The story
Located in the heart of Madrid, Bar La Campana offers a quintessential street food experience for those looking to dive into local traditions. This no-frills establishment is best known for its iconic bocadillo de calamares, a staple of the city’s culinary scene. While creator Giuliacrossbow notes that the squid used in the sandwich may be frozen, it remains a popular destination for travelers seeking an authentic taste of Madrid.
The menu focuses on classic bocadillos, though experiences can vary. Sandrino, who dubbed the venue "the best sandwich shop in Spain," highlights the calamari version as a worthwhile new experience for visitors. However, diners should be aware that their impressions of other offerings, such as the chorizo and tortilla sandwiches, may be mixed. For a quick, casual bite in the city center, Bar La Campana provides a reliable, albeit simple, stop.
Synthesised by AI from every creator’s review. First reviewed 2025.
Most-loved dishes
AI summary of what 3 dish mentions say about the food
Reviewers rave about the Bocadillo de chorizo, calling it a simple, soulful standout. The overall vibe is warm, unpretentious, and deeply satisfying.
“Chorizo, paprika sausage with garlic. They look funny because they're really ugly. I prefer the other one, obviously. This one has this piece of bread layer that stands alone and doesn't excite me.”
What creators say
2 creators have covered Bar La Campana. Most active: Giuliacrossbow, sandrino
Bar La Campana is known for its bocadillo de calamares, a typical Madrid street food experience, though the quality of the squid is noted as potentially being frozen.
Dishes mentioned
- Bocadillo de calamares
A no-frills local spot in Madrid serving classic bocadillos; the calamari one is worth it for a new experience, but the chorizo and tortilla versions are disappointing.
Dishes mentioned
Bocadillo de Calamares
It's bread and fried squid, nothing else. It's not as dry as I imagined because the frying oil and the sliminess of the squid keep it moist, but the sauce variable is up to you. I'm also factoring in that I'm after a night out. Worth it for a new and different experience.
Bocadillo de Chorizo
Chorizo, paprika sausage with garlic. They look funny because they're really ugly. I prefer the other one, obviously. This one has this piece of bread layer that stands alone and doesn't excite me.
Bocadillo de Tortilla
What the hell am I looking at? Disgusting. I have a sandwich with a potato omelette, not even a sauce, and the omelette is cold. This one has no reason to exist.
