Tourists and residents running around Madrid looking for a quick bite to eat might expect to eat tapas such as the classic jamón and tortilla. However, tucked away in the bustling outskirts of Plaza Mayor lies a quaint little place called “El Mesón del Champiñón” [The Mushroom Inn]. Just as the name suggests, this restaurant specializes in stuffed grilled mushrooms, which have a tender and juicy texture; with a hint of garlic, spices, and a piece of chorizo that accentuates the flavor. It may come as a surprise to some that it has a cult following. The tiled walls filled with glued-on flags, and distinctly wrinkled colored bills from the visiting customers’ countries, gives it a cozy vibe.
Why is this place such a hidden gem? Originally opened in 1964, the tavern has a long history for being welcoming and enjoyable, regardless of your place of origin. Their website states that “whether you are from Madrid or you are a tourist, if you do not come to eat something with us, you will not really have lived or enjoyed Madrid: you will simply have passed by.” Their hospitality is reflected on their menu, which includes twelve different languages, and videos and pictures displayed on a tablet, making it accessible to everyone.
Don’t be fooled by the seemingly small appearance, since the restaurant has three divided spaces: the traditional Spanish bar, the shroom cavern, and finally, the underground wine cellar. Walking through the small framed door into the establishment, visitors find themselves directly in the bar area. Not only is it a place to chat, but also a space to watch both cooks and bartenders in their element. It is quite intriguing to see how the cooks prepare their main ingredient from the stacks of prepped metal trays of mushrooms, next to the hanging garlic bulbs and ham legs.
Further inside the restaurant, guests will stumble upon a charming concave dome, with high walls and short furniture, making it an unusually open space. Mushrooms grow on the walls, and the ‘chopped and grilled’ ones are spread in outlines to display wine glasses and animal shaped figures. The laughter and awe from the people compliments the accompaniment of the piano’s passionate song of flamenco, while groups of tables band together to dance in what little leftover open space they had. Afterwards, everyone would exhaust their breath while singing along to the classical English tunes of ABBA and Queen while holding up their beverage of choice. Perhaps the greatest highlight of this mushroom cave is that, it is indeed, the most vibrant and warm atmosphere out of the entire three areas.
Going down the staircase, with every step, the voices become fainter, and visitors will find the underground wine cellar. If guests are looking for a mild flavor to both the dining experience and meal, this area only seats a few tables. People share the space, not only with each other, but also with the selection of wine – jailed behind metal bars – engulfed in ambient lighting. The cellar offers a brick interior and wooden furniture, which gives a moody feeling. Restaurant goers can pair their reds with the assortment of Spanish meats, fish and peppers that are also included in the menu, apart from their signature dish.
For those on a budget, the price may not be the biggest selling point. Yet the live music, foreign interaction, and signature dish sum up to be quite worthwhile. Conveniently located in the historical city center of Madrid, it provides a resting point in your traveling endeavors. Regardless of anyone’s background, it is a memorable experience that will allow everyone to take part of what this capital city has to offer.
