1) Don Julio
Two decades ago it was butcher shop on a quiet Palermo corner, Don Julio manages to retain a friendly neighborhood bodegón feel, despite landing a spot on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants list three times now. Really busy but worth the wait. We recommend sitting close the the bar as you can get to watch them cook all the meats and some of the veggies they grill too. The service and food is great, you can receive a glass of sparkling wine while waiting. Cow leather double as table cloths, brick walls are lined with bottles signed by grateful and happy customers, and you can catch asador Pepe Sotelo in action at the grill.
We would recommend to try the ojo de bife (rib eye) and entraña (skirt steak) paired with a Malbec selected from Don Julio’s excellent wine list.
2) Parrilla Peña
If you are from Argentina or have ever visited Argentina you know what a great steak tastes like. The restaurant is near the Callao subway station about a block away. They open at 8 pm for dinner. Welcoming place with attentive servers. Even before looking through the large menu you will be served empanadas and a basket of bread and breadsticks. The empanadas sampler are a perfect start, the different cuts of beef are from Buenos Aires as the best cuts from Argentina. The atmosphere is relaxed and enjoyable, like being at a friends restaurant. We recommend to order the ojo de bife and also you can try the breaded beef called milanesa.
The dishes are huge but don't let that scare you because when you receive the dinner tab/bill will be pleasantly surprised. As a local can’t say enough about this place, you need to go. What are you waiting for? Run, run, hurry up.
PS: don't miss the flan dessert, yummy.
3) Secret Parrilla or Secretito
This is a real local secret even for us, the porteños. There’s no sign outside this hidden steakhouse as it make honor to it's name that means "little secret". We consider it one of Buenos Aires best-kept secrets. The two-floor restaurant serves some of the best sirloin steak in the city. Still, there’s no guarantee you’ll get a seats as it's full of Argentines and expats alike, this joint always packs out, so book ahead. Every portion is large enough to share and best paired with a mixed salad and of course a nice Malbec wine from Mendoza.
4) El Obrero
El Obrero in La Boca neighborhood is a great example of a local authentic steakhouse. Opened in 1910 and it looks exactly the same as a century ago. Located in the stark and predominantly working-class neighborhood of La Boca, sports fans will revel in the soccer memorabilia that lines the walls. This is a classic bodegón without décor on it where service is extremely hospitable. As for the steak, order ojo de bife (rib eye) or asado de tira (short ribs) with papas fritas (fried potatoes) are a perfect combination.
5) Santos Manjares
A visit to Santos Manjares during your stay in Buenos Aires is well worth the price (cheap) providing excellent food. We definitely recommend it many times to friends and they have tried Santos Manjares during their visit and all have shared similar experiences. Great food served by helpful and smiling staff. Cozy and simple environment, sitting close to the locals. Depending on time of day, you may have to wait 15-20 minutes for a table, but the food (steak) is absolutely delicious.
