One street north of Plaza Mayor, tucked into the corner of two narrow alleys, sits Madridʼs most famous chocolate shop: Chocolateria San Gines.
Constructed as an inn and restaurant in 1890, the cafe began selling its renowned churros and chocolate four years later. The rest is sweet history.
I first visited this confection institution as a teenager with a tour group, but the second time around was a little less crowded.
But, if things are busy, itʼs usually for a good reason. The signature churros and liquid chocolate dipping sauce draw tourists and locals alike in droves, 24 hours per day, every day of the year.
When I was back in Spainʼs capital as an adult, my craving for this sugary goodness was too much to handle, and after a few wrong turns (and one Google Maps search), I found the iconic green entryway. Inside was just as I remembered: Repeating green-colored wood panels and mirrors alternate across the walls, giving the illusion of a much larger space. Antique light fixtures and white-tiled floors and counters transport guests back to a more sophisticated time.
As I dug into a third churro, the black-and-white portraits of celebrity patrons on the walls seemed amused at my chocolate mustache. I couldn’t blame them; the smile on my face wouldn’t go away, either.
The Details
Chocolateria San Gines
www.chocolateriasangines.com
