Pan y Pepinillos Café
C. de El Escorial, 2, Centro, 28004 Madrid, Spain
Opening Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 08:00 – 15:30
Located in a quiet old street in the center of Madrid, Pan y Pepinillos Café has quickly become a popular local gem known for its charming green storefront, vintage aesthetic, and welcoming community vibe. Fueled by celebrity visits (such as Song Hye-kyo) and a stylish collaboration with Loewe, this small and cozy spot offers a fantastic blend of specialty coffee, delightful bakery treats, and lively social media popularity.
Coffee & Specialty Lattes
The Coffee Beans: The café sources beans from renowned independent roasters such as Nomad and Right Side from Barcelona, as well as April and Datura, with coffee beans available for purchase in-store.
Pistachio Latte: A signature drink that draws mixed reviews; while some enjoy the subtle, pleasant pistachio aroma and sweet, smooth blend, others find it a bit too sweet or overpowering.
Overall Coffee Profile: Some customers note that the coffee flavor profile can lean toward extremes—either a heavy bitterness or a prominent acidity. Regular iced lattes or milk coffees are sometimes described as light, and during peak hours, batch brew (or cold brew poured from a pot) may replace fresh hand-drip coffee.
Bakery & Brunch Highlights
Pastries: The croissants and heated cinnamon rolls are widely praised. The cinnamon rolls feature a crispy outer layer and a soft, multi-layered, rich center that is fragrant without being overly sweet. The croissants are filled with rich butter flavor and a flaky texture.
Cheese & Egg Sandwiches: Many visitors agree that the food outshines the coffee. A standout is the cheese sandwich, featuring crispy toast filled with melted cheese and topped with extra parmesan. The Parmesan cheese scrambled eggs and avocado toast (Avo Toast) are also considered must-tries.
Cakes & Desserts: The dense and delicate banana pound cake, as well as pistachio cheesecake, are also crowd favorites.
Environment & Vibe
Intimate & Retro Space: The shop is very small, accommodating only about 8 to 9 people inside with roughly 3 to 4 small tables or a single corner. The interior features a distressed yet harmonious, cozy "Ins-style" rustic aesthetic.
The Staff: The baristas and owners are often described as having a cool, individualistic, yet friendly vibe.
The "Internet Famous" Phenomenon & Local Reactions: There is often a lively crowd taking photos outside by the green-awned storefront. Interestingly, this sometimes draws curious glances and amusement from local residents (such as an elderly local passing by with his grandchild), who wonder why young people queue up and take photos for this seemingly ordinary corner.
Visitor Tips
Arrive Early: Because seating is severely limited, it fills up fast (often packed by 9:30 AM), leading to wait times.
Operating Hours & Kitchen Closing Time: The café operates from 08:00 to 15:30. Please note that the kitchen for breakfast and brunch closes at 15:00, while the café officially closes at 15:30.
Alternative Seating: If indoor tables are full, guests frequently sit on outdoor wooden benches, use the windowsills, or drink coffee outside.