Best spots to catch your NFL games in Buenos Aires
For many Americans, fall is the most anticipated season of the year. And no, not because of the return of the Pumpkin Spice Latte, but because football (not to be confused with fútbol) is back in action. While the preseason is already well underway, September 6th marks the official start of the 2018 NFL season with the Kickoff Game hosted by the defending Super Bowl LII champion. Whether you’re an avid NFL or college football fan, you likely have a go-to sports bar to catch the weekly games.
Although it may be the most popular sport in the United States, the rest of the world isn’t quite as enthusiastic as those of us stateside. If you find yourself in Argentina at any point during this year’s season, you’ll probably be in search of some expats, some beer, and some big screen TVs. Having lived in Buenos Aires for the better part of the 2017 season, I’ve compiled a list of the best spots around the city to cheer on your favorite team.
Chicken Bros
Thames 1795, Palermo // thechickenbros.com
Owned by two American expats living in Buenos Aires, Chicken Bros is my favorite restaurant/bar to indulge in some NFL. They have two flat screen TVs as well as a giant projector where they stream the games. You can even call ahead of time and let them know which game you want to watch to ensure they have it playing come kickoff. Aside from the perfect multi-screen setup, the food steals the show. Chicken Bros is essentially the Argentine equivalent of Buffalo Wild Wings (and who doesn’t love BWW). Their menu includes bone-in and boneless wings with your choice of sauce or rub, buffalo chicken nachos, and mac & cheese, just to name a few. Let’s be honest, what screams American football more than buffalo chicken wings with a side of ranch?
El Alamo
Uruguay 1177, Recoleta and Av. Córdoba 5267, Palermo
If you’re looking for an expat crowd equally as enthusiastic about sports as yourself, El Alamo is your place. With locations in both Palermo and Recoleta, El Alamo is debatably the most popular bar to catch any American sports game, most notably football. El Alamo mimics a traditional American pub with sports bar vibes. It has dim lighting and a fully stocked bar with a handful of widescreen TVs. In traditional football-viewing spirit, you can order draft beers by the pitcher alongside an order of wings, burgers or tacos. It’s pretty much guaranteed that you’ll find a fellow fan at El Alamo, and nothing beats the comradery of NFL fanatics, am I right?
Jay’s
Antonio Beruti 2640, Recoleta // www.jaysamerican.com
Jay’s is an American-style diner smack dab in the middle of Buenos Aires’ Recoleta neighborhood. If you didn’t know any better, you’d think you were in a cozy diner in New York City. While not your typical sports bar, Jay’s is just as good as any to revel in the best of American football. You can enjoy anything from a stack of pancakes (complete with Aunt Jemima syrup!) to wings & fries to a classic BLT sandwich, all while watching a game on their flat screen TVs. They also have a generous selection of bottled beer, including the American favorite, Budweiser. Most known for their all-day breakfast, Jay’s is the perfect indulgence for a lazy NFL Sunday. Oh, and don’t forget to top it all off with an Oreo milkshake.
If NFL isn’t quite your thing, but you’re interested in other sports, such as Argentina’s favorite pastime, fútbol, or basketball or rugby or tennis etc., check out these local spots:
Gibraltar
Perú 895, San Telmo
If you’re an avid rugby or cricket fan, Gibraltar should be at the top of your list. Situated in the heart of San Telmo, this authentic English pub streams British sports as well as fútbol matches. Gibraltar is well known around Buenos Aires for serving traditional English dishes including meat pies, fish & chips, and a wide selection of curries. And the best part? They sell an assortment of craft beers and British ciders. In-between matches you can even keep yourself amused by the pool table in the back. You’re sure to find many British expats at this popular bar.
Rock & Ribs SmokeHouse
Av. Libertador 3883, Palermo // www.rocknribs.com.ar
Rock & Ribs SmokeHouse is amidst a number of restaurant/bars in Los Arcos located next to Palermo’s Rose Garden. It’s an American-inspired BBQ joint that shows all kinds of sports including everything from tennis matches to the local fútbol game. And when it comes to the food, they don’t mess around. They house a smoker that has the production capacity of 1,500kg of meat. You can munch on everything from a pulled pork sandwich to brisket that is smoked for 12 hours, not to mention their homemade BBQ sauce.
Locos x El Fútbol (LxF)
Av. Las Heras 2101, Recoleta // www.locosxelfutbol.com/recoleta.html
The name pretty much sums it up! Locos por el fútbol. LxF is one of the best places in the city to see locals in their element: getting heated over a game of fútbol. There are so many TVs scattered throughout the restaurant that it’s guaranteed you won’t miss a thing. Be sure to get there early as it tends to fill up during big games. I’ve even seen bystanders peering in the windows to catch glimpses of the games from the street.
Now it’s time to bust out your best fan gear and head out to watch your favorite team!
Written by Kelly Malloy, who is currently living in Buenos Aires and learning Spanish at Vamos Spanish Academy.
