December 2nd, 2002 | The lowdown by Christie Dang

The Cave Bar - El Chapandaz

Buried in a commercial center down a stairway on the corner of Fernando El Católico and Hilarion Eslava is one of Madrid's most hard to find bars.

El Chapandaz, just ten minutes from Sol, is a cave bar decked from ceiling to floor with stalagmites, stalactites and rock formations that brings you back to Neanderthal days. Milk falls in two continuous lines from the ceiling to the bar counter where the bartender flips liter glasses to create their mixed house specialties containing milk at seven euros a pop. Liters of beer are four euros and include refillable popcorn and nuts.

Their cups vary in size from liters to fish bowl and beyond. The largest, perfect to share with five other people, costs sixty six euros and includes a handful of candy and a shirt - on the house.

Spanish pop blares from surrounding speakers and sports are played on TVs in various corners of the bar which help give EL CHAPANDÁZ a trendy and chic touch of urban life.

Metro: Arguëlles