Take chocolate with churros in Madrid It's one of those plans that works at any age and almost any time. And if you ask for a place with history, someone will probably send you to the San Ginés Chocolate Shop, Located in a small passageway next to Arenal Street, between Puerta del Sol and Ópera. Serves chocolate and churros from 1894.
But it's not just a matter of age. For generations, its tables have welcomed people starting their day, those leaving the theater, and those in no hurry to end the night. Few places so perfectly exemplify that Madrid custom of turning a conversation into a second dinner, or breakfast into a continuation of the early hours.
In summary
- Where is: Pasadizo de San Ginés, 5, a few minutes' walk from Puerta del Sol.
- Since when has it existed: It opened in 1894.
- What to order: Hot chocolate with churros; also offers other drinks and pastries.
- Published schedules: Monday to Wednesday, 8:00 AM to midnight; Thursday to Sunday and public holidays, 24-hour service. Please confirm any changes before visiting.
- How long to book: between 30 and 45 minutes, longer during peak times.
You can complete the plan with our free tour of Madrid, a historical walk of free contributionYou don't pay anything upfront and at the end you contribute what you consider appropriate.
San Ginés: the chocolate with churros that has been a part of Madrid since 1894
The San Ginés Chocolate Shop opened its doors at the end of the 19th century. This fact seems simple until we imagine the city of that time: Madrid did not have the current subway system, cars did not yet dominate its streets, and theaters were one of the great centers of social life.
San Ginés' location helped define its clientele. The establishment was situated in a passageway near the Puerta del Sol, an area bustling with commercial activity and foot traffic. It was also close to venues connected to the arts, so it became a popular stop for those leaving the theater who wanted to linger over conversation.
The official Madrid Tourism website recalls precisely that custom: chocolate with churros at San Ginés was not only a breakfast, but also a way of end a night. Today it's easy to imagine a late dinner or a night out with friends that ends up, instead of at home, in front of a cup of hot chocolate.
If you visit Madrid in winter, you'll understand the scene immediately. The contrast between the cold street and a thick, freshly poured cup of coffee needs no complicated explanation.
Why churros and chocolate are such a quintessential Madrid pairing
What can be said is that the chocolate with churros It is deeply ingrained in Madrid's customs. It might appear at a weekend breakfast, after a night of celebration, at a family afternoon tea, or as a refuge on a cold day.
A traditional churro has a simple dough and is fried in oil. It's served for dipping in chocolate, which is usually thicker than regular hot chocolate. There's no need to eat it all in a specific way; if you prefer to alternate between a bite and a sip, no one's going to judge you.
You will also find it in many establishments batons, Porras are thicker relatives of churros with a different texture. If you're unfamiliar with them, it's worth asking what they're used for and how they differ. Avoid thinking that churro and porra are interchangeable names: in Madrid, they're usually distinguished.
The San Ginés passageway: an address that many tourists don't find at first.
The chocolate shop isn't located on a grand avenue with a monumental facade. Its main entrance is on the San Ginés Passage, number 5, very close to Arenal Street. That's part of the experience: being next to one of the busiest areas of Madrid and, suddenly, entering a narrow street with a different rhythm.
To get there from the Puerta del Sol, walk through Arenal towards the Isabel II Square (Opera). In just a few minutes you'll find the area around San Ginés. If you're unsure, check the exact location on a map before you start; the passageways aren't always obvious to first-timers.
San Ginés and literature: a fritter shop that entered the theater
This is probably the least known part of the story for those who arrive looking for breakfast. The establishment is also part of the Literary Madrid.
In Bohemian Lights, of Ramón del Valle-Inclán, appears the Modernist Fritter Shop, identified with the Chocolatería San Ginés. The reference allows a connection to be made between a food establishment and one of the great Spanish theatrical texts of the 20th century.
Turismo Madrid has explored this relationship in its materials dedicated to Madrid. Bohemian Lights. It's not a legend invented to sell churros: there is a documented link with the work and with the cultural memory of the city.
How much does it cost and what time can I go for chocolate with churros?
Official information from Madrid Tourism places the Chocolatería San Ginés in San Ginés Passage, 5 and publishes the following general schedule: Monday to Wednesday, from 8:00 to 24:00; Thursday to Sunday and the eve of public holidays, open 24 hours. As with any business, hours may vary due to extraordinary circumstances; please check the official sheet or the establishment's channels before a special trip.
Regarding prices, it's best not to repeat figures seen on older blogs. Restaurant prices change, and there isn't an updated 2026 menu verified by the official sources consulted that would allow for an exact and guaranteed price here. Check the menu displayed at the establishment before ordering, especially if you're in a group.
The best time? It depends on the experience you're looking for. If you're looking for a quieter stop, try going outside of peak hours. If you're keen to experience the nightlife, heading over after a night out in the city center can make a lot of sense, provided the place is open when you arrive.
What to see near San Ginés after the chocolate
If you walk in the opposite direction along Arenal, you will reach Opera and the Royal Theatre. Beyond that, the Plaza de Oriente, with the Royal Palace as one of the main attractions. It's not necessary to visit all the monuments in the same day: sometimes it's enough to admire the exterior and reserve another morning for the interior visits.
You can also approach the Plaza Mayor, There, the arcades and the Casa de la Panadería transport you to another chapter of Madrid's history. If you have time, continue towards the Plaza de la Villa, one of the best places to appreciate the city's old layout.
To help you decide what to combine, we have a guide to What to see near the Plaza Mayor and another with a route of Madrid in a day. They are useful if you want to explore the city center without wasting time wandering around areas that are already close together.
Is San Ginés worth it if you don't like queues?
Let's be honest here. San Ginés is a very well-known establishment, and its fame attracts visitors from all over the world. That means it can get very crowded, especially on holidays. Just because a place has a long history doesn't guarantee you'll always get a seat when you arrive.
If your top priority is avoiding waits, don't plan your entire morning around one particular table. Check how busy it is, look for less busy times, or consider trying churros and chocolate at another establishment. Madrid has a churro tradition that extends far beyond just one location.
But if you're interested in combining a gastronomic tradition with a place linked to history and literature, San Ginés has a unique feature that's hard to replicate: you'll be enjoying something that Madrid residents have been ordering for over a century in that same corner of the city center.
Discover it with us: Madrid is also understood through its customs
In 4U Madrid We are interested in the history told by looking at buildings, but also the history that appears in streets, shops, and traditions. Our free tour of Madrid begins in Puerta del Sol, compared to ZapShop, where you will identify us by the purple umbrella, and ends in the vicinity of Royal Palace.
It lasts approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, with departures in Spanish and English. It's a free walking tour (pay-what-you-want): reservations without paying any money upfront and at the end you decide how much to contribute. It does not include a chocolate tasting or a visit to the interior of San Ginés.; You can enjoy that gastronomic stop on your own.
Frequently asked questions about chocolate with churros
Before visiting San Ginés
A historic address is the Chocolatería San Ginés, at Pasadizo de San Ginés, 5. It can be reached on foot in a few minutes from Sol via Arenal street.
It opened in 1894. It is one of the best-known chocolate shops in Madrid and an establishment linked to the tradition of ending the night with chocolate and churros.
According to the general schedule published by Madrid Tourism, it is open 24 hours from Thursday to Sunday and on the eve of public holidays. From Monday to Wednesday, it is open from 8:00 to 24:00. Always confirm the opening hours before going.
During your walk through Madrid
In Madrid, porras are usually thicker and have a different texture than traditional churros. You can ask about both options depending on the menu and the establishment's availability.
For a standard visit, check the restaurant's official channels for current conditions. Expect waits during peak hours; don't assume you'll get a table immediately.
No. Our tour is a self-guided historical walking tour of central Madrid. Chocolate and churros are an optional suggestion to enjoy before or after your visit.
When you come to Madrid, set aside time for its monuments and also for its little customs.
