Nightlife: Chueca

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Madrid's nightlife is world famous largely thanks to the joyous ambiance created in areas such as Chueca, where small bars and clubs throw big time parties where everyone is welcome.

This area burst on the nightlife scene decades ago, when the LGTBIQA+ community breathed new life into its streets and squares, which had been forgotten for years. Nowadays, this neighbourhood is open to anyone looking to party the night away in an atmosphere of respect and complicity.

Among the classic venues in this area, be they LGTBIQA+ or otherwise, there are a few names that have now practically become part of the city's cultural heritage. Museo Chicote, named the best bar in Europe several times over, is legendary and truly historic, having welcomed the great stars of Hollywood's heyday, as well as Ernest Hemingway; now it plays host to the city's top DJs and veterans of the world of art and Madrid's popular culture.

Another classic name on the Chueca nightlife scene is Libertad 8 (located at No. 8, Calle Libertad), the birthplace of some of the most emblematic singer-songwriters on the Madrid night scene. Teatro Barceló TClub, heir to the famous Pachá, is also legendary, in spite of the change in name, as is Sala Ocho y Medio, which is located inside the former Sala But.

Located in the heart of Chueca, Intruso Bar is a multidisciplinary space that hosts concerts, comedy shows, and DJ sets; and at Sala Vesta, on the site of the former Bogui Jazz club, you can see concerts by established music acts as well as the most innovative DJ sets and jam sessions. If you’re looking to enjoy dinner and a show, head to Bule Bule, which offers a unique evening full of fun. 

The area is also home to numerous cocktail bars, including Coctelería Del Diego, one of the most outstanding in the city, as well as Harveys, an original cocktail bar inspired by the elegant Hollywood of the 1940s; Lola 09, a cosmopolitan and modern space that often hosts language exchanges and has a varied cocktail bar and a gastronomic offer in the form of portions and some more elaborate dishes; and Momus Bar, one of the cocktail bars that has recently arrived in Chueca thanks to bartender Alberto Fernández.

Alongside these established venues, numerous new bars, pubs and clubs are opening up to feed the desire for fun in all its forms. Avant-garde spaces such as  Vuélvete Loca and LL Showbar (Pelayo, 11), which hosts some of the wildest and most frenetic shows in the area, the perfect place to discover the latest talent in their drag queen competitions. Those looking to party into the small hours can head for DLRO (Pelayo, 59), which opens until 5 am every day. Twist & Shout Bar is a freak themed cocktail bar with a nod to the popular culture and which stands out for serving its cocktails with popcorn. Other classics of the area are Why not? and Black & White.

LL Bar

For those looking for a more specific scene, there are also specialised options. Many people who identify with the bear culture congregate at venues such as Zarpa Bear (Infantas, 26) and Hot (Infantas, 9).

And for those looking for venues with roots in the Lesbian community, places such as Truco and Fulanita de Tal are well worth a visit.

 

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