Espacio Cervecero, Mini Mahou Brewery in Madrid

Mentally bookmarked for more than a couple months, we finally stepped into Espacio Cervecero Mahou in Alonso Martínez and were not let down. Having no expectations allowed us to be surprised at every turn in this small but compact venue. It’s a little bit brewery and tasting space, a little bit restaurant, a bit gift shop and a bit urban art showroom.

It’s perfect if you’ve got family or friends visiting or no plans on any given evening. You’ll certainly be surprised by this unusual center of Madrid find. Did you know Mahou is a family-run business? Or that they made a Stout? And an APA (American Pale Ale)?

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At Espacio Cervecero each is served on an individually descriptive coaster for each beer but your “beersommelier” will tell you all about it anyway. These little details are what makes this place unique. It feels small in square meters but packs a lot.

There are few beers on tap but this allows for more information to be revealed regarding each one. Before you leave, you’ll be asked to evaluate what you’ve tried on one of a few iPads set opposite the bar.

If you go through the graffiti and mirror covered hallway, you’ll reach the restaurant. Like myself, you may be distracted by the exposed industrial decor but don’t forget to grab a board game to play at your table on your way in if you like.

You’ll find that the menu is limited but gourmet and ideal for tasting a few different plates. Our waitress suggested we try the ensaladilla rusa (potato salad) which we did and she was right; it was definitely an elevated take on the typical bar food.

There are events at the bar which you can join like a guided “micro brewery” tour, a beer tasting for newbies and one for more seasoned beer drinkers – an international workshop in which beers are brought in from Belgium, Central Europe and Great Britain for tasting and learning.

And though there isn’t much information on it, there also appears to be a cooking class using, you guessed it, Mahou!  However, it isn’t clear whether you watch or actually cook.