Madrid is a city that I have grown to appreciate with each visit. Every time I visit my family up in the north I always make sure I stop for a day in Madrid to find great places to eat. I had a few hours to kill on one visit and needed somewhere to eat. So I did a bit of research and saw that Cafe Melo’s was right up my street. Located in the trendy Lavapies district, Melo’s opens at 8.30pm and it fills up quickly. Not wanting to be over eager I popped in at just after 9 and it was already quite packed and had your typical boisterous Spanish vibe. Lucky for me I was by myself and squeezed into a slot at the bar and took in my surroundings. The whole operation was run by two people, a man getting the orders, payments and drinks, and an old lady in charge of the food that is all prepared behind the bar. The lady was taking four or five orders at a time, the guy shouts “una zapatilla” “croquetas” “media zapatilla” a constant assault of orders whilst the old lady mans a massive grill and two fryers.

The menu consisted of croquetas, empandas, morcilla, padron peppers and a zapatillas. Zapatilla is Spanish for slipper which is a monster of a sandwich that resembles a slipper and you can either get a whole one or a half. Bearing in mind a zapatilla could easily feed 5 or 6 people I just had to try it and went for a half along with a croqueta, an empanada and a beer to wash it all down.

First up the empanada filled with tuna and peppers very light which was a good thing considering what was coming my way. The croqueta was a pleasant surprise. I have always eaten croquetas that have had a more solid filling but this was gooey but tasted like a dream. Then came the main event, the half zapatilla served on a small metal tray, thick rustic bread sandwiched the mild goats milk cheese and smokey lacon (spanish bacon). The thing was so big you have to use a knife and fork. I was slowly eating my way through and I got the the last quarter and couldn’t eat anymore but I felt guilty at leaving it that I forced a couple more bites before I gave up. Man vs food, food most definitely won.

All I can say is if you are ever in Madrid with a few mates get down to Cafe Melo’s. For around 10 euros a head you can get stuffed on great food as well as having a few beers too in a place with a very Spanish vibe.

Cafe Melo’s
C/Ave Maria 44, Madrid, Spain
Nearest Metro Station – Lavapies
Open 8.30pm-2am Tuesday-Saturday

Daniel E on Twitter: @d_esteban_88