Truco, Madrid

About Truco

Right on Calle de Gravina just steps from Chueca metro station, Truco has long served as Madrid's most central lesbian bar, though the crowd these days skews more mixed than strictly women-only. The interior is small and gets packed quickly, especially on weekends when the DJ turns up the reggaeton and dance tracks that keep people moving in the limited floor space. It's not a polished operation—some visitors complain about inconsistent pricing and variable service—but it remains a fixture in the neighborhood because it fills a specific need: a place where queer women and their friends can gather without the overwhelming male energy that dominates most of Chueca's bars. The real draw, particularly in warmer months, is the outdoor terrace that spills onto the street and attracts a decidedly mixed crowd of lesbians, gay men, and straight friends who appreciate the prime people-watching location at the heart of the gayborhood. Drinks are reasonably priced, especially during their 2-for-1 promotions, making it a solid option for starting the night before moving on to other venues. Open daily from around 8pm or 9pm until 3am (3:30am weekends), Truco works best as a casual early stop rather than a destination in itself—grab drinks on the terrace, enjoy the central location, and use it as a launching point for exploring the rest of what Chueca has to offer.