I was just given this article/video about the history of old Cafes in Madrid, some are still here like Gijon, and Commercial, and others are gone like Pombo and Montaña. I used to be a regular at Gijon, and still do when in Madrid. Another favorite was the Circulo de Bellas Artes, enjoy the article.

http://www.edicioneslalibreria.es/video-los-viejos-cafes-de-madrid/

Gijon , I love .. especially the terraza in summer as well as their neighbour El Espejo .. I popped my head around the door of the cafe at Circulo de Bellas Artes a few weeks ago but have spent many a hot summer´s day on their terraza with the fans blowing fine water over the tables .. so cooling !
Commercial is a favourite too . Very sort of plain inside but very classic AND that's where MM and I bumped into Almodóvar at the bar !

Yes had my first lunch in Madrid with what now is my wife at El Espejo so those cafes have a lot of history ::)

I love those cafes! That is one of the things I miss most about Madrid. El Espejo, El Gijón, Café Comercial, ... oh my God, I wish I were there!

Those are the classics that have a special place for me as well. Commercial is still a favorite as it brings me back to 1989 and my first encounter with my beloved city.

Cafes is the soul of Madrid, everything goes on there and its decide there. Always has been and always will be. The names might change but the spirit lives on.