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Buenos Aires, Argentina > Buenos Aires restaurants > Los Porteños Los PorteñosAv. Las Heras 2101 (@ Uriburu) ; Tel. +(011.54.11) 4809.3548
Only a block from the more generic tourist haunts that surround the Recoleta cemetery, Los Porteños stands as a proud representative of traditional Argentinean bar culture. Based in a converted old corner shop that just about reeks authenticity, this neighborhood bar and café attracts young and old locals as well as a fair amount of tourists. Above the dark wood paneling, the light brown, slightly nicotine colored plaster walls are hung with black and white photographs from grandma’s day and advertisements for breweries that went out of business before she was even born. A couple of antique fans spin lazily in the ceiling. It seems entirely feasible that Gardel might come strolling through the ornately painted glass doors at any moment. Only a TV on the bar spoils the mood. As would be expected, Los Porteños serves up some tasty Buenos Aires specialties. It goes without saying that croissants are available with the breakfast coffee, and that steak lovers won’t leave dissatisfied. The recommendation, though, is to feast on the picadas, or bar snacks, of the house. These include an impressive choice of fiambres, a selection of cold cuts and cheese served on wood platters. A choice of salamis, hams, gruyere cheese, and olives, enough to share, come with two foaming glasses of beer and is available for $30AR. A smaller platter, served with half a bottle of champagne, costs $20AR. Glasses of domestic and imported beer are between $4.50AR and $7.50AR. The wine menu, dominated by the Argentinean favorites Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec, ranges from $11AR to $39AR per bottle. A glass of house wine is $4.50AR. True to its local credentials Los Porteños stays open well into the night. On the weekends it doesn’t shut its doors until 9am on Sunday morning, making it a popular spot to drop by for a night cap and maybe some of those delicious picadas on the way home after crossing the night. —Los Porteños review by Johan Jensen
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