“Quiere usted tomar un café rico?” Do you want to have a rich coffee? The lyrics of a schottische echo through time. They invite us to step into a Madrid landmark. We are standing before the CAFÉ COMERCIAL Plaque. It marks a place of history.
The CAFÉ COMERCIAL first opened its doors on March 21 1887. This was during the Bourbon Restoration in Spain. It quickly became one of Madrid’s oldest and most cherished cafés. The CAFÉ COMERCIAL plaque commemorates its significance. It is a historic meeting place. It is a hub of social and cultural life in Madrid.
Imagine the Madrid of the late 19th century. The Glorieta de Bilbao was known for its “Pozos de la Nieve.” These snow wells stored ice from the Sierra de Guadarrama. The CAFÉ COMERCIAL emerged as a place to savor praised coffee. Business meetings gave the café its name. It became strongly associated with intellectual circles. These circles hoped to reform Spain. This was after its defeat in the war against the United States in 1898. This movement was known as Regenerationism.
The CAFÉ COMERCIAL was more than just a café. It was a cultural institution. It was a witness to Madrid’s evolution. In 1909, the Contreras family acquired the café. Antonio Contreras was a native of Havana. Under their stewardship, the café’s fame grew. During the Spanish Civil War, the café was taken over by its own employees. After the war, journalists from Arriba frequented it. This was the official publication of the Movimiento Nacional and later of Francoist Spain.
The CAFÉ COMERCIAL also stands out. It was one of the first cafés in Madrid to employ women as waitresses. This was a progressive step. It challenged the norms of the time. The café became a haven for artists journalists and businessmen. It became the original hub of Madrid’s café culture.
The CAFÉ COMERCIAL had two entrances. One was a revolving door facing the Glorieta de Bilbao. Large windows offered views both inside and out. The interior was remodeled in 1953. It retained its classic charm. The café was famous for its hot chocolate with churros. It was also known for its picatostes. These were a type of fried bread.
Sadly, the CAFÉ COMERCIAL closed its doors. This happened after 128 years of operation. The closure was in July 2015. It was a devastating loss for locals. It was a significant piece of Madrid’s heritage. However, the story doesn’t end there. In June 2016, it was announced that the café would reopen. The group El Escondite took over its direction. The reopened CAFÉ COMERCIAL preserved its architectural elements. It also kept its decorative features.
The CAFÉ COMERCIAL has always been a haven for poets novelists and painters. Camilo José Cela’s novel “La Colmena” reflects the café’s atmosphere. The café honors Antonio Machado. He was a member of a discussion group that met there.
Today, the CAFÉ COMERCIAL plaque serves as a reminder. It reminds us of the café’s rich history. It has contributed to Madrid’s social and cultural fabric. As you stand here, imagine the conversations. Picture the debates that have filled this space for over a century. The CAFÉ COMERCIAL remains a symbol of Madrid’s golden age.