Lovely bar in a lovely park – but too slow service: Bar Estela (10. December 2016)

When you visit Madrid, you definitely have to pay the “El Parque de Retiro” a visit. It is a vast green area with a lovely rose garden, a little lake in the middle, and a large number of small streets to stroll. When you have walked through the park and feel like a break, there is a very simple bar, called “Bar Estela” close to the lake.

Now, this is not exactly the place you would want to go because of the place itself but its location is quite good and if you are lucky enough – as I was – to get a table right by the lake, it is perfect to watch people and enjoy a local beer like a “Cerveza Cruz Campo Gran Reserva” (EUR 3.50) and some “sparkling water” (EUR 3.50) which are both served within minutes after sitting down.

However, if you are hungry and want to eat something, consider going somewhere else. Not because the food was bad or anything but we had to wait more than 30 minutes for a “Bocadillo Jamón Serrano con queso manchego” (EUR 5.00). I mean, come on? Bread, some ham, some cheese – you’re done! But no, the waiter first forgot the order. And then, after reminding him after approximately 15 minutes of waiting time, it took another 15 minutes until the bocadillo was finally served! For my personal gusto: Definitely a no go!

To be fair, it was very busy, there are a lot of tables, and there were only two waiters. But this is not really an excuse, maybe an explanation, but not an excuse. And if I complain after 15 minutes about a missing bocadillo then I expect the waiter to run and get the thing done in like 2 minutes. Not another 15!

So, long story short: Good to people watch and drink something – not good to eat something.

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Contact Details:

Bar Estela

Parque del Retiro

Plaza de la Independencia 7

28001 Madrid (ES)

Tel.: +34 (915) 30 00 41

About the Author: Sven

I started the blog in October 2009, while living in Milan which I definitely consider to be one of the food capitals of the world. I was in touch with food since my early childhood (as my father is a former chef). Whenever I can, I travel the world to discover new places, to meet people but mostly to try local dishes and to find hidden gems! If you know a place worth going, please drop a line to: info@thediningexperience.org. Currently, I am a member of the following food-related associations: Chevalier @Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Zurich-Ville; Membre Gourmet Dégustateur @Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs [OMGD]; Gesellschafter @Goldener Fisch and Member @Slowfood Convivium Zurich City.