Katie Goldstein is a recent college graduate who teaches English to public school kids by day and writes about her beloved Madrid by night. Check out her excellent blog, España Profunda, on the city and what lies beyond.

We asked Katie to recommend one of her favourite Madrid haunts, and she sent us details of the legendary El Tigre:

“El Tigre is a bar in the center of Madrid (C/ Infantas 30. Map), just off Gran Vía, and in the über-trendy and gay barrio, Chueca. But this bar is neither trendy nor gay. It’s always bustling — and with good reason. With a 1.50 euro caña (small beer) you get a plate full of whatever’s on the grill and more: patatas bravas, croquetas, jamón, egg, fried peppers, cheese. The guys behind the bar yell orders constantly, while pouring beers, and move as if bar tending were a choreographed art. You have to fight your way to the bar and perch your plate wherever you can, but a tasty and filling meal for under 5 euros (that’s three cañas) and great ambiente are worth it.”

Thanks Katie!