The Cage

Busy

These past few days I've been going back to Chueca after years away from Madrid, and I've been to places like Risk, Ya'sta, 12, and Thick. To be honest, I've been quite disappointed with the overall quality of the music. And I say this with sadness, because historically, Madrid's gay scene was always a benchmark precisely because of its musical culture. Chueca had personality, DJs with discerning taste, well-crafted sets, and a very distinct identity. You went out not only for the atmosphere but also for the music. Now, at many times, it feels like the music selection is soulless and directionless, mixing tracks without continuity or narrative. More noise than a proper set. This isn't just gratuitous nostalgia. Madrid still has an audience, energy, and plenty of potential. That's precisely why it's so surprising that some of the musical quality that made Chueca's nightlife famous for so many years has been lost.

We went for a drink with friends, just to have a good time, and the service was quite unpleasant. My friend accidentally dropped a glass and offered to pick it up, and they were incredibly rude, as if we'd done something wrong. Zero service and zero empathy. If you're in a bad mood or everything bothers you, then you should reconsider your business. P.S.: If your bar is empty, at least as a business, you should try to take better care of your customers.

Of course! Here's what I wrote: “We had a very disappointing experience at ZIP bar in Madrid. We ordered a drink, and I helped the bartender when he dropped it, but he was extremely rude to me, treating me very badly. We won't be back and we absolutely do not recommend it.”