Brutal

As an American traveler, I’ve learned that making an effort to speak the local language can go a long way in enhancing my experience abroad. I’ve been trying to learn key phrases in Spanish, and while my skills are still rough, I’ve found that most people appreciate the effort. That being said, my experience at Brutal Specialty Coffee in Madrid was a bit of a letdown. The space itself is modern and industrial, with a sleek vibe that’s perfect for coffee aficionados. The menu offers a variety of specialty coffee drinks, as well as some tasty eats to pair with your cup. However, it was the service that left a bit to be desired.

As a non-native Spanish speaker, I was met with a somewhat cold and unfriendly demeanor from the staff. Despite my attempts to order in Spanish, they would respond in English with a tone that felt almost dismissive. It wasn’t just in my head, either – I noticed that they were much warmer and more welcoming to customers who seemed to be locals. It felt like there was a bit of a divide between those who “belonged” and those who didn’t.

The coffee, while good, wasn’t enough to make up for the unfriendly service. I found it to be a bit more acidic than I typically like, which put it lower on my list of favorites.

Overall, I’d say that Brutal Specialty Coffee is a bit of a mixed bag. While the space is great and the coffee is good, the service can be a bit hit-or-miss. If you’re a local or a seasoned Spanish speaker, you might have a better experience than I did. For travelers like me who are just trying to make an effort, it might be worth checking out other coffee spots in the area. I’d love to hear about your experiences at Brutal Specialty Coffee or other coffee shops in Madrid! Do you have any favorite spots to recommend?