I was recently reading through past blog posts and I noticed something. Or rather, I noticed the lack of something: ANY MENTION OF TIERRA BURRITO! If God hadn’t rested on the 7th day, He would have immediately created Tierra on that day. Well I guess he did technically create “la tierra” on the first day butttt. You get the point. Anyhow, this restaurant is excellent. A favorite of nearly every student on the Tufts-Skidmore Spain program. I will take this time to share my love for Tierra with the world so that future students will be able hit the ground running – with a burrito in hand – upon arriving in Madrid.
Tierra Burrito Bar, as you may have guessed by now, is a modern Mexican restaurant. They have 7 locations scattered throughout Madrid, one of which is just a pick up window in Sol. Inside, the restaurants are spacious. Folding metal chairs accompany recycled wood tables and many dimly-lit hipster lamps hang from the ceiling. The latest top 40 hits playing in the background create an upbeat and trendy ambiance.
But it’s not just the music that adds flair to Tierra. The restaurants are always packed with young people, who as we all know create the coolest atmosphere. A large group usually occupies one of the central 20-foot long communal tables, but when there is space, I recommend taking a seat. It’s a great place to meet new people, or just to practice your Spanish eavesdropping skills. It should be mentioned that everyone in the restaurant is happy. And for good reason. They are about to eat, or have just eaten, delicious Mexican food.
Tierra gives you options. You may order a burrito, a salad bowl (desnudo – jejeje), tacos or nachos. They keep it simple. Once you have made that decision, it’s time to walk the line. White rice or brown? Beans? Meats? The usual stuff. Roasted vegetables are included which is a plus. And if you order just a veggie burrito, guacamole is free! At this point you’re thinking, “Byron you just described Chipotle…” WRONG! You didn’t wait for me to mention the nacho cheese sauce. God actually did create this nacho sauce on the fifth day. It is excellent. There are myriad of other ingredients you can add to your meal – fresh corn, tortilla chips, pico de gallo – each fresh and delicious. I will warn you, the medium salsa is hot!
If you do choose the medium salsa, let alone hot, you’re going to be thirsty. Fear not, Tierra provides a large selection of beers and soda. Locals tip: you can ask for a glass of water free of charge. Additionally, Tierra serves strong margaritas. One liter costs about €12. But during their 2 daily happy hours, you can purchase 1 liter and an order of nachos for €15. It’s a great way to relax after class with some friends. In fact, I know many students that do exactly that.

Byron Poplawski, student blogger

I’ve worked up an appetite writing this post. Lucky for me, there is a Tierra across from my house. Ok, maybe I should have disclosed that at the start of this post. Either way, if you’re about to arrive in Madrid, remember the name! If you’re on your way back to the U.S, stop in before you go! Tierra Burrito is my favorite local spot and it is soon to become yours too.