Madrid: The tastiest sandwiches in town for Cheapos

Hamming it up with the locals at the Museo del Jamon in Madrid. Photo: streetMadrid

Sandwiches in Madrid are simple and cheap, and that’s what makes them a hit. Forget about going all gourmet by adding texture, exotic ingredients, and multi-grain bread—who needs all the fancy fillings when staple ingredients will do. The best bocadillos around the city stick to what they know, no bells and whistles here, just good eating.

Here are six sandwich shops guaranteed to hit the spot:

Bar Postas
Calle Postas, 13
Metro: Sol
Telephone: (+34) 91 521 1942

At this unassuming spot between the hustle and bustle of Sol and the Plaza Mayor you’ll find the best calamari sandwich in town. There aren’t many tables at this establishment, so either eat the fried, crispy, goodness at the bar with a caña or take it for the road.

Bar Melos
Calle Ave María, 44
Metro: Lavapies
Telephone: (+34) 91 527 5054

Big appetites should head here. Bar Melos is famous for their zapatillas: an enormous sandwich overflowing with ham and cheese on what is almost like challah bread. It’s scrumptious.

Cervecería 100 Montaditos
Multiple locations
Web site

In Spain, Montaditos is similar to Starbucks in the States; they’re everywhere. Walk through the center and you’ll spot them on almost every corner. Although a chain, Montaditos is one of the best places to stop for bite-sized sandwiches at an unbeatable price. Tip: Swing by on a Wednesday when all sandwiches are only €1.

Museo del Jamón
Multiple locations
Web site

Yes, it looks like a tourist trap (see photo, top), but it’s a local stop for many Madrileños. And, although it feels like a museum, with ham legs hanging from the ceiling, it’s not. No, the Museo del Jamón is instead one of the greatest places to munch on an inexpensive bocadillo, elbow to elbow with locals.

Hurly Burly
Calle del Marqués de Cubas, 2
Telephone: (+34) 91 523 2367
Metro: Banco de Espana

Winner of many international sandwich contests, the Hurly Burly is a more expensive, gourmet option. Treat yourself to a bocadillo of cod, morcilla spread, and peppers. Or go for the goat cheese with tomato and paletilla ibérica. Or perhaps the fajitas with lomo, mushrooms and tomato sauce. Yum!

El Cubanito
Bravo Murillo, 10
Metro: Quevedo
Telephone: (+34) 91 471 547

El Cubanito is the spot if you’re craving a traditional Cuban sandwich. Not much more to say here, only that once you bite into this soft, juicy, and super savory bocadillo, you’re likely to order another one.