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Madrid › Madrid › La Pasa Gin Bar - Restaurante y coctelería especializada en ginebras
La Pasa Gin Bar - Restaurante y coctelería especializada en ginebrasB+Worth Trying
C. de San Bernardo, 73, Centro, 28015 Madrid, Spain
· Bar & grill, Cocktail bar, Gastropub
· 4.7/5 Google (1411 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Lively gin-focused restaurant blending Dominican and Spanish flavors with warm, often owner-led hospitality; excellent drinks and many standout small plates, but service attitude can swing and pricing on cocktails feels steep.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
La Pasa Gin Bar delivers solid neighborhood dining through strong food quality anchored by standout dishes like garlic prawns and picanha, paired with warm, attentive service and expert gin guidance. However, inconsistent execution with occasional service friction during busy periods, combined with moderate uncertainty around review patterns, prevents a higher grade. The extensive gin program and owner-led hospitality make it competitive with respected local favorites, though it lacks the distinction needed for grade A territory.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and inviting with soft lighting and curated decor, and service often starts with a cheerful greeting from the owner. Guests describe a place where the team is attentive and personal, offering tips on the vast gin list and sometimes a complimentary house shot. One diner shared, "We were treated like family from the moment we sat down." Note that experiences can be polarized, with a few citing service attitude issues during busy times or group seating disputes. The cooking leans Dominican-Spanish fusion alongside comfort hits. Expect garlic prawns in a clay pot, crisp croquettes, juicy picanha with pepper sauce, and fried chicken, plus a cheesecake that wins repeat praise. The headline act is the extensive gin selection curated by knowledgeable staff who tailor pairings to taste. Food is generally well priced for central Madrid, while cocktails and specialty gins sit at a premium. For families, the menu includes accessible options like burgers and fried chicken, with seafood and simple salads that many kids will try. The bar vibe is lively rather than formal, so early evening is best for children. No explicit kids menu is mentioned; portions are shareable and staff can help steer to simpler plates.
At a Glance
- Vast and well-curated gin list with expert guidance
- Warm, owner-led hospitality that feels personal
- Standout dishes like garlic prawns, picanha, and cheesecake
- Premium pricing on cocktails and some gins
- Occasional confrontational service incidents and group seating issues
What Sets It Apart
- 190+ gin selection
- owner_led_hospitality
- dominican_spanish_fusion
What People Love
- Feeling welcomed like regulars
- Discovering new gins matched to taste
- Comfort dishes with bright flavors
- Cozy decor and lively atmosphere
- Thoughtful little touches like complimentary shots
Points of Concern
- Premium cocktail pricing can surprise budget-minded guests
- Reports of slow food during peak times
- A few reviews cite confrontational owner interactions and seating rigidity for large groups
- Review patterns show signs of polarization; weigh strong positives against isolated negative incidents
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost€38-55 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with a mid-priced Spanish gin like Nordés (€11) before moving to a premium like Monkey 47 (€14).
- Pair seafood plates with citrus-forward gins; ask for lime or grapefruit twist.
- For sweeter profiles, try Sir Edmond (vanilla notes) in a softer G&T.
Perfect For
- Gin enthusiasts seeking rare bottles
- Date night with cocktails and small plates
- Friends catching up over lively drinks
- Travelers wanting Dominican-Spanish fusion
Location Insights
Area: Trendy central district with indie bars, students, and nightlife; casual and creative vibe.
Safety: Generally safe, busy at night with good foot traffic; typical city nightlife bustle.
Nearby: Near Gran Vía, universities, theaters, and boutique shops; strong bar-hopping scene.
UniversidadUniversidad is a lively and eclectic neighborhood characterized by a mix of traditional and modern establishments. It has a strong nightlife scene with numerous bars, restaurants, and cultural venues, attracting a youthful and diverse crowd.
MalasañaMalasaña is known for its bohemian vibe, street art, and alternative culture. It is a hotspot for trendy bars, vintage shops, and innovative dining experiences, making it a popular destination for those seeking a vibrant and unconventional atmosphere.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–02:00
Tuesday12:00–02:00
Wednesday12:00–02:00
Thursday12:00–02:00
Friday12:00–02:00
Saturday12:00–02:00
Sunday12:00–02:00
Available: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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