Cafe Madrid

In 2025, we got reacquainted with Cafe Madrid after learning of owner Donica Jimenez’s refusal to sell out to finance bros (the group that has swallowed everything else on the block). A Spaniard at heart, she opened this spot 40 years ago to bring tapas culture and community to Dallas. Small plates of cheese, Ibérico ham, albondigas and lamb spread out over tables, anchored by pitchers of sangria and glasses of wine. The broad cross-section of diners speaks to its appeal: Katy Trail walkers, moms and dads with the kids out for an early dinner, artists later at night and a variety of languages at all hours. Salud to sticking to what you believe in and maintaining an essential part of Dallas’ culture.