What is /are the best local restaurant (s) in Madrid?

Hey Mike, I think you should check out the "mesones" in the center of Madrid. There's a street which is lined with different mesones, each specializing in a different tapa. For example Meson del Champiñon specializes in a mushroom tapa, Mesón del boquerón specializes in an anchovy tapa, and Mesón de la Tortilla specializes in tortilla de patatas (Spanish omelette). Instead of choosing one, a lot of people stay for one tapa and drink at one bar, then move to the next bar for different food. I think that street will get you a local feel of the city and what makes it great.

You have to try paella in Spain. I miss it so much! The best place to try it is at La Barraca. So yummy!