Chocolatería San Ginés Madrid: Best Churros and Hot Chocolate
Madrid is full of amazing experiences, wandering through the bustling Puerta del Sol, marvelling at the Royal Palace, or catching a flamenco show late into the night. But nothing quite hits the sweet spot like sitting down with a plate of golden churros and a cup of rich, velvety chocolate.
If there’s one thing you absolutely have to do when visiting Madrid, it’s trying their churros and chocolate. Chocolatería San Ginés has been around for over a century, which already says a lot about how good it must be.
On my trip to Madrid, Spain, I finally got to check this off my food bucket list. Walking into Chocolatería San Ginés feels like stepping back in time. The cosy, slightly old-school interior and the aroma of frying dough instantly make you feel part of a long-standing tradition.
Background on Chocolatería San Ginés
Tucked away in a charming side street, Chocolatería San Ginés is located at Pasadizo de San Ginés, just a short stroll from Puerta del Sol in Madrid’s bustling city centre. Its location alone makes it a convenient stop for winding down after a night out or exploring the heart of the city.
San Ginés first opened its doors in 1894, and remarkably, it has been serving the same classic pairing of churros and chocolate for over 100 years. The café has witnessed everything from Madrid’s late 19th-century cultural scene to today’s buzzing modern city life. Over the years, it’s become not just a café but a cultural touchstone. The walls are lined with photos of famous people, and the green-and-white interior exudes an old-world charm that makes you feel like you’re stepping into a piece of living history.
Part of its enduring appeal is the simplicity of the menu. Sure, there are some modern additions like ice cream or chocolate-based desserts, but the main draw has always been its crispy churros paired with thick hot chocolate, an unbeatable duo that stands the test of time.
What is the Experience like at Chocolatería San Ginés?
I arrived just after 8pm, thinking I’d beat any potential crowds. How naïve of me! To my surprise, there was already a line snaking its way outside. But here’s the good news, the staff are pros at keeping things moving. Within minutes, I had stepped up to the counter to place my order.
The process here is refreshingly straightforward. You order at the counter first, pay, and then receive a receipt. Once a table is ready, a waiter will collect your order slip and bring your food out. While it may sound a little unusual compared to the sit-down-and-order experience most of us are used to, it’s actually an efficient system that keeps the crowds flowing without too much fuss.
What is the Food like at Chocolatería San Ginés?
The main reason you come to San Ginés is, of course, for the churros and chocolate. I ordered the classic combination, six churros with a cup of hot chocolate for €5.90. When my order arrived, I was struck by the generous portion size. These weren’t the dainty churros I’d tried back home in Australia. No, these were longer, thicker, and far more substantial.
The churros themselves were crisp and golden, fried to perfection without being greasy. They had that delightful crunch when you bit into them, followed by a light and slightly chewy interior. But let’s be honest, churros are only half the story here.
The hot chocolate wasn’t the sweet, milky style you might sip on a cold winter’s day. San Ginés serves it the traditional Spanish way, thick, rich, and almost pudding-like in texture. It’s designed less as a drink and more as a dip, the perfect complement to the airy churros. I loved how indulgent it felt, yet it wasn’t overly sweet. After dipping my way through all six churros, I still had chocolate left in the cup. Trust me, you’ll be tempted to eat the rest by the spoonful (and I absolutely did).
For those with an even bigger sweet tooth, San Ginés also offers porras (a thicker, doughier cousin of the churro), ice cream, and other chocolate-based treats. But honestly, the classic churros and chocolate are where it’s at.
What is the Price like at Chocolatería San Ginés?
Considering its reputation and central location, I found the prices at San Ginés reasonable. For less than €6, you get a plate of six churros and a generous cup of chocolate, a dessert that’s big enough to share (though you’ll probably want to keep it all to yourself).
In a city where you could easily spend double that on a quick tapa and a drink, Chocolatería San Ginés feels like great value. It’s not just a snack, but an experience steeped in tradition, history, and atmosphere.
Final Thoughts
So, is Chocolatería San Ginés worth the hype? Absolutely. It’s rare that a place so popular with tourists manages to retain its authenticity, but San Ginés pulls it off beautifully. The combination of history, atmosphere, and simple, delicious food makes it a must-visit when in Madrid.
Yes, there may be a line when you arrive, but don’t let that put you off. The wait is quick, the staff are efficient, and the payoff is more than worth it. Whether you’re visiting Madrid for the first time or returning for the tenth, San Ginés is one of those places you’ll always find yourself coming back to.
If you’re like me and grew up with a different version of churros, tasting the Spanish original at San Ginés is a revelation. Bigger, heartier, and paired with some of the richest hot chocolate you’ll ever try.
Travel is about discovering flavours that tell a story, and Chocolatería San Ginés tells one of Madrid’s sweetest. For over a century, it has brought people together over simple churros and chocolate, creating a timeless ritual that feels both comforting and exciting. If you’re planning a trip to Madrid, do yourself a favour and it to your list to visit.
Highlights and Tips
- Best known for their Classic churros with hot chocolate
- Founded in 1894, over 100 years of tradition
- Chocolatería San Ginés is quite popular so expect a line but tends to be move quite quickly
- Accepts both card and cash
Chocolatería San Ginés Details
- Location: Pasadizo de San Ginés, 5, Centro, 28013 Madrid, Spain
- Opening Hours: Open daily
- Price: €5 – €10
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