Madrileños, to an only slightly lesser degree than their compatriots, can display a frustrating tendency to act like sheep in their daily lives. Very few shops open between 14:30 and 17:00; and if you need/want to lunch before 13:30 or after 16:00, you’re pretty much limited to McDonald’s. There are some exceptions, however.

If you can get hold of it, On Madrid, the entertainment supplement that comes with Friday’s El País, has a little section (within its restaurant section) listing late dining options. Beware, though, as some of these turn out to be false. Best to phone ahead.

Here are the places I know to have extended opening times:

• Pub “Red” (C/ San Vicente Ferrer, 20, Metro Tribunal) – Fresh, unpretentious food (hamburgers and platos combinados) in a haunt of football fanatics. Open until about 2am.

• Hard Rock Café (Pº Castellana, 2, Metro Colón) – Decent, not especially cheap, diner-style food in a haunt of rock ‘n’ roll fanatics. Open all day ”til late’.

• Iberia (Glorieta Ruiz Jimenez, Metro San Bernardo) – A favourite with taxi drivers, who stop for sandwiches at all hours of the night. Good for emergencies.

Any more suggestions?

See map below for places mentioned above:

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