A ham sandwich and a glass of champagne? Together? Yes! Though it doesn't seem likely in this bar in the Alonso Martínez neighbourhood, they've managed to find a perfect combination in the pairing. It helps a lot, of course, that they use premium-quality Iberian ham and serve French champagne.
Everything in this place invites you to stay, from the chic décor to the attentive staff. The sandwiches are delicious, with a selection ranging from mortadella to fillets, as well as Iberian game and acorn-fed ham. All the sandwiches are served on either a crunchy 'pan de cristal' (similar to an extremely light and crunchy ciabatta), bread baked in a firewood oven, or crunchy cristal bread, bread from a firewood oven, or 'mollete' muffins that'll make your mouth water by just looking at them. They cost around €7.
The rest of the menu, which is somewhat sparse, includes gazpacho, salmorejo, tuna salad, Caesar cake, and other homemade desserts. Among the fine selection of champagne you will find Hebri Abelé, Delamotte, André Coulet, and Frerejean Frères. A glass is between €5 and €8, and if you prefer to share a bottle with friends it will set you back between €28 and €45.
It's not the most spacious bar around, but it's already on everybody's lips, so get a seat now before the crowds are spilling into the street.