Churros in Madrid, When to Go, What to Order, and How to Avoid the Worst Lines
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Churros in Madrid, When to Go, What to Order, and How to Avoid the Worst Lines
If you’ve Googled “best churros in Madrid,” you’ve probably already seen the lines.
Long.
Crowded.
Confusing.
This guide isn’t about chasing the most famous place in the city.
It’s about how churros actually work in Madrid, when locals go, what to order without overdoing it, and how to enjoy them without turning it into a tourist endurance test.
What churros are (and what they aren’t)
Churros in Madrid are:
Fried dough
Crispy on the outside
Soft inside
Meant to be dipped in thick hot chocolate
They are not:
A dessert after dinner
A brunch item
Something people eat casually at 3pm
Churros are tied to specific moments of the day.
Timing matters more than location.
Who this guide is for (and who it isn’t)
This is for you if:
You live in Madrid or plan to
You want to understand the rhythm, not just tick a box
You don’t want to stand in line for an hour unless it’s actually worth it
This is not for you if:
You only want the most Instagrammed spot
You’re expecting a slow café experience
Churros are fast, functional, and social.
The most important rule: when to go
This is where most people get it wrong.
Best times for churros in Madrid
Early morning
Roughly 7:00–10:00
People grab churros before work or errands.
Late night / very early morning
After bars close, especially on weekends.
Think 2:00–5:00.
Midday and afternoon are not ideal.
Many churrerías close or serve reheated batches.
This rhythm matches traditional operating patterns registered with the Ayuntamiento de Madrid
(source: https://www.madrid.es).
Churros vs porras (this matters)
You’ll usually see two options.
Churros
Thin. Crispy. Lighter.
What most people picture.
Porras
Thicker. Fluffier. Heavier.
More filling, easier to overdo.
If it’s your first time, start with churros, not porras.
What to order (keep it simple)
A safe, normal order for one or two people:
One small plate of churros
One cup of chocolate to share
The chocolate is thick. Almost pudding-like.
It’s meant for dipping, not drinking.
Ordering too much is the most common mistake.
How ordering works (step by step)
You walk in and wait briefly
You order at the counter or table
Churros arrive fast
You eat
You leave
This is not a place to linger.
Many traditional churrerías are designed for high turnover, especially in the morning. That’s intentional, not rude.
How to avoid the worst lines (without missing out)
Famous places attract lines because:
They’re centrally located
They’re open very late
They handle volume well
But here’s the reality:
Madrid has many good churrerías, and quality is fairly consistent.
To avoid lines:
Go earlier than you think
Walk two or three streets away from major plazas
Avoid peak tourist hours
A handwritten sign saying cerrado or volvemos en 10 minutos is normal.
It’s often more accurate than Google Maps.
Sitting vs standing
Some places:
Have tables
Expect you to sit
Others:
Are standing-only
Serve quickly
Don’t encourage lingering
Neither is better.
They just serve different moments.
Paying and tipping
You usually:
Pay at the end
Pay at the table or counter
Tipping:
Not required
Rounding up is fine
Leaving coins is normal
No one expects more.
Common mistakes (and easy fixes)
Going at 4pm
Go earlier or later.
Ordering too much
Churros are heavier than they look.
Waiting in line just because it’s famous
Step away from the center.
Expecting café vibes
This is functional food.
A few things people learn too late
Fresh oil matters more than location
Busy usually means fresh
Quiet at peak hours can be a warning
You don’t need to finish everything
Madrid has too many options to force one experience.
A few reliable places, if you want a name, not a list
These aren’t secrets. They’re just consistent. Pick one that fits your timing and location. Quick reality check, handwritten signs beat the internet when hours conflict.
Eat & Drink, Madrid
Chocolatería San Ginés
Reliable first try- Go: late night, early morning.
- Skip: midday, peak tourist hours.
Eat & Drink, Madrid
Churrería Los Artesanos 1902
Low stress- Less chaotic.
- Balanced churros and porras.
- Easier to sit down.
Eat & Drink, Madrid
El Brillante
Grab and go- Opens very early.
- Fast service.
- Convenient if you’re already nearby.
Eat & Drink, Madrid
Churrería Madrid 1883
Straightforward- Straightforward.
- Consistent frying.
- Less tourist pressure depending on the hour.
How to choose without Googling “best”
If you remember nothing else, remember this:
Busy at the right time usually means fresh
Short menus are a good sign
Handwritten signs beat websites
Distance from major plazas helps
You don’t need the “best” churros.
You need fresh ones at the right hour.
How this fits into daily life in Madrid
Churros are part of the same rhythm as:
Morning errands
Late nights
Short stops between things
If navigating timing, transport, or routes still feels stressful, this helps:
Best apps for living in Madrid, what locals actually use
https://www.spaininsiderhub.com/madrid-smart-living/best-apps-for-living-in-madrid
If you’re still setting up mobile data or struggling with connectivity:
Best SIM Card in Spain for Tourists (and new arrivals)
https://www.spaininsiderhub.com/smart-living/best-sim-card-in-spain-for-tourists
A stable connection makes spontaneous food stops easier.
Sources & transparency
This guide is based on:
Lived experience in Madrid
Madrid municipal business guidance
Community of Madrid commerce regulations
Hours and practices vary by location.
If something changes, readers are encouraged to flag it.
Calm closing
Churros don’t need to be a moment.
They’re better when they’re just part of the day.
Go at the right time.
Order less than you think.
Leave before you’re too full.
Madrid will take care of the rest.
Read more
A calm, real guide to churros in Madrid, when to go, what to order (churros vs porras), how paying and tipping actually works, and a few reliable places if you just want one name that won’t disappoint.