El Azul

Flip

Located right in the neighborhood of Las Letras, between the streets of Huertas and Atocha is an intimate and fetching place that will remind you of a cafe from the French new wave. The first thing you hear is the smooth sound of American folk music in the background, while the bohemians, foreigners, and the local artists enjoy a black tea (named Alice in Wonderland) with an exquisite slice of carrot cake. This cafe was the dream of Flo, an English-Venezuelan from Tangiers. With five years under its belt serving a variety of cakes including carrot cake, Apple strudel, classic chocolate cakes, a “milhojas de dulce de leche,” there truly is something for everybody. Try something from their menu of teas, shakes, and in summer, the ginger water or cucumber lime water. What are their extra-special must-have dishes you ask? The hamburguesa sorpresa (the surprise Burger), salmorejo (a cold Andalusian soup), and the vegetable plate. But my absolute favorite is the veggie burger with salad, accompanied by a strawberry-hierbabuena-orange juice. If you feel like catching a buzz they also offer a variety of cocktails, and some splendid gin and tonics.