For someone who spends pretty much every waking (non-working hour) flitting back and forth between Chueca and Malasaña, I disappointingly don’t actually live in either barrio *luckily this is soon to be rectified and therefore watch out for a spike in Gin sales along Calle Espiritu Santo.
Therefore, it’s always beyond exciting when I discover, or in this case I’m introduced to, a little gem in my barrio which is way up North in the Castellaña neck of the woods. I’ve sampled brunch at my local, Pipa & Co on more than one occasion and it’s never failed to please but I’d never noticed what lurked below; Juanita Cruz. Discreetly hidden under a little arch is a bar/restaurant which can only be described as feeling half like a speakeasy and half like the kind of refurbed warehouse bar, that most of East London is made of. On entrance I basically wondered why I’d never been there before upon spying a place that is right up my street in terms of décor and drinks.
The night that I first went was perfect in terms of both company and the cosy vibe that was largely created by the amazing singer who was warming up her vocal chords quite happily in the corner. Turned out we’d stumbled across an open mic night, which completed the laid back and low key atmosphere perfectly. Cocooned on the kind of battered old sofa that I wouldn’t mind for my new flat, it was the perfect place to while away a few weeknight hours (although I’ve also been told that it gets pretty lively come the weekends when the Spaniards really let their hair down, obvs).
The food menu is definitely worth more than a glance with treats that won’t break the bank but they may have you booking in a spinning class the following day; provolone, carpaccio and the like were all delish.
It’s a clandestine feeling gaff with echoes of post-civil war Spain (according to the blurb on their website) but what I do know is that they sell G’Vine, they played good tunes and as far as a first date venue goes, it wasn’t too shabby for me.
Save pennies for a cab, take a trip up North. Oh and pack your dancing shoes, come Friday and Saturday it’s time to show off your moves.
Info
Facebook WebAddress: Paseo de la Habana, 105
Phone: 914 51 17 76 Metro: Cuzco & Colombia Photos from Facebook
