Lista is a triangular neighbourhood in the central northern part of Barrio Salamanca, bordered by Calle Principe de Vegara to the west (see my Castellana posts), Calle de Don Ramón de la Cruz to the south (see my Goya posts), and diagonally by Calle del Francisco Silvela to the east (see my Guindalera post). There are heaps of good bars in the area. My Google map <a href=”https://drive.google.com/open?id=14MHQcureEmVL3uygZxj_L42Dv98&usp=sharing” target=”_blank”>here</a>.
Txirimiri (Elementary A), 91 Calle General Diez Porlier
Part of a small chain of Basque tapas bars, there are a couple more branches in La Latina (see separate post).
I come here for the Hamburguesa ‘Unai’ en Tempura con Salsa de Boletus (€7.50), two mini-hamburgers coated in a light batter and a flavoursome mushroom sauce with some nicely dressed lettuce and two slices of French loaf (A). It’s just enough to consider not having a full meal.
However, the Bikini de Rabo de Toro Deshuedo con Crema de Piminetos de Pequillo is also very tasty (B+).
The slightly effervescent Basque ‘txacoli’ white wine is a nice tipple at €2.50 a copa.
Try to hit the place at around 8.30 when the kitchen opens (only pinchos are available before then) and it’s not too busy. There are lots of other bars around the top ends of the Generals.
La Flauta Magica 49 C/Alcantara has live music every evening in the back room of a faux English pub. They also have ‘mus’ championships.