Sangria and Piano in a Cave
You get the idea that Las Cuevas de Sésamo is a pretty unique place from the second you lay eyes on the garish sign reading "sangria y tapas" flashing red and white on an otherwise non-descript entryway. You then head down the stairs into the cuevas (caves). The cuevas are basically an old cellar that's been converted into a piano bar. Yes there are tapas, but the draw here is the sangria. For those new to Spain, sangria is a trap: its bathroom punch essentially, a concoction made for parties to get the largest number of people festive while spending the least amount of money possible. All those joints around Plaza Mayor selling sangria for 3 euros/glass are rip-offs. Las Cuevas, on the other hand, is the real-deal. They exclusively serve sangria in pitchers (enough to get 3-4 people in a celebratory mood) for 12euros and it is delicious, not too sweet or sour like many other sangrias.
They also serve food but, who cares? It's sangria time! The atmosphere is young and lively, and the other highlight is the ancient piano stuffed into a corner and manned by charming young women playing traditional songs and some old classics.
I highly recommend it as a place to start the night!
