Let’s Go Grab a Bite & Have a Drink AL AIRE LIBRE in Buenos Aires
The first day of spring is right around the corner, and I don’t know about you, but that means patios and rooftops are calling my name! The Buenos Aires winter has seemed to drag on forever this year, but I can feel those 25-30 degrees (°C is used in Argentina), sunny days slowly creeping in and I couldn’t be more excited. With that, there is no shortage of excellent bars and restaurants with al fresco (outdoor) spaces for eating, drinking, and simply enjoying this new season’s weather. Here’s a list of our favorite open-air digs around the city.
Breweries & Bars
CAMPING
Located on a huge terrace next to the Centro Cultural Recoleta, Camping is a rooftop bar that boasts all the camping vibes. It’s great for those chilly spring nights with a “campfire” in the middle, cozy blankets to keep you warm and candlelit picnic tables. You can even choose songs to add to their collaborative playlist. Expect craft beer on tap and yummy food. And don’t miss their event schedule as they often have different acoustic musicians performing live.
PATAGONIA
Gurruchaga 1437, Palermo // www.cervezapatagonia.com.ar
Patagonia’s cervecería has multiple locations in the city, but the one in Palermo Soho is one of my favorite outdoor beer gardens in the city. What’s better than enjoying a game of Jenga with a cold, artisanal pint? That’s right, they have Jenga, foosball and even arcade games. For snacks, they have all the things, including pretzels, corn nuts, and fries. Bring a group of friends and even meet new ones with their community-style tables.
BLEST
Blest is probably one of the biggest breweries in Buenos Aires, and it just opened up last year! The patio in the back is nearly the same size, or even bigger, than the indoor space and is filled with communal tables, benches, and high tops. Blest brews ten of their own beers and brings them each week from their factory in Bariloche. They have unique options such as raspberry (frambuesa) and slow barleywine. While the beer steals the show, their menu selection goes well with a cold beer. Think onion rings, Irish nachos and cheese fries.
70 30 BEER HOUSE
Gurruchaga 1493, Palermo // facebook @7030Beerhouse
70 30 Beer House has the perfect rooftop to enjoy the warmer weather. With a wide variety of beer (around 20 or so draught beers) and a good selection of burgers, you definitely don’t want to miss this cervecería. And in case you’re interested in checking out a few rooftops on the same night (sounds like my kind of night), Alaire Terrace Bar (facebook @alairebar) also has an amazing terrace and is located right across the street.
Restaurants
LINCOLN KITCHEN & BAR
When it comes to al fresco dining, Lincoln Kitchen & Bar is unmatched. While a little on the fancier side, they have a beautiful courtyard in the back perfect for weekend brunch. They rotate their food menu seasonally and have an excellent selection of wine and craft cocktails. Come for the atmosphere and stay for the food!
BENAIM
Gorriti 4015, Palermo // facebook @BenaimBA
Benaim was one of the very first restaurants I went to when I first moved to Buenos Aires, and for good reason. They serve delicious Jewish street food like falafels, kebabs, and hummus. But my favorite part is the patio. With picnic tables and hanging string lights, this quaint outdoor space feels like a little oasis in the middle of Palermo. It can fill up quickly during spring and summer nights but don’t worry, just grab a drink while you wait for a table.
CASA CAVIA
Casa Cavia has quite possibly the most charming outdoor courtyard in the whole city. They have a handful of different menus that include everything from breakfast and brunch to midday and dinner. And the food doesn’t disappoint. I didn’t even know it was possible to make a mouth-watering jamón y queso sandwich, but apparently, it is. Although Casa Cavia is on the pricier side, the gorgeous architecture, impeccable service, and excellent food make it all #worthit.
SECRET PARRILLA
Av. Dorrego 2720, Palermo // +54 11 4777-8351
Secret Parrilla is a closed-door parrilla where all the locals eat. Don’t be fooled by the “cerrado” sign and the gated windows. With generous portions and top quality food, Secret Parrilla is a hidden treasure. And to make things even better, there’s an upstairs terrace that is great for big groups. I’d recommend making a reservation ahead of time as it tends to fill up quickly.
Also Read: Buenos Aires Best Bars for 2018
So what are you waiting for? Go enjoy that spring weather!
Written by Kelly Malloy, who is currently living in Buenos Aires and learning Spanish Online at Vamos Spanish Academy.