Tapas is a small plate of usually tasty food that can be purchased or in many Spanish bars given free with the purchase of an alcoholic drink. It is generally believed this tradition began in the Granada region of Spain which spread across the country with many bars trying to entice custom by outdoing each other with better and bigger Tapas.
Don’t be put off trying these bars, it doesn’t matter if you don’t speak Spanish, remember eye contact, smile and say hello 'HOLA' take your place or seat at the bar order your drink and your halfway there, within a few moments you will normally be presented with a free Tapa the choice is usually determined by the bar, but some occasionally offer a choice, at which you can smile and point.
To find out about more of the most famous Tapas bars in Madrid, go to:
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/madrid/restaurants/tapas
Don’t be put off trying these bars, it doesn’t matter if you don’t speak Spanish, remember eye contact, smile and say hello 'HOLA' take your place or seat at the bar order your drink and your halfway there, within a few moments you will normally be presented with a free Tapa the choice is usually determined by the bar, but some occasionally offer a choice, at which you can smile and point.
To find out about more of the most famous Tapas bars in Madrid, go to:
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/madrid/restaurants/tapas