A very popular snack in Madrid, especially for those nursing a hangover or having developed hunger pangs while waiting for a typical late 11 pm dinner, is the classic combination of hot chocolate with churros (a churro is a Spanish fried dough treat much like a donut). Arguably the best hot chocolate and churros in Madrid is found at Chocolateria San Gines, just off the Calle Arenal pedestrian zone of Puerta del Sol in Central Madrid.
Chocolatería San Ginés has been around since 1894, and it looks about the same as it must have on its opening day more than a century ago. The walls are lined with photos of local celebrities and even a few you might recognize.
You’ll be served cups of pudding-thick, sweet chocolate either at the marble bar or small tables in the 19th Century café. The treat costs just a few Euro and is an enjoyable and affordable bit of luxury everyone can enjoy while walking the streets of Madrid. If you would like coffee and cake instead of churros and hot chocolate, these are also available, although we didn’t try them.
