Looks like a mom and pa hole in the wall type of place. Introduced by my YouTube friends, this place is a must on your visit to Madrid. Also how does the gentleman behind the counter remember all the orders? I ordered vermouth, cana, half a sandwich, ham coquettes. When the half sandwich came, we thought he made a mistake and gave us a whole. But we were wrong, as we observed the ma making sandwich she cuts a small corner of the bread to indicate half. Brilliant. The cheese that they use to make the food is so deliciously hearty. The croquettes were sooo good, crispy on outside; gooey cheesy and hammy in the inside. Amazing. The bill was so cheap! read more

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This is a unique place. They have a short menu with basically croquetas, thick ham with melted tetilla cheese and pimientos de padrón. Everything is delicious, in a pre-healthy-food-age way. The croquetas are their signature attractor. Their bechamel is liquid, and this makes it totally irresistible. People queue for half an hour to order their croquetas. It is a fun and tribal activity. If you are in Lavapies, don't miss this. read more

During a holiday in Spain, I was recommended to give Melo's a try for a quick bite. Late one night, my friend and I found ourselves here. The restaurant was extremely busy and loud. There were only a couple of tables (which were already taken) and some counter space to stand and eat. We ordered half of the zapatilla (ham and cheese toastie) and some peppers. The zapatilla was everything a ham and cheese toastie should be: the ham was flavorful and had the perfect amount of saltiness, the cheese was extremely gooey and stretchy, and the toast was buttered and grilled but yet chewy. Also, fair warning the sandwich is huge. The peppers were nothing fancy, but yet still delicious. They were perfectly seasoned and cooked. If you are looking for a sit down with service type of restaurant, this is not your place. But if you are looking for good food at a price that will not break the bank, then you have found the right place. They don't offer take out, so just squeeze somewhere at the counter and get your grub on. This place will not disappoint. read more

Melo's - Zapatilla (Half) - Spanish Near Me - Madrid, M

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After being closed for months, it has finally reopened! I came for one thing only, the Madrid legend, la zapatilla. It was definitely worth the wait. Packed with meat and Galician cheese, make sure you order this sandwich to share. A single person cannot finish this beast. I also tried the croquetas and the wine. Both were delicious and unique. I´d never seen croquetas of this size or wine served in what appeared to be salsa bowls. Get here early to beat the inevitable crowd, and remember, Share La Zapatilla! ¡Aproveche! read more

Melo's - Zapatista - Spanish Near Me - Madrid, M

Exceeded my expectations. I was lucky enough to find this place on yelp and avoid a typical tourist restaurant. It was definitely a favorite among locals, with people waiting for the doors to open before 8pm. The portions were huge -- less than 20 euros for two people. The sandwich is a must try! Go early to snag a table in the back and enjoy! read more

Melo's - This is only the HALF portion. Delicious. - Spanish Near Me - Madrid, M

We arrived a few minutes after opening and the place was packed! There is very little counter space and just a handful of tables in the back. We travel to Spain often, so we are used to places like this. I don't mind standing, as long as I have somewhere to place my beer and food to eat. So a counter is generally fine, although I usually look like a five year old reaching up to get my food. Yes, its not ideal for us vertically challenged folks. Most of the time. Fortunately, after juggling our beers and plates for a couple of minutes, we were able to snag a table. My husband and I shares a 1/2 Zapatilla and 4 croquettes. So simple and so very delicious. Half was more than enough for the two of us. That thing was huge! The croquettes wer also very good. SO much so, that I got up and ordered a few more. Too bad that they don't do take away, because they would've have been great for breakfast the next day. We will return for sure! read more

I am NOT a huge fan of when people write reviews without eating at an establishment, but even so, I think it's important to put my two cents in. I am very disappointed that I never got to try their food, as I was refused service here twice in the past few days. I am a huge fan of cheap eats, greasy food, and anything with loads of cheese. While on vacation in Madrid, I saw this place right around the corner from where my wife and I were staying. My wife has several back conditions that occasionally render her more or less immobile. We have to travel with a wheelchair for such occasions. After long days of sightseeing, sometimes she just needs to crash at our home base while I bring home dinner. "Not a problem," thought I, "There's an awesome sandwich and croqueta joint just a stone's throw away!" I walk in, and order the Zapatillo and 5 croquetas. The owner (I presume), nods as he takes my order, but things turn sour when I utter the forbidden words: To go. Suddenly, his expression turns as if I've spit in his face. He more or less ushers me out the door. Bummer. I guess they don't have take-out boxes. A few nights later, I still really want to try this place. My wife is tired after a day trip in Seville in 102 degree weather, but we both arrive at Melo's with eagerness and excitement... Only to find the entire place packed like a sardine can full of drunken diners. Not an inch of counter space available, nor a table to be seen. My wife needs to sit before her legs fall off, so I usher her back home. I return to Melo's alone, determined to give them my money in exchange for delicious morsels. This time, I come armed with a plate and plastic bag, to take my order to go. I elbow my way through the drunken crowd, dodging beer puddles, slowly working my way to the counter. I end up having to literally lean over a woman at the bar in order to be seen by the owner. After intently staring him down for several minutes, he finally approaches me to take my order. I order, and he shouts my order to the kitchen. Then, I try to hand him my money, and something clicks in his brain. I suppose he made the connection that I wasn't going to eat there and pay after, and he mentions they don't do take away. I eagerly produce my own bag and plate to show that I came prepared, and that we could make this work. He shakes his head in disdain and waves me off. Now, people. I can stand terrible service if it means great food. I can stand hole-in-the-wall joints, grumpy waiters, slow service, less than hot food, and less than cold drinks if the food is good and I'm getting a good deal. What I cannot stand for is being treated poorly on top of being refused service. I still want to eat their food, but I cannot in good conscience offer them either my patronage or money. Thank you, and goodnight. read more

Me and my lady for the first time in Madrid. After arriving from the airport, I asked "Are you hungry" "A lot" "Let's look on yelp something open around here, it's a bit late" "OMG Look at the size of the Sandwich!!!" So.. what's Melo? Probably the best welcome in Madrid you can ever imagine. It's fat, it's loud, it's oversized. And it's bloody delicious. The size of the sandwich you see in the picture is the actual size of the sandwich, and it's stuffed (yes stuffed is the best term I could use!) with tons of cheese and ham. We took half of it and share it, and it was well enough for both of us. Our liver was already starting to plot a coup d'etat in order to save our body from ourselves. Failed. And then we went for croquetas. Oh damn croquetas. Just just just try them. Seriously, there are no explanation for them. Unbelievably good. Melo's, my body is just happy you live at more than 2 hours of flight from me. Or there would be nowhere to hide. read more

One of the best local Tapas bar in Madrid. This spot was recommended to me by a native of Madrid while I rented out his lovely loft apartment through Air B&B. Great Site! Really convenient as it is close to the "Lavapies" train station. Recommendation: Get the Zapatillas & Croquetas. They are the best thing on the menus in my opinion. Spaniards do not believe in "doggy bags" so get the half-order of Zapatilla or bring another stomach. I'd suggest you go early if you want a table or spot at the bar. (Early is 10pm as Spaniards usually have dinner around 11pm) People are always coming and going in this hot spot so if you are social, you'll love making conversation with the locals who frequent the place. Plus everyone is very friendly so if you have questions or want suggestions just ask someone! (They're open late too, but the patrons keep coming). Crowded, but highly recommended for the good food! The bar is so unassuming but has great character with even bigger taste. read more

Perfect ham 'croquetas'. If you come to Madrid please stop here and try these, they're perfectly crunchy and juicy. Also the peppers are a good option to order by the side and of course the tuna 'empanadas'. read more

Melo's - Croquetas - Spanish Near Me - Madrid, M

This spot was recommended to me by a native of Madrid and it delivered small time local character with big taste. Consensus of multiple conversations has the Zappathia being the most buzz-worthy order here. I can confirm. It's the item you want to go with if this is your first visit. Since you are unable to take leftovers to go, the half-order is suggested. read more

Melo's - Zappathia (half-order) - Spanish Near Me - Madrid, M

I have been living in Madrid for a couple of years now, and stumbled upon this little gem by accident after an evening out. Melo's is PACKED on weekends, so try a week night if you want to get a spot at the counter. BEST CROQUETAS in Madrid (i'm not a huge croquetas fan, but these have to be eaten --- they are huge, and melt in your mouth). Menu is Simple, and portions are Large. Zapatilla (Gigantic toasted sandwich with slices of Galician bread, melted cheese, and ham), Pimientos de Padron, Morcilla (blood sausage), Galician Cheese, Huge Empanadas filled with Tuna... all simple things done to perfection. Chilled White wine served in a ceramic cup, or a chilled beer. Eat Here if you want an authentic experience! read more

Great food and atmosphere. Made us feel like locals just hanging out at our favorite sandwich place. If you are in the area give it a try, it's inexpensive as well. We had the Zapatilla, slices of Quince, and seasoned peppers read more

Melo's - Quince with cheese, definitely worth trying! It was delicious - Spanish Near Me - Madrid, M

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This place is crackin (this means that it gets very busy)! The food is all great and reasonably priced. We enjoyed the fried Pimientos (we ordered a Coke because they were spicy), empanadas, zapatillas, and croquetas. I'd suggest you go very early if you want a table or spot at the bar. Otherwise you'll be elbow to elbow with everyone around you at prime time (they're open late too, but the patrons keep coming). Crowded, but highly recommended for the good food! read more

Zapatilla! Everything here is so great! And it is really fun to go with friends. Good atmosphere, big tables, big food. haha! The place is extremely busy!!!! Worth the wait. read more

Absolutely delicious!!! People working here were extremely kind even though it got kinda packed. The food was made quickly and it was very affordable. You can clearly see when you're food is being made. Also, the beer was great and really cheap! Try this place, you won't regret it!!! read more

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Man, if there was ever an inverse correlation between atmosphere and food, this is the place. Fortunately, it works in favor of the food. The zapatilla is huge and good - like a rustic ham and cheese sandwich, grilled, with really good cheese. I wouldn't get the empanadas again, but they were fine. Padron peppers - great. Maybe ask for them to not be as salty as the norm. And the croquetas were really good. Probably the best of the trip. read more

Loved this place! Get there early because they get busy. We stood at the counter to order and eat. Get the sandwich, it's amazing!! Next time I'm ordering the big one and taking the leftovers with me. The empanadas are tuna, so tasty!!!!! The croquettes are jamon and are huge. Everything was so good. Nothing fancy about this place, just great food! read more

Melo's is a very popular tapas bar. It has apparently been run and owned by the same couple for decades. They only have a few things on the menu but why change an excellent working concept. Their speciality is the huge zapatilla (little shoe) that basically consists of a lot of very tender pork and good cheese between slices of toast. It was enough to almost fill three stomachs. Also the croquetas were great. In addition we tried the interesting dish of green peppers of which some portion were spicy and the others not. To top all of this the place is dirt cheap as well! read more

We tried a couple times to get in before noticing the restaurant opens at 8 pm. That being said, by 8:15, the place was bustling! The food was prepared quickly. The zapatilla is amazing - so cheesy, the ham is sliced thick. It is HUGE, we barely finished one sandwich between the two of us. We would definitely go back! read more

Americans, my girlfriend and I came here for our first meal off the plane. The Zapatillas are HUGE, we shared half, and then shared a few croquetas... the food is hot, rustic and cheap. So good! The place is small and hot and busy, just walk up and order, they remember what you buy and you pay at the end. Seriously. I may go get one now just thinking about it read more

This was our only repeat visit to any restaurant on our entire 15 day trip to Spain. It's very hot, it's very crowded, it's very loud and it's absolutely amazing. This was one of our first stops for dinner on our trip and we compared every croquetta we had at every restaurant to the ones we were served at Melos, none were in the same ballpark and they always left us wanting more - not more of their croquettas but more of Melos'. Oh, and the croquettas aren't even the best part! This zapatilla sandwich, I don't know how these are made... like I do but really it's a toasted ham and cheese sandwich. No one I've ever met has ever had a game changing or groundbreaking ham and cheese sandwich. This is it though, it exists: the Zapatilla - a game changing; ground breaking; incredibly large; ham and cheese sandwich. Quick ordering guide; youre a very hungry NFL linebacker? Get a half Zapatilla - its probably enough and it will leave room for finishing up with croquettas. Even if you think you can eat a whole zapatilla, they won't sell it to you. My wife and I tried to order a zapatilla and a racion of croquettas - nope. We were served a zapatilla and I wasn't allowed croquettas until we finished that much. Anyway!! If you find yourself in madrid for any reason, do not leave without first visiting Melos bar! read more

This place gets so crowded you basically have to eat outside, where there's no dining tables by the way. It was difficult ordering because the people there couldn't speak English. I really liked the empanadas tapa I got it had fish in it. My two friends split the roast beef sandwich which I think is the best value for your money if you were to go to this place. They give you SO much meat my friends ended up just eating the bread and throwing away a lot of the meat. read more

Walked down here for a quick bite. We arrived just prior to the crowd that quickly filled the place. Limited seating, but most stand around the bar or benches to eat, drink and talk. We had a half Zapatilla - that is a 1/4 each with a drink. We can't have been too hungry (or because it was so much) that that was enough! Well worth the visit.Great Atmosphere read more

Hungover? Then set your controls for Melo's. The legendary "Zapitilla" is the ultimate hangover cure: roasted pork with cheese on thick toast. The HALF zapatilla is plenty for two people, so you've been warned. The croquetas are also among the best in Madrid, but they are also huge in size, so again, you've been warned. Grab a table with crumbs from the last group, then roll up to the counter to order and wait for them to yell out your order. You may not like yourself after eating at Melo's, but you won't be disappointed either. If you're heading here late, you'll get the added 'bonus' of going through the sketch-central plaza of Lavapies. read more

Asked for 2 zapatillas for my friend and I and he said something in spanish, like "no, one zapatilla" and then i was confused because i wanted two, and then the lady next to us translated and said that he doesnt like it when people dont finish their food, and that one zapatilla is more than enough. in hindsight, i was starving and could probably finish an entire zapatilla, but boy, was it amazing. 10/10 will be coming back again read more

If you'd like to visit some place that is genuinely, authentically Madrid, then this is the place to go. But only if you realize that this means: A crowdy, noisy place with fantastic food at ridiculously cheap prices. You may have trouble getting a seat if you came here at a quiet time - if you come at a busy time, you may have trouble getting in the door. But the food is really nice, and the atmosphere unique. It was one of the first places I ate out in Madrid, and I still compare other places to this. read more

just go there. order a bottle of white wine and everything on the menu. this place is not for the faint of heart and for people who want a real, spanish experience. get there early or at the end of the night.... read more

I lived in Madrid in 2005. My friends and I loved coming here late night. We had the best time, and to this day I still remember how delicious the food tastes. We had to fight to order our food because there wasn't a line only a blob, but it was always well worth it. Sad to see there were no pictures of the morcillas (blood sausage) unless they don't serve it anymore. Great place, and amazing food! read more

Tried the 1/2 Zapatilla. More than enough and as advertised; you can't take food to go. Solid sandwich, highly recommend.

Not much can be said about Melos that hasn't already been posted in other reviews, so I'll keep this short and sweet: one of the best bars in Madrid, both for authentic pub atmosphere and exquisite Galician quisine. The menu is extremely simple, offering 6-8 different plates (lacón a la gallega, croquetas de jamón, pimientos de padrón, morcilla, empanadillas, queso gallego, queso con membrillo & the infamous zapatilla, a sandwich made of lacón on thick slices of galician bread with melted cheese oozing out the sides). EVERYTHING they do is done to perfection, and while you may have to wait on most any night (at least if you get there after 9 like most Spaniards do), it is well worth it. I was first taken here about 8 years ago by a Galician friend who has lived in Madrid for most of his adult life and who comes here whenever he needs some home cooking from his region of origin. Since then, I've returned with groups both large and small and even though we may have had to fight for a table and elbow are way to the bar where the bartenders (usually just one principal, an elderly Galician man, and his one or two assistants who mostly just chef up the delicious food) might have overlooked us to first serve a regular from the neighborhood, we've always gotten our food in relatively quick time and thoroughly enjoyed shoveling it into our watering mouths. It is an amazingly authentic experience to go there with friends and negotiate who gets to eat that last croqueta, and how to even attempt to cut up the zapatilla! read more