A TikTok Spot That Actually Lives Up to the Hype
A little while ago, I went to El Gordito with Anouk and Claire. I had already seen this place pop up multiple times on TikTok, but let’s be honest, that doesn’t always mean it will actually live up to expectations.
We went on a rainy Saturday morning. I arrived at 10:55 and already had to put my name on the waiting list. At that point, there were four tables of two ahead of us, and the estimated waiting time was around 20 minutes. Honestly, that was completely fine, because every time the door opened and you caught a glimpse of the inside, the smell alone made it worth it.
After about 20 minutes, we were seated at a small table and handed the menus.
The exterior of the place.
Coffee First
I ordered a vanilla iced latte, and I have to say, this might have been the best vanilla iced latte I’ve had in Madrid so far. Not too sweet, not too milky, just perfectly.
Then it was time to decide on food. The menu has plenty of options for both sweet lovers and savoury people like me. The girls went for classic American pancakes, while I chose the Sandwich Milanesa and absolutely no regrets.
The brioche bun was fluffy without being overly sweet, which can sometimes happen with brioche. The sauce was fresh and slightly zesty, pairing perfectly with the coleslaw. And the main event, the milanesa, was crispy on the outside while still juicy on the inside. I genuinely didn’t think I would be able to finish it, but it was too good to leave behind.
Other menu items that definitely caught my eye were the banh mi sandwich, the okonomiyaki, and their different toast options. So yes, I will be going back.
Ambience and Practical Tips
The ambience was exactly what I expected: young, vibey, and slightly rustic. The staff were incredibly friendly, even though the place was completely packed and they were constantly running around.
By the time we left, around 13:00, the waiting list had grown to about 20 groups. So I would definitely recommend going early, unless you don’t mind waiting.
One important thing to know: they do not take your phone number. You have to physically wait outside and pay attention, because they will only call your name once. So this is not the kind of waiting list where you can wander off and explore the neighbourhood.
What I mean by “slightly rustic”.
Prices and Location
My sandwich was €12, but I added cheddar and bacon, which brought the total to €15.40. It’s not the cheapest brunch option, but the quality absolutely makes up for it, and it kept me full until dinner. Coffees are around €3.50.
You’ll find this gem on the same street as my favourite wine bar:
Calle de la Palma 41, Centro, 28004, Madrid, Spain.
Would I go back? Absolutely. I’m already curious to try more of the savoury dishes. Maybe during the week it will be slightly less busy, only one way to find out.
