AnuvaBlog

Ok, so we’re getting off the subject of wine a bit… but after being in the U.S. for the longest duration since I left for Argentina more than 5 years ago, I sorely miss the best beef in the world. American steaks simply do not have the flavor or the correct preparation when compared to beef in Argentina.So where should travelers go to get the best steak, beef and asado? (Because keep in mind that asado includes a lot more than just steak and is, in fact, the “real deal.”). I will include places that I do NOT recommend as well for whatever reason.

1. El Primo (in Las Cañitas, Baez 302; in Palermo, Humbolt 1612). Simply great steak but also great parrillada completa (that is the real deal of all the offal (sausages and organ meats)) and a semi decent wine list. Wonderful outdoor seating right on the pedestrian street of Baez as well if you like people watching. Reasonably priced which for me means 50 pesos per person for steak, salad, potato and wine. Get there early (by 9pm, no later) if you want a table outside in the summer.

2. Las Cabras (Fitz Roy 1795), Las Cabritas (Migueletes 840), Las Cholas (Arce 306). All from the same owners with the same design and menu. Great for parrillada completa, only ok for steak. Other beef cuts are good and their provoleta (grilled provolone cheese) is phenomenal. Wonderful fries. No real wine list so get the house wine for 18 pesos per bottle. Great prices! My wife and I routinely go and have parrillada completa for two which comes with several different sausages, asado, vacio (flank steak), molleja (sweat breads), chichulines (intestine), riñon (kidney) and chicken (the absolute BEST CHICKEN) for only 55 pesos. It comes with fries also. Add wine and a salad to that and we get out of there for less than 80 pesos for the two of us. And we have leftovers for a full dinner the next day.

3. El Pobre Luis (Arribeños 2393 in Belgrano). The absolute best mollejas in the city. This is an “Uruguayan” parrilla, which means nothing really except that the sweat breads rock. They also have a specialty dish called a Pamplona which is either chicken, pork or steak wrapped around grilled onions, mozarella and bacon then grilled on the parilla. Reasonable prices and good wine list. Also, no tourists.

4. La Dorita. Really nice steaks and ambiance although a little inconsistent.

5. La Brigada (various locations: Recoleta location may have closed. Estados Unidos 465 in San Telmo). Expensive but perhaps worth it. Good service (and that is saying something for Buenos Aires) and they don’t overcook the steak (which is also something for Buenos Aires). They also have a lot of options and a good wine list.

6. Cabaña las Lilas (Alicia Moreau de Justo 516 in Puerto Madero). Unbelievably expensive. Tourist trap.

7. El Estanciero (Baez 202 in Las Cañitas). Expensive, good service, very nice and very clean. Nothing super memorable here though.

8. La Cabrera (Cabrera 5099 in Palermo Hollywood). This is a place that many have raved about. It is also a place that many have said has no reason to exist. My opinion lies right in the middle. The meat is decent, the service ok, and the ambiance fine. It’s in all the guide books so if you want a lot of tourists when you eat, great. If not, skip it.

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