The entrance to the Chocolatería

Chocolatería San Ginés is a historic café located in central Madrid, Spain, known primarily for its churros (fried dough pastries) and hot chocolate. Opened in 1894, it has become a cultural institution, attracting both locals and international visitors.

History

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Founded in 1894, Chocolatería San Ginés initially operated in a building near the San Ginés church, west of the Puerta del Sol. The site has served its signature chocolate con churros (hot chocolate and churros) since its inception, and over time, it transformed into a bustling late-night destination, reflecting Madrid’s lively social and culinary scene.

The interior décor retains many historic touches, featuring mirrors, green wood panels, green velvet seats, and marble tables—evoking the ambiance of a classic 19th-century Madrid café. The hot chocolate is traditionally served thick and dark, while the churros are cut to length on-site and served freshly fried.[citation needed]

Operations and Hours

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Historically, Chocolatería San Ginés has been noted for operating 24 hours a day—particularly on weekends and holidays—making it a favorite among late-night revelers leaving nearby bars and theaters. Sources often highlight the café’s role in Madrid’s nightlife culture, as patrons line up for chocolate con churros well into the early morning hours. Travel guides often recommend visiting during off-peak hours to avoid the long lines that form, especially around major holidays and during peak tourism seasons.

Crowds queue to enter Madrid’s iconic Chocolatería San Ginés, a landmark café since 1894

Global Expansion

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Thanks to growing international acclaim, Chocolatería San Ginés has expanded beyond Spain while striving to preserve its historic roots and Spanish identity. Each international branch aims to replicate the Madrid experience, offering freshly made churros alongside thick, rich hot chocolate.

Spain: Multiple branches in Madrid and Marbella

Portugal: Lisbon

United States: Austin, Texas; Miami Beach, Florida

Argentina: Buenos Aires

Mexico: Mexico City

Cultural and Literary Significance

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Chocolatería San Ginés is frequently cited as a focal point of Madrid’s culinary heritage, remaining a late-night staple for locals and visitors. It has appeared in various travel guides and television programs that showcase traditional Spanish cuisine, including documentaries and segments on major networks such as CNN Travel and the BBC.

The café’s ambiance and 24-hour service have also led to cameo appearances in Spanish films and TV series set in Madrid, highlighting the capital’s famous nightlife culture.

In Literature

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Chocolatería San Ginés has been referenced in several literary works that underscore its historic status and prominence in Madrid’s social fabric. Mentions include:

Episodios Nacionales by Benito Pérez Galdós

Luces de Bohemia by Ramón del Valle-Inclán

These references reinforce the café’s longstanding presence in Spanish cultural life.

Notable Visitors over the years

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Global Icons

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1. Dua Lipa – English pop singer-songwriter with numerous chart-topping singles and Grammy Awards.

2. Mark Zuckerberg – American technology entrepreneur, best known for founding Facebook (now Meta), recognized globally for his influence in social media and tech innovation.

3. Rafa Nadal – Globally revered Spanish tennis champion with multiple Grand Slams.

4. Stevie Wonder – Legendary American singer-songwriter, celebrated for hits like “Superstition.”

5. Julio Iglesias – One of the world’s best-selling Spanish artists, famous for romantic ballads.

6. Tina Turner – Legendary singer, frequently called the “Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll.”

7. Naomi Campbell – British supermodel and fashion icon since the late 1980s.

8. Diego Maradona – Legendary Argentine footballer, also viewed among the greatest in history.

9. Pelé – Iconic Brazilian football star, regarded by many as the sport’s greatest.

10. Rod Stewart – British rock star, recognized worldwide for songs like “Maggie May.”

11. Janet Jackson – American pop singer-songwriter and dancer, an international entertainment icon.

12. Enrique Iglesias – Spanish pop star with global hits and strong family ties to Madrid.

13. Jimmy Carter – 39th U.S. President, Nobel Peace Prize laureate recognized around the globe.

14. Paulina Rubio – Mexican pop star known for global Latin-pop singles.

15. Plácido Domingo – Spanish opera singer and conductor with multiple Grammy Awards.

Film and Television Legends

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1. Richard Gere – American actor famous for roles in films like Pretty Woman and An Officer and a Gentleman.

2. Vince Vaughn – American actor noted for comedic hits such as Wedding Crashers and The Break-Up.

3. Tom Cruise – American actor and producer, known for global blockbuster films.

4. Michael Douglas – Academy Award–winning American actor (Wall Street, Fatal Attraction).

5. Willem Dafoe – Acclaimed American actor (Platoon, Spider-Man, The Florida Project).

6. David Hasselhoff – American actor and singer, known for Knight Rider and Baywatch.

7. Penélope Cruz – Spanish actress with an Academy Award, celebrated in Hollywood and Europe.

8. Antonio Banderas – Spanish actor known internationally (The Mask of Zorro, Desperado).

9. Sir Roger Moore – English actor, famously portrayed James Bond.

10. Christopher Lee – Esteemed English actor (Dracula, Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings).

11. Sophia Loren – Iconic Italian film star admired for her work in classic Hollywood cinema.

12. Javier Bardem – Spanish actor and Oscar winner (No Country for Old Men).

13. Pedro Almodóvar – Spanish film director known for award-winning films and international acclaim.

14. Anthony Mackie – American actor recognized as Sam Wilson (Falcon) in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

15. Dolph Lundgren – Swedish actor and martial artist, known for Ivan Drago in Rocky IV.

16. Gina Lollobrigida – Renowned Italian actress also known for her photojournalism.

17. Lisa Stansfield – English singer-songwriter, best known for “All Around the World.”

World-Class Athletes

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1. Carlos Sainz Jr. – Spanish Formula One driver, continuing his family’s notable racing legacy.

2. Luka Modrić – Croatian footballer, widely regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation, Ballon d'Or winner, and key figure in Real Madrid and Croatia’s national team success.

3. Xavi Alonso – Renowned Spanish midfielder (Liverpool, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich), currently head coach of Real Madrid.

4. Sergio Ramos – Spanish footballer and former Real Madrid captain, one of the sport’s top defenders.

5. Carles Puyol – Iconic ex-FC Barcelona captain, integral to Spain’s 2010 World Cup victory.

6. Carlos Sainz – Spanish rally driver with multiple World Rally Championship titles.

7. Sami Khedira – German footballer celebrated for his career at Real Madrid, Juventus, and Germany’s national team.

8. Isco Alarcón – Spanish footballer known worldwide for his career at clubs like Real Madrid.

9. Chris Froome – Kenyan-British cyclist, four-time Tour de France winner.

10. Carlos Moyá – Spanish tennis player and former world No. 1, winner of the 1998 Roland Garros (French Open).

11. Andrew Bynum – Former American basketball player, two-time NBA champion with the LA Lakers.

12. Lev Yashin – Soviet goalkeeper, widely considered one of the greatest in football history.

Heads of State and Royalty

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1. Felipe Juan Pablo Alfonso de Todos los Santos de Borbón y Grecia (Rey Felipe) – Current King of Spain.

2. Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano (Reina Letizia) – Queen consort of Spain.

3. Juan Carlos Alfonso Víctor María de Borbón y Borbón-Dos Sicilias (Rey Juan Carlos) – Former King, key figure in Spain’s democratic transition.

4. Pengiran Anak Sarah – Princess consort to the Crown Prince of Brunei, notable for her role in the Bruneian royal family and her philanthropic engagements.

5. Alan García – Late President of Peru, influential across Latin America.

6. Ana Botella – Former Mayor of Madrid.

7. Isabel Díaz Ayuso – President of the Community of Madrid.

8. Felipe González – Former Prime Minister (1982–1996).

9. S.A.R. Infanta Elena – Member of the Spanish royal family.

10. S.A.R. Infanta Doña Cristina – Member of the Spanish royal family.

11. S.M. La Reina de Bulgaria – Her Majesty the Queen of Bulgaria.

12. S.A.R. Princesa Ira de Furstemberg – European royal figure and socialite.

13. Sofía de Habsburgo – Member of the Habsburg royal family.

14. Baronesa Thyssen (Carmen Cervera) – Spanish aristocrat and art collector.

International Artists and Cultural Figures

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1. Paloma Picasso – Daughter of Pablo Picasso, the 20th-century Spanish painter whose revolutionary Cubist masterpieces and prolific output made him one of history’s most influential artists.

2. La Toya Jackson – American singer-songwriter and television personality, member of the iconic Jackson family, known for her solo music career and appearances in global media and entertainment.

3. Carlos Vives – Colombian singer-songwriter celebrated for merging vallenato with pop music.

4. Juan Luis Guerra – Dominican singer-songwriter who helped popularize merengue and bachata.

5. David Bisbal – Spanish pop singer who achieved success across Latin markets.

6. Boney M – Disco group popular for hits like “Rivers of Babylon.”

7. Juan Gabriel – Mexican singer-songwriter revered for his ballads and rancheras.

8. Mario Vargas Llosa – Peruvian novelist, Nobel Prize in Literature, recognized worldwide.

9. Thomas Pesquet – French astronaut who served on the International Space Station.

Notable Figures in Spanish Culture

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1. Belén Esteban – High-profile Spanish TV personality.

2. Carmen Machi – Popular Spanish actress (Aída).

3. Mario Casas – Noted Spanish actor (Three Steps Above Heaven).

4. Julio José Iglesias – Spanish singer, son of Julio Iglesias.

5. Santiago Segura – Actor/director best known for the Torrente series.

6. Belén Rueda – Spanish actress (The Orphanage, Mar adentro).

7. Hugo Silva – Spanish film and TV actor.

8. Matías Prats – Esteemed Spanish news anchor.

9. Michelle Jenner – Spanish actress in TV and film (Isabel).

10. Anthony Blake – Spanish mentalist and illusionist.

11. Carolina Cerezuela – Spanish actress and presenter.

12. Carmen Lomana – Socialite, businesswoman, and TV personality.

13. Luisa Mattioli – Italian actress, previously married to Sir Roger Moore.

14. Marlene Mourreau – French actress/TV personality popular in Spain.

15. Juncal Rivero – Spanish model, actress, and TV presenter.

16. Ana Obregón – Spanish actress, socialite, and TV personality.

17. José María Manzanares – Spanish bullfighter (torero).

18. Paco León – Spanish actor and director, known for Aída.

19. Leiva – Spanish rock singer-songwriter (formerly of Pereza).

20. Juancho – Spanish musician or TV figure.

21. César – Spanish sports or media personality.

22. Beatriz Escudero – Spanish public figure/politician.

23. Guillermo Summers – Spanish TV presenter and humorist.

24. Natasha Yarovenko – Ukrainian-born actress active in Spanish cinema.

25. Lola Flores – Legendary flamenco singer/dancer, referred to as “La Faraona.”

26. Rocío Jurado – Iconic Spanish singer of flamenco and copla.

27. Ángel Nieto – Legendary motorcycle racer with multiple world titles.

28. Vicente Parra – Mid-20th-century Spanish film actor.

29. Juanito – Celebrated Real Madrid footballer.

30. Jaime Morey – Spanish singer recognized for Eurovision.

31. Pedro del Hierro – Influential Spanish fashion designer.

32. Ramón Arcusa – Half of the Spanish pop duo Dúo Dinámico.

33. Félix Prudencio – Spanish personality with limited public info.

34. Jean Luis Mathieu – European figure noted in local circles.

35. Carlos Bante – Spanish personality with minimal visibility.

36. Madame Raymund – Known mainly in niche social circles.

37. Antonio Ruiz – Spanish entertainer or local figure.

38. Juan Ribó – Spanish theater, film, and TV actor.