El Federal Bar

An homage to the rugged terrain of the Argentine wilds, every surface in this downtown eatery seems to be rough wood or tanned leather. Chef Paula Comparatore turns out modern twists on classic regional dishes, often making use of rarely seen ingredients. Her tehuelches, a type of Patagonian empanada named after a near-extinct southern tribe, are among the best in the city, and her classic slow braises of lamb, goat, and beef are simply divine.

El Federal screams trendy, but it doesn’t take itself too seriously. The staff is friendly and warm, and will be happy to answer your questions about any of Argentina’s traditional dishes. El Federal is committed to serving each guest a selection of traditional dishes – in fact, we recommend trying their preset menu ‘Argentina en 6 pasos.’ You’ll be served six small dishes, each of which are inspired by a different region of Argentina.

Dating from 1864, this historical bar is a classic, with original wooden features, black-and-white floor tiles, and an eye-catching antique bar and cash…

Although El Federal looks like it has been kicking around since 1864, it has been through various incarnations over the past 150 years; grocery store, drinks delivery shop and conventillo hotel form part of its CV. Lovingly brought back to life in 2001, the café has become a new focal point for San Telmo’s residents; some features such as the colourful floor tiles have been restored while others, such as the ancient till and long wooden bar with its tell-the-right-time-twice-a-day clock, have seamlessly slotted into place as if they had always been there. El Federal also has an abundant share of fileteado artwork as well as quirky adverts and pictures from way back when.

For a good lunch spot, Bar El Federal is recommendable for its Bible-length menu of Argentine specialties and sandwiches. If you’ve already made the rounds at the typical eateries and are longing for the tastes of home, Gibraltar serves up delicious curries, baked potatoes and other classics in a traditional English pub atmosphere.For solid French bistro cuisine in a relaxed, romantic setting, Brasserie Petanque is a good choice.Also famous for its brunch, a rarity in Buenos Aires.

El Federal is one of the best places in the city for a traditional bar experience. The tradition begins with the exterior, with floor-to-ceiling windows and dark green awning, and then inside are old rustic wooden tables and a bar behind which the wall is covered with wine bottles. It is thought by many to actually be the oldest bar in the city, and even if that’s not the case, the atmosphere of late 19th century Argentina can still be felt.

For a coffee or daytime beer, El Federal (corner of Perú and Carlos Calvo, Buenos Aires) and Bar Plaza Dorrego (Defensa 1098, Buenos Aires) ooze with old-world charm; established in 1864 and 1881, respectively, and much of their original décor has been preserved. For a night out, the Basque restaurant Sagardi (Humberto Primo, 319, Buenos Aires) is new, modern, and attractive, with a large open bar area at the front.

If you get hungry after strolling through the stalls of the San Telmo market, go to Bar El Federal. Housed in a historic building that at various points has been a grocery store, bar, warehouse, and even a brothel, El Federal is now a hip cafe, sandwich shop, and sit-down restaurant. The restaurant’s food is as colorful as the history: steak, pasta, milanese , seafood, and an extensive list of salads.

I list many of these special establishments in this chapter, including Café Tortoni, La Biela, and Bar El Federal. Naturally, based on age, these notables cluster in Monserrat, Congreso, La Boca, and San Telmo, the city's oldest areas. Ask the tourism office for the map Bares y Cafés Notables de Buenos Aires, which lists them all and includes photographs of their interiors.

Located in the San Telmo neighborhood, this bar is a landmark of old Buenos Aires, with a Parisian flair. It offers classic Argentine dishes such as milanesa and dulce de leche. Whether you want a light bite or a full sit-down meal on your journey through Buenos Aires gastronomy, Bar El Federal has exactly what you need.

Description: Operating since 1864, El Federal is a favorite San Telmo bar. Maybe it has to do with the atmospheric old wooden interior, with its long wooden bar, lowered floor, decorative arch and antique cash register. Mostly though, it is contagious vibe that seems to spread when its cozy rooms fill with locals.

Brothel turned iconic hangout, Bar Federal offers unique beers, Argentine staples, and a distinctly charming atmosphere. It’s on the corner of Carlos Calvo and Perú, and is thus a prime spot for people watching in San Telmo. Nabbing one of the few outdoor seats here is like winning the lottery.

This was probably my favourite of the Notable Argentinean bars. It rained a bit while we were in Buenos Aires and this bar was the perfect spot to sit by the window with an aperitivo and watch the world go by. They also had very generous picadas with lots of vegetarian antipasti bits and bobs.

Brothel turned iconic hangout, Bar Federal in San Telmo serves up unique beers and a distinctly charming atmosphere. If you’re lucky, you might nab one of the outdoor seats. Bar Federal is one of Los Notables, a group of historic bars and cafes that merge art, culture, literature, and food.

A former liquor store, this traditional café serves snacks, sandwiches and homemade pasta in a timeless period ambience complete with old publicity, bottles of aperitifs, soda syphons and images of tango musicians and singers. Don’t miss the chance to have a coffee at the bar.

Bar El Federal is in the San Telmo market, inside a historic building that has been there since 1864. The restaurant has been a bar, a grocery store, a warehouse, a brothel at different points in time. You must head here after shopping from the stalls of the market.

This bohemian cafe in the heart of San Telmo was inaugurated in 1864. Today you can listen to tango, while enjoying a delicious homemade beer and its original snacks. Don’t miss the fried ravioli!

A Bodegon is a restaurant with homemade dishes, and a classic, old-school atmosphere. The most traditional food in Argentina you find in El Federal. From milanesas, empanadas to the local stews.

Before it became a bar, it was a warehouse with an attached beverage shop. Such establishments were very common in the era. The interior of the bar has traditional furniture.