I Discovered Madrid's Best FREE Tapas

[@j.n.sloane]

I literally started to cry when that man was talking about feeding people who were hungry. He was a lifeboat to his community. THAT is what I love about this country; they love their fellow man. This was the important message. Spain is love. Saludos desde Asturias.

[@bryanjensen355]

That's the heart of the matter - beautiful people with humanist hearts!

[@j.n.sloane]

@@youssef24231, probably not as often as I should. I do donate to Accion Contra El Hambre, but I don't think that's what you mean. I also have fed people on the street but I could certainly do more. How about you? What's your favorite way to help those struggling?

[@jcaam8094]

As a Spaniard living abroad I look so forward to going back to Spain every year just to hit the tapa bars.

[@janisschwenke9233]

That was fun! Especially enjoyed watching Phil’s eyes grow in size as they matched the enormity of the free tapas. Generosity is apparently a good business model. Well done all!

[@spainrevealed]

jaja yes, Phil enjoyed himself

[@SargBjornson]

@@spainrevealed Esto ha sido para equilibrar cuando le hiciste comer cabecita de cerdo frita jajaja

[@alexandreoliveira85566]

​@@spainrevealed😊 19:19 thank you make great video in Madrid Spain obrigado 😊

[@rosemarieharris5921]

No way I could eat all that!Anyway I think I would insist on paying something anyway..Such nice people!

[@scottamartin2518]

Fantastic, James, as always. Foreigners can't get over A) the concept of free food in Spain with your drink, or B) THE ABUNDANCE of free food, in some places, in the form of tapas. Thanks for the insight. Sincerely, Scott in Madrid (18-years! and from the USA)

[@vepakko]

As a Finnish person, considering the prices of those drinks on this video are outrageously cheap, while a business idea of serving free food along drinks is just crazy wild 😮 Spain just raised to number one on my travel bucket list 😅

[@padders1068]

James & Phil, thanks for sharing. I have experienced free Tapas in Calahonda, on the south coast, they were more snack sized, but after visiting quite a few bars we had to politely ask for no Tapas as we couldn't eat anymore. Spain and it's people are fantastic.

[@youngspiritsinging]

That was epic! Great to see Phil too. The stories were incredible. That is what I love about Spain are the stories. The older man who owned the bar for 58 years . What a beautiful person. All of the bar owners were so cool.

[@virginiafeliciano9318]

Oh this was so awesome! The history, the atmosphere, the community is what makes all this great. Too bad I didn't know about these places when I was there this Feb, but now I know for next trip. Always great to see Phil as well

[@tomjohnson4584]

Thank you for this great video, James. Your recent questionnaire was spot on and this video says it all: 1) You’re diving deep (for non- Spaniards) into Spanish culture. 2) You (and Phil!) have a talent for making it accessible. 3) For people that want to know more about Spain’s underbelly, your channel is the place to go. You have a knack for finding what interests us. I’m proud of you.

[@neilgould3869]

James you make some of the best vlogs on KZbin, highlighting Spain and wow, Pepe deserves a medal - such a hero 👍

[@AfterCoffeeWithJess]

this captured the feeling i got when checking out free tapas places both in madrid and granada which i found difficult to explain to family and friends back home. thank you for the video!

[@frankbalmer6860]

Places like this have been operating in Benidorm old town for many years and are extremely popular. During the day they a reasonably quiet but at night you have to go before 8PM or you will have to queue and wait for a table. Highly recommended

[@danchamberlain3049]

My wife and I are doing 7 weeks in Spain starting in September. Your videos are inspirational that we are going to enjoy the experience.

[@swissfoodie3542]

That is in amazing video, thank you so much for it James. Videos like this are why I love your channel, and why I love Spain (and especially, Madrid).

[@swissfoodie3542]

I have to add however, that personally I prefer to go to a bar, where I have to pay for my tapas. Because that also means that I can choose the "right" bar for the tapa I want, and get the tapa I crave in a good quality.

[@barbarajefferson4672]

Thanks! Great places and such nice people!

[@hughkelly9638]

Brilliant James, well done to you and Phil. I visit Madrid often, must go on a Tapas Tour😀😀👍👍

[@PortageurCa]

Amazing! I have noted the tip about the blood pressure.

[@AceFrass]

Ah! I knew the Tigre looked familiar! My foreign exchange brother (I'm from the US, and he is from Madrid) took me to the Tigre to meet his college friends when I came to visit. It was a wild experience, we went before a night out and it was packed with students. Great atmosphere and so much fun!

[@IRSA1]

Phew ! I felt full to bursting point just watching this ! No need to go hungry even on a budget holiday to this vibrant city.

[@robertmeredith906]

Unbelievably generous people. These bars seem to be designed as places for people to gather and enjoy life. My type of bar!!

[@spainrevealed]

Totally! Love these place.

[@enth2709]

Great video. Like that there is always some element of history and social context that you find out and add to these places. Gracias!

[@jeffgreenwaldJLG]

Super video. I’m definitely visiting some of those next time I’m in Madrid.

[@CookingwithYarda]

That's amazing !! I love Spain

[@jamesrenner3988]

James - Top Notch as expected. Well Done. I really enjoyed the underlying ethos/culture/sense of community from the background of Pepe and his efforts being beyond running a successful restaurant. It was also nice of you to include Phil so that he could present himself as a less than socially awkward boy from the UK. Good that you have taken him under your wing - he shows some promise if given the proper direction. (please read the Phil comments with tongue firmly placed in cheek.)

[@carlpolk4344]

This is why I love your channel. I learn things about Madrid and Spain that I would never learn anywhere else. Looking forward to returning to Madrid in September of this year.

[@retirementbudgettravel699]

Very interesting but touching video. You really captured the pride, hard work & kindness of the owners. Great video!! 🇪🇸 ❤👍🏼

[@javisobrin]

El Boñar en una callejuela de la calle Pez... un plato de paella con una caña, a veces incluso marisco... para los estudiantes era legendario.

[@fns58]

14:51 It was very common in old times to throw the napkins to the floor of the bar. But just the napkins lmao, not the food. In the UK they had mugs to spit under the bar. We all have our weird customs lmao. Great video. I am from Madrid and I think I've never been to places so generous with tapas lol.

[@scottishsamba]

Thank you Phil & James @spainrevealed! Great video! You should try a tiny bar called “el 89” ( in Calle Ponzano 89). A 30 year old family run business, that gets packed on Thursdays and Fridays with delicious free tapas for every drink. ( they’re much smaller than the ones in your video, but you will find good quality and a very friendly atmosphere too).

[@Osusackett]

Loved the video. Thank you for sharing your adventures and introducing us to many new places

[@angelitoramire]

Great video my men. Keep it up!

[@barbara3977]

I love this kind of video very much keep it up 👍

[@DavidGNI]

Another cracking video James. Thanks

[@spainrevealed]

Thank you!

[@bkm2797]

This Tapas stroll was fun and very generous of these establishments. The last one when you were speaking with the owner reminded me of a song from a t.v. series here in the states allied 'Cheers' where everybody knows your name,lol. Thanks for the tour James!

[@bkm2797]

called* not allied Sorry my iPad won't edit today.

[@wandagonzalez3302]

Great way to show how Spain 🇪🇸 is AMAZING 🤩. Great people, amazing, unique, delicious food 😋. Love your videos!! God bless you and your family!!

[@criskrahe6556]

Supongo que en casa Pepe te os pusieron un poco de todo para que probarais esos distintos platos pero lo normal es que te pongan un plato con una tapa y me parece genial por 3 € y medio. Buen trabajo!Gracias por mostrarnos sitios con encanto😊

[@waynesgrid49]

Excellent video! Left Madrid 3 weeks ago. Missed all these. We did fall in love with a place called Tragantia, where they fed us for free every time. Fantastic, even served fish, gambas, Jamon, tuna, croquetas, and so much more. Tragantia ... tell Pedro Gene sent you. Pedro loves to sing. You hear him most afternoons.

[@spainrevealed]

GET YOUR Madrid Travel Guide here 👉 swiy.io/MadridRevealed

[@mitcoes]

El tubo en Zaragoza, Pedro Antonio de Alarcón (aunque ya no es lo mismo) en Granada, rutas de tapeo castellanas por Zamora, Valladolid y Segovia, y supongo que hay más, Salamanca no la conozco, pero no debe estar mal. Ruta almeriense pasando por el quiosco de ciudad jardín, entre otros, con comida (otro día) en la barraquilla de el Alquián. En El Carmen en Valencia, El Pilar, El Molinon, y los que estén de moda en el momento, y por las mañanas Cacaus d'or, el de las tortillas de la calle céntrica de dos manzanas Félix Pizcueta merece dos visitas, una solo por las tortillas, una ruta de tapas por El Palmar con más de 30 restaurantes. La ruta del tapeo de Benidorm. El viaje en barco a las bateas en Galicia con el "all you can eat and drink" de molusco y vinho verde, Y seguro que más que desconozco. Y el barrio de la Santa Cruz en Sevilla, con su Bodega al final de la cuesta, y si es época, sin perdonar los caracoles.

[@JanG_GC]

Hubby and I off to Girona in October and, having LOVED your recommendations in Cadiz and Seville, would really appreciate some for there. 🙏🤞

[@mitcoes]

@@JanG_GC read 2foodtrippers blog about Girona tapas scene, the fork, tripadvisor, gastroranking, viajesytapas, and restaurantguru, share most of the recommended places. Good luck. My advice is not to miss botifarra, blanca negra i d'ou, - black white and yellow sausages, cheaper at local grocery stores, or markets and not only those, and you will buy them and ask for e-mail or e-shop to continue eating them - peus de pork - pork hands - canelons - bechamel caneloni - and anchovies from L'Escala, and beans with sausage and of course croquettes and crema catalana dessert similar to cream Brulé, plus cremat coffee (more of the south, but you'll find it) that is burnt rum (better Mascaró brand) with coffee. Enjoy the trip.

[@flowergirl4652]

Come back to Málaga!

[@JanG_GC]

@@mitcoes thank you for all your suggestions. I will check them out. Very familiar with some (crema catalana, for e.g. ) but not all. Always do check other recommendations, part of the pre holiday fun. 🙏😁

[@mizginavale22]

That was great! Thanks so much for the video.

[@5q55.]

Been to Tigre a couple of times , I agree it’s stodgy, generous, what struck me was the waste , so much left uneaten , anyway enjoyed the video! 😊

[@bradwoj1]

Excellent video, excited to be there in October!

[@Marciap17]

Excellent video guys! I’ll certainly visit one of them on my next trip to Madrid this year, more for support to their small business than for the food. Thank you

[@Wanderlustwaltz]

“I’m just here because my doctor just told me I have low blood pressure. So I needed a beer. “ 😂😂😂❤

[@Hokipoki4u]

that was amazing!!!

[@cosanostra8]

I was in May in Madrid . Wish I had known this before my trip 😅

[@ramongonzalezdiaz9511]

my family move to Quebec in 1963, I was 8 years old ,from El Barraco a little town in the province of Avila...Thank you so much....

[@eltenda]

I visited Spain many times, part of my family lives in tarifa and Seville. I remember seeing tapas free with the purchase of drinks. Last time I visited Andalucia the only town still has that tradition was granada....out of the cities I've visited

[@lynnestewart7060]

Great fun video

[@spainrevealed]

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@ians474]

Thanks for this matey! Love your channel. Now I know where to eat in Madrid next week!

[@cradock38]

Thanks for this fabulous edition. Genuine Spain.

[@alexandreoliveira85566]

fantastic cansl Spain Revealed I really like to see my neighbor next door I'm Portuguese from Lisbon 🇵🇹 I've never been to Madrid 🇪🇸 but still I'm thinking I'm going there but I'm also a fan of food tapas for free you only pay for the beer wonderful most important person go there cause of environment and talking and chatting others cool thanks hug your new fan 🇵🇹🇪🇺😎❤

[@cal9112]

Love portugal too but Spain is really unique in everyway

[@chapovez1]

James, Your videos are truly incredible. So entertaining and informative. We just got back from a trip to Spain and I honesty wouldn't have enjoyed it nearly enough without your insight and guidance. Please never stop making these videos. Gracias por todo!

[@nancywolfe1444]

Loved this one.♥

[@Ilegator]

Wow, what a great video

[@Emy53]

That's a lot of food for so little euros. While in southern Spain in 2019, the topas were good but not as generous. Many places served croquetas. They were so good.

[@michaelhealy1590]

I flew into Madrid today and after checking in to my hotel, I checked out Casa Alberto which you recommended in one of your posts. Let me tell you, the place was great and although very busy, I was able to get a table. I ordered 3 different tapas, including the Machenda cheese, but totally forgot your highly recommended Bull's Tail Stew. I am thinking about a return trip for the stew. Everything was exceptional. I told my waiter you recommended the place. He smiled a big grin. Love your posts.

[@wellnessbum]

Pepe's a good!! Thanks for sharing this video. I'll have to check out Tigre... Embarrassed to say I live two blocks away and have not been 😅

[@garibaldi4spinney]

Great to see the legend Phil again

[@AnthonyVelasco-k6g]

Hi James can u do a video about famous Catholic Church in Spain

[@lorenaem]

Acabo de descubrir el Padrao, gracias!!

[@greyquinn]

De este estilo también está el Bar Los amigos y Los enemigos entre Ascao y La Elipa.

[@okpearce]

No estoy muy seguro pero creo que la sirena y la campana que han sonado en Casa Pepe es porque algún cliente ha dejado propina. Imagino. Un abrazo desde Madrid! ;)

[@spainrevealed]

si, eso es

[@wellswoodturningfinishing7394]

This was one of the best videos you’ve made! There are some great stories here.

[@3mkasi]

As a tourist, I love the idea of free tapas. Not because I don't want to pay, but because being a foreigner in new places, I sometimes feel like I'm going to be scammed just because I'm a foreigner. This generosity that I encountered in Madrid and also in Granada, it makes me feel safe and comfortable. And wanting to stay longer and order more and more ❤

[@tquintana-parker8724]

Great video! I can't believe a pint in London is now 6,50! Is that sterling or euro?

[@timahelm]

I absolutely love when Phil joins! As a TSFP fan i maaaaaaay be a bit bias, but Phil definitely adds to the episode!

[@ProBioMech]

Such an absolutely fantastic video James. Gracias y Kā Pai

[@Nixx0912]

My gps took me to the closed "El Tigre" too last year. My friend was in Madrid the same time as I did accidentally so we met there. The tapas were enormous.

[@pegross8652]

Terrific video!

[@BraisFernandez]

I actually enjoyed watching ... great video mate, hope to see ya one day in the streets of madrid

[@nigel8499]

I loved this video. One of your best imo.

[@dianad6599]

Thanks for the recommendations. We are in Spain and have stopped by COPs twice.

[@stephenkebbell7082]

So, I'd seen this video before my visit. 50m away from the hotel was El Tigre. Thanks to this vid, I knew exactly what I was looking at! Amazingly vibrant bar and tapas hasta el cielo

[@natashaleighwood7166]

Hi James and Yoli! Me and my partner are going to Madrid for our first holiday together in August but I’ve heard everything including shops ect virtually shuts down? Would you agree with this?

[@rosemarieharris5921]

Hello James Been following you ,your wife and friends for a while now. Love Madrid and Spain and always looking for advise. I know food is your thing but do you know anything about what has become of the great guy who invited people to dance Salsa on the streets.? Always wanted to have a go at that but sadly way too old now! Will be back in Madrid soon ,will stick to restaurants!

[@emlyngriffith5846]

An excellent video. You two are very funny together. This is real tapas in Spain as opposed to some of the “designer” places you’ve shown who cater for the tourists and at greater cost. Both have their places but I prefer the traditional way. The best tapas I ever had was in a back street in Cuenca where we were served plate after plate of delicious tapas…..they then asked us if we wanted to stay for dinner but there was no way we could eat any more. It’s a great tradition 👍🍷.

[@ericneil8626]

Not sure if it is a play on the name, but 'el tigre' en Madrid slang is 'the toilet'..... a bit like a bar in Asturias called 'La cama'..... where should we go? Vamos a la cama.....Vamos al tigre..... also, congratulations to Phil for his new TV job!! He's great!

[@miriamO212]

OMG you went to El Tigre?!?!?! HAHAHAHAHA I went there when I arrived with my American comrades in 2014. We went for the experience! It was great and made some friends. Glad y'all had a great time! Good to see Phil again 😁

[@spainrevealed]

haha yes, it had to be done once in my life!

[@lottecooper4370]

Haha same, me and my friends were those typical students as well, in 2021 it was just 5 € / jarra though! They weren't too nice when we asked for vegetarian only though, but since we were a group of 5 and no one ate meat, eventually we got tortilla and pan con queso so that was good!

[@julioc4978]

Great video as always, I am curious, would someone get free tapas if ordering sodas or soft drinks assuming someone doesn’t drink alcohol ?

[@spainrevealed]

yep definitely. I give lots of info about tapas in my free guide here - swiy.io/Tapas101

[@MegaNelushka]

Wow !!

[@SACHINLAWANDE1977]

Mr Pepe - they don't make folks like you any more.

[@jorgeluismartinez9871]

Maistro, voy en algunos meses a Madrid y tu canal es de los mejores con los que me he cruzado. Gracias por toda la info y el trabajo detrás.

[@spainrevealed]

Gracias! Qué disfrutes!!

[@curious1264]

Gotta love Pepe! What a generous soul

[@TheDuckAndRogerTheHorse]

Boom!

[@va.espanol]

¡Viva España! 🎉 las tapas más ricas del mundo😊

[@corisco93]

Tienes que probar el sierra

[@afcgeo882]

I wish you’d post the addresses of these places to boost their business. There are 4 Casa Pepes and 2 El Tigres in Madrid.

[@spainrevealed]

Cool call! Just added them to the description box.

[@afcgeo882]

@@spainrevealed Thank you!

[@michaelcraddock8579]

Amazing and so generous and supportive of the local community ❤ I need to visit thank you.

[@TravelingisFREEDOM]

The location for Casa Pepe seems bit inconvenient if you want to see Madrid centre...

[@notorio666]

Te falto el respiro cerca de la Cibeles. Buenisimo el Tigre tambien

[@emilyserafamanschot800]

Oh, James, how I miss what I call "my beautiful city". But I'm glad I'm not there through this heat wave. Stay cool! How about a video on how are the people surviving during this heat?

[@spainrevealed]

Will probably mention it in the next video -- the heat :). We're doing ok.

[@DiggingNorway]

Cool video!!

[@irenea7987]

❤ love such amazingness they truly enjoy what they’re giving

[@fredcookerly9385]

Just amazing! We just got back from a month in the States where the cost for food and drinks is outrageous. Glad to be back where my wife and I can go home satisfied (free tapas or not) for less than 20 Euros. Also, I've been looking for a special place to go around Atocha and La Pequeña Graná might be perfect.

[@paulvato]

Looks like it's time to revisit Spain!

[@Yenkieldemente]

El Padrao es mi favorito. Que sobreviva en una callejuela tan escondida y honestamente inquietante es prueba de lo genial que es.

[@edgartorres62]

I did that same walk to the Sidreria El Tigre on saturday. Ended up on the one on Hortaleza (ran across another one on the way there!?!?). I was flabbergasted at the two plates they gave us for two gin tonics.

[@kivol.3454]

Acá en México afuera de mi universidad hay una fondita el cuál son 65 pesos mexicanos (3.46 EUR) una comida completa de 4 tiempos: arroz o spaghetti, sopa o consomé, el platillo fuerte que está muy bien servido, mi favorito son los chiles rellenos, una jarra de agua del día, y finalmente un postre que es una gelatina en una flanera. No puedes encontrar algo más calidad-precio tan barato en el mundo como en México. Ah, y aparte la sexta vez que ibas a la fondita, era totalmente gratis!

[@maureensweeney6240]

Literally uploaded the day I GET HOME FROM SPAIN!!!!!!

[@MaishaUropa1857]

I am in Madrid how can i access this places, i need only soft drinks