First Impressions
Four Specialty Coffee is a clinical, minimalist enclave located near the Royal Palace and the frantic orbit of Puerta del Sol. Unlike the historic, wood-heavy “de toda la vida” spots in the area, Four utilizes a Scandinavian-chic palette—natural light, clean lines, and an airy atmosphere. It functions as a tactical secret for those who find the neighboring “tourist traps” of Gran Vía operationally unusable.
The Setup
Four is architecturally designed to accommodate the modern professional, but with specific policy constraints. The space features a prominent communal table toward the rear, which serves as the primary hub for solo workers.
While outlets are strategically placed, the venue has recently aligned with a growing trend in Madrid’s specialty scene: laptops are strictly prohibited on weekends. During the week, working is permitted, but the ergonomics are best suited for the morning window (pre-1:30 PM). After this, the space pivots toward lunch service and social “Natural Wine” hours. The Wi-Fi is a major asset—fast and unlimited—making it a viable location for battery-heavy or data-intensive projects during permitted hours.
The Coffee
The technical execution at Four is among the most consistent in the city center. They maintain a rotating selection of local roasts (often from the likes of Hola Coffee) and specialty natural wines. The cortado is the benchmark here: precisely balanced and served at a professional temperature.
The food program is not an afterthought. The kitchen specializes in high-concept brunch staples, such as Turkish Eggs and French Toast, which elevate it above the generic pastry-and-coffee model. While the original review suggests grabbing a “cold caña from the fridge” to blend in, the real draw here is the curation of natural wines—a signal of its dual identity as a daytime workspace and an evening social cellar.
The Verdict
Four Specialty Coffee is a high-performance “half-day” base for remote workers. It offers superior technical infrastructure (power and fiber) compared to the gritty, authentic neighborhood bars, but it demands compliance with its weekday-only laptop policy. It is an ideal spot for focused morning sessions and high-quality caloric intake. If you need a weekend office, you will be disappointed; if you need a Monday-through-Friday sanctuary with elite caffeine, it is a premier choice.
Security Note: The minimalist, open-plan layout offers decent sightlines, but the high foot traffic near the Royal Palace means you should never leave devices unattended. Use a VPN on the shared fiber network for all professional traffic.
