El Hoyo
A historic Santiago 'picada' serving generous portions of traditional Chilean meat dishes since 1912. Anthony Bourdain's favorite!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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El Hoyo
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Santiago 'picada' serving generous portions of traditional Chilean meat dishes since 1912. Anthony Bourdain's favorite!
"Experience the authentic flavors of Chile with massive portions at this beloved, century-old restaurant."
Travel to El Hoyo
Consider a taxi as El Hoyo is located away from central Santiago.
Come Hungry!
The portions are very generous, so be sure to arrive with a big appetite.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Chilean
Price
Mid-range
Address
Condell 818, 7501186 Providencia, Región Metropolitana, Chile
Website
elhoyo.cl/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Traditional Chilean Home-Style Cooking
Experience authentic Chilean flavors with hearty, generous portions of traditional home-style dishes.
Generous Meat Dishes
Indulge in substantial meat-focused meals, a hallmark of this classic Chilean 'picada'.
Cozy Atmosphere with Live Music
Enjoy a warm, inviting ambiance, often enhanced by live music performances that add to the charm.
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Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Travel to El Hoyo
Consider a taxi as El Hoyo is located away from central Santiago.
Come Hungry!
The portions are very generous, so be sure to arrive with a big appetite.
Try the Terremoto
Sample the famous Terremoto cocktail, but be mindful of its sweetness and potency.
Embrace the Experience
Don't let language barriers deter you; staff are friendly and helpful.
Tips
from all over the internet
Travel to El Hoyo
Consider a taxi as El Hoyo is located away from central Santiago.
Come Hungry!
The portions are very generous, so be sure to arrive with a big appetite.
Try the Terremoto
Sample the famous Terremoto cocktail, but be mindful of its sweetness and potency.
Embrace the Experience
Don't let language barriers deter you; staff are friendly and helpful.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
El Hoyo is lauded for its authentic Chilean home-style cooking and exceptionally generous portions, making it a must-visit for meat lovers. Diners appreciate the cozy atmosphere, occasionally enhanced by live music, and the friendly service, even with a language barrier. While the location might be a bit out of the way, the traditional flavors and hearty meals are consistently praised as worth the journey.
"They didn't speak English and I have about 3 words of Spanish but with effort on both ends it worked out! Meal delicious but HUGE. The waiter was really nice!"
Erika Matruglio
"A really good experience of Chilean Cuisine.
El Hoyo is out of the way of central Santiago but it’s worth a visit. Famed chef Anthony Bourdain once ate there so we decided it was worth making the journey.
We attended at midday and it was very quiet we were the only ones there and was greeting by very friendly waiter.
It soon filled up with other diner and a gentleman came with his guitar and plays some Chilean songs for us which added to the quiet atmosphere.
Even though there was a language barrier he supported us with our order very well.
I would highly recommend the Meat & fries dish for 2! The Meat was tender and the fries were done well.
Each order comes with bread and condiments. We ordered a Chilean salad on the side which was very good.
The wine & Pineapple ice drink was a treat and stronger than it looks!
Definitely worth a visit if you are in Santiago!!"
Trishoya Grant
"This place is quite out of the way so can feel a little stressful if you choose to walk there from Estacion Central, as we did. This should give you an idea that this little place is quite quirky and a proper off the beaten track, working man’s restaurant. It was good though if you are a big meat eater and if you like rustic food. If not the Terremoto (earthquake) cocktail is worth a try! It’s incredibly sweet, hence the name but actually quite enjoyable but not sure more than one is advisable!"
Alison C
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
El Hoyo is renowned for its meat-centric dishes, and the menu primarily features traditional Chilean meat preparations. Options for vegetarians might be limited.
The Terremoto is a traditional Chilean drink made with white wine, pisco, and pineapple ice cream. It's known for being very sweet and potent.
Portions at El Hoyo are famously generous, often described as huge or massive. It's recommended to arrive hungry.
Yes, the restaurant sometimes features live music performances, which contributes to its cozy and traditional atmosphere.
El Hoyo is located a bit out of the way from central Santiago. Taking a taxi is often recommended for easier access.
While English may not be widely spoken, the staff are friendly and make an effort to assist guests, even with a language barrier.
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Identifiable by two large barrels above the door, El Hoyo (San Vicente 375, San Alfonso, only open for lunch; closed Sunday) became popular with travelers after the late Anthony Bourdain feted their pork dishes, which include pernil con papas (boiled ham hock with potatoes) and arrollada (cured pork rolled and wrapped with pork skin). If you’re after traditional Chilean food, then this is the place to try it. Keep Reading: Chile Travel Itineraries for 10 days or Two Weeks
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El Hoyo is located in the city center and is about as authentic Chilean as authentic Chilean gets- a chance to really experience some Chilean home-style cooking. And in typical Chilean fashion, it’s a meat-lovers paradise, so don’t expect much in the way of vegetables or leafy greens. It’s a real no-frills, local joint, but if you’re feeling adventurous and down to try something different, why not give it a go!
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Hidden on a residential street, not far from Estación Central, the central train station, this classic picada joint was founded in 1912 selling a few provisions like charqui (dried beef), hard-boiled eggs, and grape cider to train station workers. Word spread, and little by little, the menu expanded. Today, it is still run by Don Benjamín’s children.
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Según su sitio web, el chef Anthony Bourdain decía que este fue su favorito durante su visita a Chile. Si fue suficiente para su diente exigente seguro que para el tuyo también. Con el slogan, "Chancho, chicha y pipeño" la oferta gastronómica gira alrededor de lo tradicional y el cerdo es el ingrediente estrella.
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El Hoyo Restaurant has been serving traditional Chilean cuisine since 1892, making it one of the oldest restaurants in Santiago. The restaurant’s name, which translates to “the hole,” comes from its original location in a basement. Today, it is located in a charming house with a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
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For 100 years, this tavern has served up traditional fare, like blood sausage, cow tongue, rolled pork and boiled potatoes. It also does a mean chacarero. Wash it down with the house drink, a Terremoto (earthquake), made with white wine, pisco and pineapple ice cream—sweet enough to double as dessert.
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If you’re in the mood for something more casual, check out El Hoyo. This fast-food joint serves up classic Chilean sandwiches, such as the famous Churrasco a lo Pobre. The sandwiches are piled high with juicy beef, caramelized onions, and a fried egg.
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After a good cup of coffee, Bourdain is ready for more pork. He visits El Hoyo, a restaurant famous for its pernil, the leg of the pork.
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