There aren’t many things I miss about America, but of the things I do, almost all are food-related. Nothing beats the artery-clogging indulgence of comfort food, and the queen of comfort lies in American diner food.
Diner food hasn’t historically been a thing in Madrid. But with the influx of guiris in the last decade or so, the city has welcomed some very Yankee trends: craft beer, artisanal donuts, burger and hotdog joints, you name it. But although flavored lattes and eggs benedict have been prancing the calles of the capital for a few years now, it wasn’t until July 2020 that true American diner food arrived.
La Desayunería was born in Barcelona—and soon after, opened a second location in the same city. Having seen such success in Madrid’s sister city, the owner decided to replicate the concept here. And we are not upset about it.
The menu at La Desayunería leaves nothing to be desired: from specialty pancakes, to full American breakfast platters, French toast, bagels, chicken & waffles, omelettes… and that’s just the breakfast menu. Go for lunch if you have a hankerin’ for sirloin, salads, chicken parm, juicy burgers, fried chicken, buffalo wings, mac n’ cheese, and pretty much any other classic American grub you can think of.
To wet your whistle, choose from flavored lattes (they make their very own maple syrup which you can buy bottled), chai iced tea, fresh fruit smoothies, golden mylk, and more. Pick your favorite milk for coffee: dairy, oat, rice, soy, or almond.
The backdrop for this greasy diner food wonderland is appropriate: kitschy Southern decor in a cozy spot nestled in the heart of Chueca. From the quirky dog painting at the entrance, to the neon sign that reads “Pancake House,” you’ll feel like you never left the cursed motherland.
When my girlfriend and I arrived, we were greeted with smiles and an offer to explain the (very comprehensive) menu. We landed on a stack of cinnamon roll pancakes, the “Manchito’s tail” platter, and a maple latte and americano to drink.
Everything we ordered was delicious and authentic. In fact, I couldn’t tell you which part was my favorite. But I will say that I’ll be back as soon as possible to try the red velvet flapjacks. Or perhaps to cave and buy a bottle of maple.
La Desayunería
- IG: @la_desayuneria_madrid
- Address: Calle de Barbieri, 4
- Metro: Chueca
- Phone: 915 93 08 93
