[@spainrevealed]

Totally!!

[@feralonso4951]

Me encanta Yoli...tiene siempre la sonrisa puesta....no la pierdas nunca!

[@mrinalinidevi2724]

I love the way how jolly looks at you ... so lovable..❤

[@micasteer8851]

Fantastic video as usual. So entertaining and nothing better than a good of your tour's discovering Spain's best food . AMAZING. Thank you . Hugs to you both

[@kimberlyhayes653]

I feel the same way as other viewers. Yoly adds a fantastic dynamic to your show! Great video. Love that it's not all roses when you try new places.;)

[@texuztweety]

So much to love in Spain! Thank you both, you videos are just fantastic!!! Funny you mention the Spanish DON'T have a high tolerance for spicy foods, that is a big difference from the idea of Spanish food here in Texas, because Mexican food is very spicy with the jalapeno pico de gallo served with the food. I realize, Mexico and Spain are vastly different, however the residual idea in the USA is that Spanish food is served in Mexico, but actually it is Mexican food served in Mexico, which is nothing like Spanish food.

[@spainrevealed]

Yeah, it's really interesting how it just isn't spicy here. The odd dish is. But very few.

[@Sammyjane72x]

@@spainrevealedYes America has some stange concept going on where they call most things either Mexican or Southern/Latin American things Spanish. There may be minor cultural similarites and a sharing of El castellano/el español (spanish) but the similarities end there.

[@maximilianopena]

@@Sammyjane72x spot on, that would be like saying the US, UK and Australia are all the same just because they all speak english

[@nurcomt3453]

Good change the surface, in Mexico it is usually cover everything with Chili, it is original from there, but the base of the recipes are quite similar, the same with the language, the same base is used but with different accents, but it is true that to the Americans everything that sounds like Spanish is automatically related only to Mexico by proximity and because New Spain (Mexico when it became independent from Spain) occupied more than half of what is now USA.

[@ignaciol154]

Average American citizen thinks English language comes from USA and Spanish language from Mexico. This has a name : ignorancy, lack of culture and lack of knowledge of their own history. Deplorable

[@mariposa8430]

Docamar has my FAVORITE bravas!! My tia lives a few blocks from there, so whenever my family visits Spain we always go there for bravas and churros in the morning!! their gambas are amazing too! I would definitely recommend Docamar to anyone visiting Spain

[@browntroutfisherman]

You guys are great, thanks for continuing to post these tapas vids. Yoli just smiles constantly she is a gem, it's inspiring..

[@BarbaChico]

You both are so entertaining! Thank you!!

[@spainrevealed]

Guys! Where are your favourite bravas in Spain? ¿Dónde están tu bravas favoritas en España?

[@0shaade0]

Docamar! allí se conocieron mis padres hace más de 40 años! : D

[@josepmariaaguascaribot9239]

El Tomás de Sarrià (Barcelona capital)

[@stevecoburn3417]

El Candil, Nerja

[@JacquesTreehorn]

I like the patatas bravas at Gambrinus because they were free with a jarra de cervesa if you sat around long enough. Great place for cold beer. I think it is a franchise.

[@jgedelai8590]

Mesón la Peña Soriana. Calle Fornillos, 58 Useratown. Acompañadas de torreznos.

[@SgtMow]

Hey James & Yolanda, thank you for creating these videos. They are always great quality and very informative, I'll defo be looking through them all again when I can afford to return to Madrid :)

[@twinkletoes800]

Absolutely brilliant video well done..funny+informative..btw great editing with tasty jazz😍!!!!

[@lenswork4]

Enjoy these videos very much. Can’t wait to get to Spain again. Soon!

[@JesusPepi95]

I think the most typical thing of the video is the "y una de bravas, por favor." Love your videos guys, yu really give a real approach to true Spain culture. Would love to see you on a tour through Cantabira, Asturias and Euskadi.

[@acookwithaview]

Great video, as usual! I love how you did this and particularly the subliminal hot dog graphic was hilarious and a nice touch. You two are the best. Thanks

[@Top5Dishes]

Absolutely Incredible! Enjoy!

[@susanart1468]

Muchas gracias James por mostrar nuestra maravillosa gastronomía. Hay sitios que no conocía y estoy deseando ir gracias a tí

[@sebastianerskine9231]

Fantastic video guys! There should have been a beer review alongside the bravas!

[@spainrevealed]

Good point!!!

[@chefarantxalamas565]

Hi James, I agree all bravas are nice, so when I am around Quintana I do go to Docamar because, yes, their Bravas are great. When around Sol, Las Bravas bar is a must. But around Moncloa I love Los Chicos, calle Guzmán el Bueno, they are delicious and if you haven't try them yet go next time you are around that area!

[@spainrevealed]

Thanks Arantxa. Never heard of Los Chicos - have to check them out!

[@carmenkernan4477]

Thank you both for this timely video. We’re going to Madrid in September and we love patatas bravas! We might try at least 2 of them!

[@miguimau]

He probado mil veces las bravas de esos tres bares tradicionales y lo habeis clavado en las reseñas. Ni sabía que el Docamar sigue, habrá que pasarse. ¡Fenomenal, chicos!

[@arayas.1703]

I like how Yoly always smile! Great video 😄

[@canyabanci5138]

Very nice video !.. Saludos de Raleigh, USA ...

[@spainrevealed]

Gracias!!

[@atm4292]

'This (.....) make me thirsty'... it comes from the sitcom Seinfeld. Good show! Your show!

[@saadn.3348]

Very nice video! We need more videos like this one, James!! This dish reminded of a similar potato small dish from the Middle East! No surprise of some of the similarities in the food culture between Spain and the Middle Eastern Cuisine. I will definitely pull this video and use it as a reference if traveling to Madrid. Also putting the Maps in Vidoe is a plus and thanks for that too!! Hey guys keep going :-)

[@spainrevealed]

Thanks Saad! What’s the dish it reminded you of?

[@saadn.3348]

@@spainrevealed The fried potato cubes snack, crispy from the outside, soft and tender from the inside, glazed with a homemade sauce, sometimes only salt & vinegar and some olive oil on the top. It's a typical old Iraqi snack..

[@AlexM-dv3yl]

James, I love your honesty when it comes to the food that you try. Many people and food channels will say that everything they have had is the most delicious thing ever. With you, you criticize it for what it is, but in a respectful way. I'm definitely going to have to check some of these places out this summer when I visit. Cheers!

[@spainrevealed]

Thanks Alex!!! Appreciate it :)

[@goodboybuddy1]

Enjoy you two very much!

[@gabrielcasillasmartinz7233]

Im from Madrid and Docamar by far the best ones, and the price is one of the best in the city

[@spainrevealed]

Totally!

[@PJHamann1]

The "perfect" Bravas are soooo elusive! I have come to see them as ethereal moments to be enjoyed when you find them.

[@jamesgirvan5761]

Great videos guys! I am going to Madrid in a few weeks time. Looking forward to it!

[@turbobrick09]

We know which were Yoly's favourite, her eyes say it all! Definitely a difference in flavours between Barcelona, Madrid, and Sevilla. Yes, they must be crunchy! Love the Seinfeld reference...

[@spainrevealed]

Haha thanks!!

[@mrpanicattack6688]

0:03 - 0:35 I really thought that the background is fake and shot in greenscreen. Must be the way you're holding the camera 😅. It's like 3:40 AM here, and watching this makes me so hungry 😭 Haha! 😂

[@spainrevealed]

haha - nope, all effects are done in camera

[@vodkalima]

What a great vid ! Thank you for the love shown of my country after 8 cañas later

[@spainrevealed]

Haha thank you!!

[@aatraub]

Love the videos. I lived above Las Bravas for a bit in the 90s, so visited more than once. Some interesting characters roamed those streets back then. I could taste the Bravas and a caña when you guys were filming there.

[@andrewb4556]

Hi you guys Your making me hungry! Love you're work and vlogs. Australia

[@winkyelverton676]

It’s funny... I was just thinking as Yoly was tasting the PBs from Bodega de la Ardosa that I can almost learn as much as I need to know by her non-verbal expressions! Then, you broke to say how refined her palette is. That really comes through. She complements your commentary really well. Great team! Plus, more great notes for or upcoming trip!

[@bogdanrevnic778]

The Seinfeld really put the video over the top. Love watching the both of you, keep up the videos you do together. Thanks.

[@jadelpino10]

Next time, you should give it a try to a bar called Salmoral (Doctor Castelo, 50). Best Patatas bravas in Madrid.

[@elenagonzalez632]

Sois una pareja encantadora 💓

[@tacertxa4018]

The patatas bravas are born and are a typical tapa of Madrid, like those that have come out with original paprika, in some places they changed for tomato is because it is much simpler to put any tomato on the pot mixed with some spicy, but the originals are much richer, in the 60s, 70 even 80 had a big boom expanding out of Madrid, and in the Levant has always been typical aioli with potatoes or other things, and I guess they changed the name to bravas to give more strength and because they were fashion and demanded, some just sprinkling some paprika on top of the aioli, which bravas, bravas are really the original recipe, the rest are different sauces.

[@andrewvandenberg4317]

I am a huge fan of your videos! As the weather gets nicer and nicer maybe you could do a video of the azoteas with the best food in Madrid?

[@Brian-bu6gj]

I'm very late to the bravas party, and the James & Yoly videos in general, but really enjoy them, both the bravas and the videos! lol Lived in Spain from 1985-1989 so developed a love of bravas and Spain in general. Just went back last December with my Italian wife and made sure to go to 'Las Bravas', as it was my favorite way back in the day. The bravas there with pimientos al padron on the side, unas cañas, equaled dying and going to heaven. I'm going to die and go back with my son in September. Will have to check out Docamar to compare!

[@losloneone]

Love love love your channel!

[@spainrevealed]

Thank you!

[@JuanCarlos1294]

Hola. Para bravas, DOCAMAR, sin duda. Y de paso una ración de oreja a la plancha, ¡¡¡ sublime !!!. Magnífico canal. Enhorabuena James y Yoli.

[@spainrevealed]

Gracias!!

[@dixy2k]

I first tried patatas braves in Barcelona at Bar Jai-ca and we fell in love immediately. That sauce is dangerously good.

[@spainrevealed]

Totally! Love that place

[@matthewparrott8369]

Love it great together great video

[@SergioGarcia-vu4tg]

My favorite bravas are also the Docamars! Nice video !

[@spainrevealed]

Gracias Sergio!

[@carlosbarriopedro8226]

I used to go there along with my mother who lives near the Docamar, but we can´t since some years ago, because she isn´t young and Docamar hasn´t stools nor chairs for her to sit down. People must eat them standing, as a third-world place.

[@JorgeTurix]

San Remo Bar in Granada. It has 2 specialties, the normal and another super spicy.

[@brydenjimenez5849]

Docamar is legendary! You should try their patatas alioli and their bocadillo de calamares. Just as nice :) Great video, guys!

[@merinodds01]

El Anciano rey de los vinos does a real good job with las papas. We went there because of you and ordered the ox tail pastry! OMG!! That place is amazing! The view was awesome too . Your videos made our Madrid trip a culinary success!! Thank you

[@elyagorf4647]

I get hungry with this video. I'm from Madrid and I like si much the Patatas Bravas

[@danielgrossman378]

Literally browsing Madrid tickets while I watch this 🤤

[@spainrevealed]

When are you coming??

[@Grant5272]

I am really enjoying your channel. My wife and I are planning on retiring to Spain in about 5 years and your videos are really getting us excited for the experience. Maybe we will take one of your Devour Tours in Seville some day. Keep up the good work.

[@edweiser63]

Great video. Patatas bravas was always a great beer food when I was in Madrid. I have been to two of the places you went to (the Salamanca location, and the first place) and I complete agree only I really didn't like the one in Salamanca. It's like they're trying too hard to be different for the sake of being different. IMO, the best one I had was a place a few blocks north of Gran Via and east of San Bernardo (forgot the name sorry) but they added a lot more garlic than normal and as a Romanian it's right up my ally (google mujdei, it's a staple sauce). and because of the garlic we had drank a lot more beer to wash it down. Love the video guys, keep 'em coming!

[@spainrevealed]

Thank you! Would love to know the name of the one you like! Let me know if you remember :)

[@jonmeyrick]

I used to live right next to metro Quintana and I never know about Docamar. Clearly my time there was wasted! I'm very familiar with Las Bravas though, and one of my favorite things to order there was the tortilla brava. A tiny tortilla just enough for one, freshly cooked, runny in the middle, and covered in the famous sauce. I think I'll be spending the next few hours dreaming about it.

[@miguimau]

You guiris tend to know "El centro " very well, though. Look at the bright side, you can pay attention to many places in your next visit. Cheers!

[@selimknani2171]

Great video and a fantastic channel! Saludos desde Tunez.

[@spainrevealed]

Thank you!!

[@pivivis11]

I was in Madrid 2 weeks ago, Los Chicos served the best patatas bravas we have ever tasted, their sauce is amazing, they even sell it separately in jars.

[@pandainpearls]

Wooo! Hope you do a gambas version

[@ccat895]

Great video. Thought at 11:30 there was going to be a little kiss💋

[@procurorick]

Seinfeld! These pretzels are making me thirsty!

[@iAMJM27]

Please make a Sit Down video on the best Tapas Place, Patats Bravas Place, Malls, Markets, Shops In Madrid (Traveling in two weeks!) xx

[@joeytheq9818]

Seinfeld!!!!!!!! THis is a really old video but I didn't see anyone answer your questions in the few i read. Awesome!!!

[@James-ig1vp]

This is a great video James and Yoly. The crack yous have is great haha. Thank you

[@New2Welly]

Thanks guys - worth the wait... Nice seinfeld reference but courting controversy over the nominee selection!! Check out La Imperical sometime - que aproveche

[@spainrevealed]

Haha ok - will check them out.

[@spainrevealed]

Glad you got the reference

[@TOPE64]

These pretzels...they're making me thirsty! Spiciest bravas I've had were at Valadares in Calle Francisco Silvela.

[@xanthoshill7658]

Almería has being called "capital gastronómica española" this year so, if you would like to take some tasty tapas and swim or sunbathes in beautiful beaches, you should visit Almería, I'm sure you will love it. I really enjoy your videos. Congrats for your excellent work.

[@spainrevealed]

Thanks Archer. Almería is definitely on the list!

[@edahacisagir551]

Hola ... Can you make best churros for the next video please. Saludos desde Turquía.

[@anapalmaprince2833]

Nice video ☀️✌️thank you for sharing❣️When I lived in Madrid, I lived in Barrio Salamanca so now I know what to expect for this dish at La Maruca 😳😬🤣. I hope I can visit this year 🙌😄🏖Gracias

[@spainrevealed]

When you try it let us know what you think!

[@anapalmaprince2833]

Spain Revealed - James Blick totally ✨✌️✨

[@mistreated]

Great video! For me, I'm pretty happy with the Patatas "Bravioli" @ Casa Toni. Tried and true. Great reference to Kramer's bit-part in a Woody Alen movie..

[@spainrevealed]

Haha yes!

[@rono123]

That was a fun segment.

[@spainrevealed]

Thank you!!! Glad you enjoyed it

[@andeez4663]

I used to go to the Towers Irish pub in Piramides before the Atletico games. I ordered their bravas once and the "sauce" was ketchup with black pepper!!! Scandalous!!

[@lizzybyron]

🥨🥨🥨 loved this 😊

[@MrTransmaterial]

Yummy Yummy! What about best churros in Madrid?

[@spainrevealed]

Chocolat in Huertas!! :)

[@JuanCarlos1294]

Hi James. No he hecho ningún análisis exhaustivo, pero ¿habéis probado los de Mayoma, en Francisco Silvela?

[@MrTransmaterial]

@@spainrevealed me encanta tu canal. Para la gente de fuera explicas las costumbres españolas y para los españoles duros de oído nos enseñas a entender el inglés. Gran trabajo!

[@syredu10]

@@spainrevealed no need to make a tour! we know who the winner is 😉🤣

[@josemapolo1974]

Docamar, yes! Great pork's ear too ))))

[@wellswoodturningfinishing7394]

Your video gave me an idea to try. How about bravas with Thai masaman sauce?

[@editheitzen9395]

Las bravas pican! Spicy!

[@pablopablo1298]

Can believe you guys haven’t tried las bravas at Bar Valladares. I haven’t had them for a decade, but they are an absolute classic.

[@editheitzen9395]

Oh My! I made the Patatas bravas and it turned out delicious! Extra garlic for sure! I don't think I want to pay $9.50 for half potatoe!

[@Lem972]

El tema de la tapa de papas bravas da para varias tesis doctorales y estudios de post grado. Necesita muchísima dedicación.....probar y probar y probar.... , un trabajo durísimo. Gracias por el vídeo y por descubrir al mundo está área del conocimiento humano tan infravolarada.

[@nigel8499]

1:16 Las Bravas 3:41 Askuabarra 6:34 Bodega La Ardosa 9:10 La Maruca 13:16 Docamar

[@Leo-pt9ei]

8:28 the dude behind yoly tried to drink at the same time as you

[@keepcalmandbazinga13]

Absolutely love your videos! I'm a chef so for me i find it so hard to go to a restaurant and pay 9 euros for a singular potato when you know just how good they can be if you make them yourselves and cheap too! Sometimes i hate being a chef because it makes me overly critical of restaurant food! Been in spain for over a month now and yet to have some decent bravas with homemade sauce! The search continues

[@aestheticsbyjasmine940]

Love them with alioli 😩❤️

[@reneemartinez9045]

to be honest, when i went to spain i wasn't crazy about patats bravas bc it just reminded me of french fries with a fancy ketchup and aioli...but now that im back in the states, ive been craving patatas bravas like crazy! those double fried cubes of potatoes can't be ordered to-go anywhere around here

[@lilyaust5633]

Thanks. Loving the vids. Do you have one on “tourist traps”? So we don’t get ripped of but an enriched authentic experience? Ta.

[@spanishguycooking]

I just realize Bravas in Madrid are not made with white sauce. We usually add "all i oli" or similar in Barcelona and basque country. It looks amazing, anyway.

[@spainrevealed]

Yep, that's how we eat them here.

[@lisaturner6974]

Lol, great video!

[@Berilac]

I'm wondering about the way you conduct your research for these kind of videos. Must me a really tough job to go try all those wonderful tapas bars :p

[@spainrevealed]

Asking friends, wandering the streets and online. It is a tough job!! :) thanks for commenting

[@miguelangel1765]

Las del Docamar son las mejores para mí, y salvo a las del barrio salamanca, he ido a todos. Askuabarra son diferentes, y también están muy ricas a su estilo. Pero definitivamente Docamar. Buen videeoo!! Para extranjeros y para desconocedores de los mejores sitios de bravas este vídeo les viene muy bien.

[@melissatravellover6477]

Hey guys, I looooove your videos and try to wait patiently each time for the next one! You did a 'cheers' to Yoly's palate.....but was she correct?

[@spainrevealed]

There wasn’t coconut milk. But her palate is amazing

[@lkjnkj5769]

You should've gone to Taberna Malaspina, near Sol (Calle Cádiz). Those are the best bravas. Second place for Restaurante Docamar.

[@spainrevealed]

Will check it out!!

[@borisperez4650]

Haceros un favor, y probar las bravas (y los boquerones adobados) en La Tierruca

[@Emy53]

surprised to hear that Spaniards are not big on "hot" or "spicy" foods. I grew up eating spicy and hot. I love it. I also grew up eating the way the Puerto Ricans cook prepare their meals. My parents always had that bottle of "hot sauce" on the dinner table.

[@foxhill1081]

JAMES AND YOLANDA YOU ARE JUST LOVELY TO WATCH

[@chicagochic]

The reference is from Seinfeld when Kramer was talking about the pretzels.

[@spainrevealed]

Yes!!

[@gerryquerryberry2630]

If you come to Barcelona! The best brava bar is called Bar tomas de Sarria! It is very famous

[@pellax]

In Barcelona we preffer our way of doing bravas, is a little bit different.

[@paralosdelcampamento]

Tenéis que probar un sitio por Malasaña que se llama El dos de Palma! Son una versión de las bravas deliciosa!

[@spainrevealed]

Ok!

[@yanilendiaz6698]

I love that each place yall go! Yall cant go wrong with beer! Lol im very excited to go to Spain in 2 years!!! Do u recommend going to Barcelona or madrid?? Its so hard for me to stay both places due to work..

[@spainrevealed]

Hmmm that really depends. Both are great. No answer I’m afraid. It’s only a 2.5 hour train ride between them!

[@yanilendiaz6698]

Spain Revealed - James Blick ohhh well thats not too bad!!!! Ok perfect. Train 🚊 rides there shouldnt be too bad lol thank yall!!

[@DP-tf7qb]

You should go to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and try Papas Arrugadas!

[@spainrevealed]

totally!