If you like sherry, this is your place. It was packed with people around 9 pm on a Friday night. We bellied up to the bar, and asked the bartender what was good. He asked whether we liked soft or strong. We said strong (of course!) and ordered two glasses of the Amontillado (like in the Poe story, but not!). It was promptly delivered with a small complimentary bowl of green olives. We also ordered two of the anchovy on toast tapas (one of the best things I've had in Madrid so far), and a chorizo tapa with small crackers. Of course, we had to order another Amontillado to wash it down. All of this set us back only 16.60 euros, which is about the cost of one glass of wine back home in West LA. Not bad. Then it was off in search of garlic shrimp! This is a great little bar, and we plan to visit it again before we leave the city. read more

If you find yourself in Madrid, do yourself a favor a spend some time here. If it's good enough for Don Ernesto, it's good enough for you. If you're a lover of good sherry and atmosphere. No pretention, only great sherry! read more

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Out of Country Review - Spain Ordered after dinner drinks at La Venencia on Monday night. A long-standing dive bar that specializes in Sherry. Quality: The bar offers Sherry and a few tapas. Drinks come with a delicious assortment of olives. Even as someone who knows very little about their signature drink, it is hard not to appreciate their care and expertise with Sherry. Quantity: Fair pours. Value: Cheap drinks. Ambiance: La Venencia is a little dive bar located in Spain. The bar follows strict rules about photography, so keep your cameras hidden. The front of the space has the actual bar and plenty of dusty barrels. A small seating area can be found towards the back. The bar has taken great efforts to keep the same aesthetic as when it first opened in the 1930s. As close as you can get to a time machine. Crowd: Busy, but not packed. Service: Knowledgable. read more

AwwLa Venecia, more than a 100 years old. 42 years ago(from this year 2019) two brothers inherent the tradition of their grandparents and father, to go and have some Manzanilla wine at this particular bar. As their parents did, they also got together with their collage friends and enjoy life with the things that really matter, friendship, wine and some good tapas:) Unfortunately, the owner of that time was taken illed and his children were no longer interest in the family business. So the two brothers decided to drop out of collage and venture as entrepreneurs and keep their traditional bar and make their favorite get together spot, their business and way of life. Walking in La Venecia, is like walking through a time portal that takes you 100 years back. The smell, the amazing atmosphere in their wine is a testament of history and Spanish traditions. But above all, it stands up for human passion and the power of dreaming. Thanks to Nacho and his brother, I was able to experience one of the most unique places I have ever been to. You can really stand here for hours and see people from all ages and countries interact with the locals and see how it was decades ago and how a new generation of locals are being born in to this beautiful tradition. If you are in Madrid, La Venecia is not just a bar, is an interactive museum were you can stop time and savor the most amazing Manzanilla wine and the powerful aroma and taste of an Oloroso wine. Is a MUST! You will thank me :) so, you are welcome! read more

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The same rules apply here as in the Spanish Civil War: no photography (hence none attached) as you are deemed a spy for the fascists, and no tipping as we are all equal socialists here. Hemingway would still recognize this Sherry bar, except for the 1950s posters still posted on the walls. He came here to get news and gossip about the war as the place was frequented by Republicans. Don't expect any advice on sherry, service is gruff as in the 1930s, hell you may be a spy for the fascists. Order a sherry (manzanilla is the most popular) and the spicy chorizo. Strike up a conversation with a local; I did. They don't do tastings but the cups are ridiculously cheap, we are all socialists in here after all. La Venencia is an homage to a bygone era and a reminder that sometimes the good guys loose; no matter how noble. read more

Incredible sherry, particularly the amontillado, and very simple, classic tapas. The socialist roots are really interesting, though it's pretty common not to tip in Spain anyway so that part didn't feel much different. And it's dimly lit enough that I wasn't going to take pictures anyway. I actually thought the service was very friendly, maybe it was just due to the particular people working that night. I do wish they'd keep the cured meats refrigerated though read more

Love love love this small, old-time, cash-only sherry and tapas bar. Olives are free with a drink. Small selection of other traditional tapas. They close from 2:30 to reopen at 7:30. Easy place to stop in for a 15 min quick drink, or stay longer. Excellent value but cash only. Love how they write you tally on the bar in chalk. read more

La Venencia - Menu - no credit cards - Wine Bars Near Me - Madrid, M

Note: Old School joint where *I believe* you have to just go to the bar yourself and order. I don't think orders are taken at the table, as per my experience. I don't know anything about sherries and I thought that I was going to be educated here. However, the bartender, who I assumed to be the owner as well, doesn't speak English, so I did have some troubles ordering. I believe there was another younger guy working, but we were never approached so just seated ourselves and I made my way to the bar myself. I tried to ask the owner/bartender the cost of a flight, which ones were sweet, and it became apparent that his English wasn't very good. Luckily, an English-speaking man who was next to me explained there were NO SWEET SHERRIES on the menu. He let me try his manzanilla and omg, it was soo dry! Since I was kinda embarrassed, I felt obligated to order something. And some olives accompanied the drink. My drink was like 2EU. Thanks to the kind stranger who talked me out of a flight 'cause it wouldn't have been something that I would've enjoyed! P.S. This place is soo Old School that the owner doesn't accept tips! read more

La Venencia - This place was on my list. Unfortunately, ALL sherries were dry. - Wine Bars Near Me - Madrid, M

Simple and to the point. Lots of sherry, do not attempt to order any other drink! Bar has quite the charm to it. We also really enjoyed the olives! read more

La Venencia - Wine Bars Near Me - Madrid, M

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One of my favorite stops on our trip through Spain. You can feel the history when you step into this place. It's advertised as a spot Hemingway used to frequent, so being a writer myself, I knew it was a must visit while in Madrid. La Venencia is on a busy side street with many restaurants, but you could easily walk by its store front if you weren't looking for it. I had done a fair bit of research as I was interested in stopping here, but I could see it being quite confusing if you hadn't. A couple things to note: -no pictures are allowed in here. we saw several people try to take photos and get scolded by the bar staff -you must order at the bar. if you're able to snag a standing spot (luckily we were!) they'll keep tally of your order with chalk directly on the bar top where you're standing. there are limited tables, but mostly reserved for larger groups. -no tips My best advice is to get comfortable wedging yourself between groups and don't be afraid to ask people if you can squeeze in next to them at the bar. I'm not a sherry drinker but as this was the only option here, I was excited to try it. We ordered 2 glasses of the fino. It packs quite a punch, but paired wonderfully with the complimentary olives placed in front of us after we ordered our drinks. On the one hand, a glass of sherry was plenty for me, but on the other, I was curious to try the additional varieties they had. We had the best spot at the bar because we were right in front of the tapas station where the staff slices meats and cheeses to order. We had the queso and chorizo. Mostly we ordered these to cut the taste of sherry, but I'll be damned if this wasn't THE best meat and cheese we had on our whole trip. We kept ordering chorizo elsewhere in hopes the flavor profile would be the same as this one. Despite being very crowded, the bar staff was prompt and friendly--you just have to be a little assertive in making eye contact with them. We tried desperately to "fit in" and "be cool" only to have my boyfriend knock over his fresh glass of sherry as he tried to signal the bartender's attention. Oops. She cleaned it up quickly and didn't even seem to mind. read more

When you travel to Madrid, I truly suggest you stop into this local Tapas & Wine Bar. The place is absolutely nostalgic and authentic. The rustic look, the wine barrels inside, the antique table & chairs, dimly lit bar are all what represents Spain. Enjoy this truly hidden gem and when you make change watch how the bartender cranks up the cash machine to open the til and you will feel you are back in the old world again. read more

Did you read that Culture Trip article that said this was the one bar that you can't miss? Or the NYTimes one that describes Hemingway's Madrid and suggests a trip to La Venencia? Yeah, me too. The sherry: I have no experience with sherry. My history with sherry involves pretending that I'm on an episode of Frasier. The sherry I randomly picked at La Venencia was moonshine-esque. I thought I was going to go blind. But again, I am not a seasoned sherry drinker so YMMV. The vibe: This might be the one place in Europe where I felt grossly overdressed. But don't come in with your khakis and Tommy Bahamas. I would have fit in better had I reverted to my high school grunge phase during which 80% of my wardrobe came from the military surplus store. The crowd was mostly Spanish. I think there was another table of tourists who looked just as ashamed as us for thinking that La Venencia would delight us because we read a NYTimes article that mentioned it. This is the moment I think I realized that even though I complain about hype and trendiness, I secretly like those things because here was a place virtually untouched by millennial marketing and I felt completely out of place. If you are to visit, come with one friend (not five) and be in a contemplative mood. It would be a nice place to discuss the cruelties of modern life. Or Twin Peaks. Oh, it's weirdly bright. read more

Rustic,antique,simplicity ! This is my kind of place ! Sherry and tapas. We started with amontillado & palo cortado with olives on the house. We ordered Cecina & manchengo cheese. So good we came back the next night and had 4 more amontillado !!! So good!!! read more

La Venencia - Don't tell too many people - Wine Bars Near Me - Madrid, M

Friendly employees, fun atmosphere, yummy sherry. What else could you want? This is a unique spot, where old school sherry time has stood still. Small batches of sherry made, prices marked with chalk on the counter, tip not accepted. Simple and a great place to people watch, relax, and enjoy. read more

One of my favorite experiences in all of spain. We have never had sherry before and this was the perfect first try. Felt like we were stepping back in time when we walked in the door with dust covered bottles lined to the ceiling and what looked like the original interior. We ordered cheese with our sherry which is never a bad idea. Definitely add this to your list while in Madrid! read more

Came here for a trip in the summer and was brought here by a friend, highly recommend trying the vermouth! It is quite dark inside and slightly crowded being a small place but still amazing. read more

La Venencia - Chorizo hanging - Wine Bars Near Me - Madrid, M

A must stop for those who loke sherry - they do not allow taking pictures but I took one before they told me so - anyway, this is an old place which looks old on purpose - all they sell is sherry, so do not come asking for a wine or a beer - recommended as a Madrid-Experience read more

La Venencia - Wine Bars Near Me - Madrid, M

It's taken me a long time to write this review. Why? Because I've never been sure how to adequately describe the way it made me feel on my two short visits. If you're a sherry lover, then a stop here is a no brainer. But if you're a lover of tradition, people watching and simplicity then this is the kind of place that might make you weep. Such is the beauty within these four walls. Stand at the bar, or take a seat and order a glass of sherry from the short list pasted on the wall. The owner will pour you a glass from an unmarked bottle (they're decanted from larger barrels and then placed on ice), he'll scoop up some snacks in to a bowl - perhaps some olives or a scattering of peanuts - and maybe you'll ask for some Manchego when you catch sight of it under a glass lid on the back bar. Or some sliced mojama perhaps? He will nod and then quietly, methodically, go about preparing your food. It appears as if he has been slicing the salumi, scooping the olives, pushing the stopper back in to the Jerez bottle in exactly the same way for years upon years. There is no rushing here. No flurry. Your bill will be written in chalk on the bar top. You will quietly sip your sherry and nibble on your plates of snacks. You'll watch customers come and go. They'll mostly be male. And definitely much older than you. You'll feel out of place for the merest second, before realising that everyone is here for the same reason - not to be seen, but to enjoy this pocket of perfection in the middle of Madrid. When you pay, he will push all your change back at you with an appreciative look. You'll feel calm. Satiated. And then you'll have to go back out in to the real world. read more

I'm super torn about writing this review because I don't want La Venencia to lose its anononymity; they have done fine without the wonders of the Internet and I think they would like to keep it that way, but the gossip in me wants to let you know about this hole in the war sherry bar in Madrid, where no one speaks English, it's old, and they write your bill, in chalk, by your seat. There are remnants of a fire that happened here in the smoke stained walls and everyone in there is a character out of some tragic story. The casks of sherry and a few pictures are the only decoration, and if you have munchies, there is a wedge of cheese and some sausages that you can ask for. The sherry is amazing and the prices are good, and they will not accept tips, at all, and will shove your Euro back at you. It's not pretty, but it's beautiful. read more

Stopped in based on Yelp reviews. Hated this place with a passion. Yes, time has stood still there. History fills the air. Apparently so does the dust on the ancient sherry bottles. The meats the bartender was slicing may be delicious but in that environment I am not sure how hygienic they are. Had my nice cold glass of amontillado, paid and left quickly for a wonderful lunch at the modern and sparkling clean TriCiClo. read more

This is a wonderful ancient sherry bar that is obviously fast becoming Madrid's worst kept secret. Despite the increasing number of tourists (by the way they don't like people taking photos so please bear that in mind), it's still a wonderful atmospheric place selling jerez by the (small) bottle and classic Spanish meats, cheese and olives. I couldn't recommend it highly enough for a pre dinner drink. Besides the dusty bottles and lack of any music (hooray!) there is a very friendly cat who made a bee line for my ample lap (much to the chagrin of my dear friend who he normally favours). It really does have a perfectly preserved feel that is so rare, and so special, to find. read more

The first time I tried Spanish sherry, fino, sometimes known by one of its famous brand names, Tio Pepe, I found it sharp and dry and slightly unpleasant. This was when I was working at Expo 92 in Seville, in my early 20s and without a particularly sophisticated food or drinking palate. But somehow I came to like the flavour quite quickly and since then, the taste of it brings me back to hot weather in Andalucia and this feeling of everything beginning. It's not easily found though, and usually, there's not much choice. So, hearing from my friend Peter that there was a bar in Madrid that specialised in sherry... Oh my god. It's much more than a bar though, it's a piece of history. Dating back to the 30s, it was a hangout for Republican sympathizers, as well as Ernest Hemingway and has some strict rules about no tipping (because all workers are supposed to be equal) and no photos (since they could be used as evidence against the people in the bar). So, I'm pretty impressed that so many photos have snuck up on this Yelp review page! When we were there, someone tried to take a sneaky photo and wasn't allowed... In any case, they serve five different types of sherry here, from big oak-casks, all from Jerez, the Andalusian home of sherry. I'm used to, in Australia, associating the darker sherries (amontallido, olorosa) with a dessert sherry, but these were either bastardized versions or I'm confused. Each of the sherries I tried (and I'm sad to say I only managed three of them) were really dry, though varying in weight and texture, and flavour. The other thing is that the glasses were cheap. Like a couple of euros each. So cheap it felt like they were paying me to enjoy myself at the bar. As we went at the end of the night, we didn't have the appetite for what looked like very tasty bar snacks and selections of meat, and if we'd gone earlier in the night, I would have aimed to try all five! But ah, I was so glad to be introduced to this place. Sherry heaven! read more

Spartan, minimalist to the point of not having a fan or ac when it's habitually 30+ degrees in the evenings. They sell only 5 types of sherries, all of them dry and whether or not you get free tapas or the size of your glass is determined entirely by how much they like you. Management could not have been colder. Even the simplest of requests was met was a condescending look or a snarl while we dehydrated. Good concept but done so poorly most people stop in for one glass and head off somewhere else. The upside is that it's cheap...providing you get your free tapas...we didn't. read more

Despite how intimidating the full bar looked, everyone is friendly and makes room for you, happily passing over napkins or wooden forks for your tapas. The menu of sherries and tapas is short but sufficient. The bottles behind the bar are covered in decades of dust, but charmingly so. I made the mistake of trying to take a picture, though the bartender wasn't as gruff as he could have been when he told me no pictures were allowed. I felt like there were less electronics out and more face time between the patrons. This would definitely be a comfort spot if I lived in Madrid. read more

Truly special place. You can feel the history and the owner is so friendly. I guess he's used to so many tourists coming through, but if you go more than once he really opens up to you. The sherry is like nothing I've tasted before, it's light, not too dry, fresh, and goes downs very smooth. read more

If you are in Madrid you have to come here, it will save you from going to Jerez.... But, seriously though, probably the best place to enjoy sherry in Madrid, and also the most egalitarian establishment you'll find, anybody and everybody is welcome here, they don't have a till, they mark your drinks on the counter with chalk, great olives and dried meats, best place to start your tapear in the city read more

This bar, sitting unobtrusively on Calle Echegaray, is over 70 years old. And they are still doing things pretty much the same way they have always done, though the customers, and their reasons for coming here, have changed. I love it, but my feelings seem pretty insignificant. They won't change for me. There are several things you can't do here, for several time honored reasons. You can't take pictures---during it's heyday, the clientele had to be wary of fascist spies. No tipping---they have long held socialist principles. Don't expect the bartenders to chat---not a priority, and neither is the decor. Please don't smoke. And most important, you can't drink anything but sherry. Manzanilla, Fino, Oloroso, Amontillado and Palo Cortado. La Venencia is a sherry bar, that's all they serve. You can get simple tapas. All I've gotten are the good complimentary olives and some Manchego cheese. My friend and I have stood at the bar, the first time hoping I didn't do something terribly uncool. But then I realized, looking at the eclectic clientele, that even though I'm clearly a tourist, as long as I remembered the Don't Do list, I'd be okay. And I was. I kind of did some homework. I learned the names of the sherries they offered, and how to pronounce them, so when the bartender nodded at me, I said, Dos manzanillas. And later, Dos Amontillados. He wrote our order on the bar, and we relaxed and took in the dusty ambience. The second time we went, we knew what to do. We had things to talk about, and knew what kind of sherry tasted best to us. We talked about how we had had a wonderful visit to Madrid, how sad we felt to be leaving, and how lucky we were to be enjoying a sherry and some olives in a place where time moved at it's own pace, and that for one night, we were along to enjoy the ride. read more

La Venencia - Outside La Venencia on Calle Echegaray - Wine Bars Near Me - Madrid, M

The burger was awful. Can't recommend. Didn't have a significant emphasis on Spanish cuisine. Service was just mediocre. Ambience was basement. Sorry. read more

The old historic charm of probably the world's oldest bar in Madrid is the only reason why you would want to make a stop and admire all the history and all the people before you who stopped by for a quick sherry drink and beef jerky! read more

If you appreciate sherry, then this is a great bar. Tucked away down a small alley with a few other clubs/bars La Venencia has so much charm it looks like it was designed by the board of tourism. The characters from the bartenders to the old timer customers are like from central casting. I'd recommend going just so you can take in the nostalgia. Do not - repeat do not - go here if you want a cerveza on tap or your girlfriend wants a vodka tonic while you enjoy your sherry. They have sherry with some tapas. That's it. Please note the rule that there are no photos permitted while inside the establishment. read more

If you want to see THE traditional Spanish sherry bar in Madrid, this is the place. You only order sherries ( jerez wine), no beers, no liquor, no table wine...ONLY fino, manzanilla, oloroso and palo corto jerez. The serve one of the best natural olives in town. DO NOT leave any tip, they won't accept it and maybe shout at you! This is one of my favorite venue in Madrid. read more

We should have read more carefully that all you get here is sherry. The bartender was an ass when we asked what was available on the drink menu. I would never recommend this place to anyone. Arrogance is not a good quality even if you had a reason to be, which this place does not Not worth a stop. read more

Overhyped. Went bc of the reviews and found the environment to be stiff & bland. Drinks were neither particularly good or bad. Not welcoming of of diverse groups. White men will feel right at home though. read more

If you don't like a little dust here and there, expect that in every country and restaurant you visit, bartenders must speak perfect English and accommodate your every wish, or if you read some article and expect exact same cultural experience- do not go here! You will be disappointed and will probably whine about it on Yelp. La Venencia is one of those places that knows exactly what it is and what it isn't- it will not bend to your preconceptions or expectations. It is a traditional Spanish sherry (it is all dry, not your grandma's after- dinner desert) bar that cherishes the drink and it's own history. You will get a couple of tapas if you want, I think they might even have a beer, but sherry is definitely why this place exists. Also it's a bar, not a wine- tasting room- just look at the tiny menu, order or point at what you want, sip, have an olive, and soak in the atmosphere of almost- forgotten world that used to be. read more

I love this place, it's rare and charming. I love how people can keep things the way they want, if you can respect that. You will enjoy your drinks here. read more

Amazing wine bar, super nice people and decor, specialised in wine fron Jerez

A complete range of sherry styles with simple cold tapas. Good and fun but not great. Everyone should try this once.

Perfect spot for a late night sherry over candlelight, expect to spend the 1.9 - 2€ a glass

Do not go here unless you are fluent in the language. The bartender was very rude when we tried to ask for two glasses of sherry in our broken Spanish , and then made fun of us with other customers and refused to serve us after. I understand knowing the language goes a long way, but when you try and they blow you off it's a little off putting. read more

Great atmosphere, rustic, authentic, with the genuinely friendly service. Not overly done, just an excellent place to grab a few drinks and tapas. read more

La Venencia - Wine Bars Near Me - Madrid, M