Casa Labra
8.4Locals Score / 10#3 of 13 Bars & Nightlife in Madrid
Known fortajadas de bacalaocroquetas de bacalaobacalao al ajoarrierobanderilla de bonito
A wood-panelled 1860 taberna steps from Puerta del Sol serving two things brilliantly: fried salt-cod bites (tajadas) and cod croquetas, about €1.30 and €0.90 apiece. The Spanish Socialist Party was founded here in 1879. Expect a fast-moving queue out the door at lunch — it's part of the ritual.
Key facts
| Hours | Daily 11:30–15:30 Daily 18:30–22:30 |
|---|---|
| Price | $ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Sol (Metro L1, L2, L3; Cercanías), 2-minute walk |
| Time needed | 30-45 minutes |
| Best time to go | Right at 11:30 opening or mid-afternoon; the 13:30-15:00 lunch queue is longest |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Locals Score
8.4/10- Value9.0
- Iconic7.5
- Freshness5.9
- Crowd level4.5
- Authenticity9.0
- Accessibility9.8
Frequently asked questions
- Does Casa Labra have seating?
- There's a small sit-down restaurant at the back with waiter service and a fuller menu, but the classic move is standing in the front bar or on the pedestrian street outside. The restaurant does the cod in bigger, pricier formats.
- How does ordering at Casa Labra work?
- There are two counters: one sells the cod and croquetas, the other pours drinks. Queue for the food first, then carry it inside or to a barrel — it confuses everyone the first time, so don't stress.
- How much does a stop at Casa Labra cost?
- A round of four cod pieces, a couple of croquetas, and a beer runs well under €10 per person. It's one of the best cheap classic bites in central Madrid.
- Is the queue at Casa Labra worth it?
- Yes, because it moves fast — they've been frying cod at speed since 1860. Ten to fifteen minutes at peak lunch is typical; go at opening and you'll walk straight in.
- Is Casa Labra good with kids?
- Totally — it's fried fish and croquetas, basically Spanish kid food, served in minutes. The pedestrian street outside gives them room to stand while you balance the plates.
- What do you order at Casa Labra?
- Tajadas de bacalao (battered fried salt cod, about €1.30 a piece) and croquetas de bacalao (around €0.90 each). Order at the fried-food counter, pay, then take your plate to the drinks bar for a caña or a glass of wine.
- What are Casa Labra's hours?
- Roughly 11:30-15:30 and 18:30-22:30 daily, closing only on January 1. Note the afternoon break — plan around it or you'll find the shutters down.
- Is Casa Labra really where the Spanish Socialist Party was founded?
- Yes — the PSOE was founded here in secret in 1879, and there's a plaque marking it. It's one of those Madrid bars where the history is real, not marketing.
Nearby in Ask Madrid
- Puerta del SolAttraction0.16 km · 2 min walk
- Chocolatería San GinésCafé0.18 km · 2 min walk
- Malasaña Neighborhood WalkAttraction0.26 km · 3 min walk
- Gran VíaAttraction0.3 km · 4 min walk
- Plaza MayorAttraction0.32 km · 4 min walk
Where to stay near Casa Labra
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