One of the more atmospheric of the old tabernas of Madrid, Casa Alberto has been around since 1827 and occupies a building where Cervantes is said to have written one of his books. The secret to its staying power may lie in the vermouth on tap and excellent tapas at the bar. Dining at the establishment on the evening of our visit turned out for us to be another matter entirely.

My family visited this establishment one evening about 9 p.m. at which time it was already extremely busy. There were tables available in the dining area and very crowded with multiple layers of patrons at the bar. We were told there would be a fifteen-minute wait. Almost half of those present appeared to be other tourists like ourselves.

The taberna’s walls are covered with interesting memorabilia from the establishment’s past. The interior is hot, loud and crowded with patrons attempting to push through the gathered throngs at the bar, which takes up the first half of the restaurant’s space.
We tried to make ourselves as unobtrusive as possible as waiters rushed past.

After fifteen minutes an older waiter approached and asked if we spoke Spanish. When I responded that I spoke only English and French he actually rolled his eyes at me. He then promptly pawned our party off to the youngest waiter in the establishment.

After being seated we selected an aperitif while perusing the wine list and menu. The young waiter was gracious but obviously torn between serving us and being directed to address various other tasks about the restaurant, including sitting up a nearby table for a party of ten. Nearby, most tables were occupied by other tourists, primarily British.

We placed our order. Older waiters would scurry past our table, yanking the wine menu away, making noises denoting impatience and otherwise making us feel that we were somehow in the way.

Our wine selection arrived as did our food in good time. The food itself was average compared to the offerings of other nearby establishments and the prices high for the quality. We had the impression the restaurant rests on its reputation to justify higher prices and the wait staff's disdainful demeanor to non-Spaniards.

Halfway through the meal we ordered two additional bottled waters that never arrived. During the meal itself it was almost impossible to get the attention of a waiter.

Near the end of the meal I requested he digestive and dessert menu for an after dinner drink. It never arrived either. The nearby table of ten locals were in contrast receiving excellent service. In the end we became tired of the loud noise, heat and being ignored by the wait staff. Twenty-five minutes passed before we could settle our account and thankfully exit.

After the ordeal we had experienced it was a pleasure to breathe the fresh, cooler night air outside and leave the noise of this establishment behind us.

I would not recommend this establishment for dining. During less hectic times it may be a better place to have a drink at the bar before sauntering down the street to one of the many other establishments for a meal, especially if you are a tourist.