Malasaña is essentially an incubator of ideas for the minds of young entrepreneurs. The Passenger, which is situated on Pez street, is one of them. Taramona Rodrigo, Miguel Castro and Jimmy Peman opened this cocktail train about a year ago in what was once called the “Cadillac”. The only concept they had was to do something different, so they decided to make the interior into a train car motif. It has the structure of a huge hall, like a train car from the 50’s that will take you to whichever destination you please. You can sit at the bar and pick the bartenders’ brains about which cocktail would best suit you. If you have a drink in mind, the classic cocktail is their specialty. Check out the bottles behind the bar and you will realize that things here are serious: a Guatemalan Zacapa XO rum aged at more than 2,300 meters altitude and considered the best in the world, Centenario Tequila, Ysabel Regina- a blend of Solera Gran Reserva brandy and cognac and aged in barrels and Macallan Speymalt. In the back you have a reserved seat, overlooking videos projecting railways and landscapes by the artist Franger. Read the newspaper, or rather the menu and you will find small but tasty morsels such as Swiss cheese fondue, a truffle quesadilla or nachos with guacamole. And of course, the cheeses come directly from the hands of the excellent Poncelet cheese house. Now, if you find yourself in the neighborhood in the evening and you think it’s too early to catch a buzz, you have the option of taking an organic coffee made with fresh milk. Nothing roasted. They usually have some music going on by day and every Sunday, live jazz music and a free punch bar. Just relax and enjoy the ride.
The Passenger
Hours: Monday to Sunday from 16:00 to 3:30
Average price : 12 to 20 euros.
Text: Paula Cell
Photos : Marcos Ortiz
Translation: Brett Piron