Café Comercial

Madrid's grand old literary café (1887) on Glorieta de Bilbao — marble tables, mirrored columns, white-jacketed waiters. It closed in 2015, broke the city's heart, and reopened restored with a polished (pricier) menu. Come for coffee, the famous croissants, or classic cocido rather than a bargain meal — you're paying a little for the room, and it's worth it.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a reservation at Café Comercial?

For lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch, yes — it books up, and you can reserve online. For a coffee at the bar or a table between meal services, you can usually just walk in.

Is it expensive?

By old-café standards, somewhat: it's now a proper restaurant with restaurant prices, roughly €30+ per person for a meal. Coffee and a pastry at the bar remains an affordable way to enjoy the room.

What's worth ordering there?

Their croissant with coffee is a Madrid institution, and the kitchen does elevated classics — croquetas, cocido madrileño on its traditional days, and a well-regarded steak tartare. Mains put a full meal around €30-40 a head.

Can I sit and work on a laptop there?

At off-peak hours at a café table, generally yes, though it's not a coworking spot and they'll need tables back at meal times. Mid-morning on a weekday is your safest window.

Is Café Comercial the original or a recreation?

It's the original 1887 café, closed in 2015 and reopened in 2017 by a new restaurant group that restored the room beautifully. The bones — revolving door, marble, mirrors — are genuine; the menu and prices are modern.

Why is Café Comercial famous?

For over a century it was Madrid's living room for writers and tertulias — regular intellectual gatherings — hosting the likes of Antonio Machado and Gloria Fuertes. It's one of the oldest cafés in the city.

When is Café Comercial open?

Daily from 8:30 in the morning until 1:00 at night, stretching to about 2:00 Thursday through Saturday. Continuous service makes it a reliable stop at awkward hours.

What's nearby to combine with a visit?

You're on the border of Malasaña and Chamberí — Calle Fuencarral's shopping runs south, and the Conde Duque cultural center is a ten-minute walk. It's a natural coffee stop before an evening in Malasaña.

Nearby in Ask Madrid

• Museo de Historia de MadridMuseum0.38 km · 5 min walk
• FismulerRestaurant0.39 km · 5 min walk
• Café ManuelaCafé0.4 km · 5 min walk
• MalasañaNeighborhood0.42 km · 5 min walk
• Museo Nacional del RomanticismoMuseum0.43 km · 5 min walk