Top 10 Steak Joints in Buenos Aire

Description:

Patagonia Sur was originally designed by architect Pablo Sanchez Elia. The century old narrow house has the flair of the Italian Architectural influence of the La Boca district. A cooking library of more than two thousand books adds a homey feel. The cuisine is a homage to Argentinean cooking and produce.

Description:

All of the decadent parrilla delicacies you can find in San Telmo's more basic neighborhood joints are on offer at this comparatively upscale restaurant. The elegant dining room, illuminated by white candles, shows off the selection of Argentinean wines displayed on racks lining the walls. The gloriously professional wait staff is notably unobtrusive, gliding through the restaurant; their trays piled high with tender roasts, fresh salads, and provoleta worth writing home about. Appropriate for either an overdue romantic rendezvous or a business meeting, La Brigada brings a touch of refinement to a casual dining scene in a down-to-earth neighborhood.

Our Local Expert Says:

If the weather is nice, request an outdoor table in the tiny, hidden courtyard. You will be able to get a little bit of space, seated away from the hordes of tourists that cram in here every night.

Description:

There's nothing pretentious about this bustling parrilla where jovial waiters serve plump steaks, spicy chorizo, and slabs of fried provolone to a festive crowd. Red house wine flows freely and hot-off-the-grill papas fritas burn the tongue as families and groups of friends chow down in a casual atmosphere that's true to San Telmo's working-class roots. Reservations aren't necessary, but a line wraps around the corner on weekend evenings - its best to show up just before the dinner rush. Bring a hearty appetite for red meat and a good sense of humor.

Description:

An original alternative within the scope of barbecue-style restaurants. This is a top quality steak house, impeccable in every sense. Located in the modern complex of Puerto Madero (a recent dock-side development), it has a cutting edge, end of the 20th century style. The clientele often comprises an elegant and relaxed crowd. Specializing in offal and grilled sweetbreads, this restaurant is the flavored choice for tourists and Argentineans living abroad, who come back dreaming of a characteristic Argentine barbecue. Recommendations are barbecued pork ribs with potatoes au gratin; isla flotante (exotic dessert) and tiramisu. The decoration is a plain country style. The excellent fillet steaks are proof of the high quality meat they are known for, having bred their own cattle for more than 70 years.

Description:

For fresh buffet food, a good variety of side dishes and some great barbecue, Siga La Vaca is the place to haunt. This place translates into 'follow the cow' and there is more meat served here than anywhere else in Buenos Aires. Plus, you also get a free bottle of wine or a litre of beer ... it's your choice.

Description:

Gauchescas customs are firmly rooted in Argentina. And to prove it further, the rustic decoration only keeps the heritage alive at Estilo Campo. The traditional Argentine steak asado is succulent, and grilled to your taste. Fresh fish, meat and vegetables are used in the kitchen. The homemade pastes and ample desserts can make even non-foodies stick around longer. Parking is available.

Our Local Expert Says:

Reservations are a must at Kansas any night of the week, but you'll be waiting regardless; this spot is a local family favorite, and for good reason. Consider going early, which is 8 or 9 p.m. local time.

Description:

An American-style barbeque may not jive with your concept of the Argentine culinary experience - huge steaks and sausages, piles of French fries, and inexpensive wine in pitchers define the norm here. However, Kansas, an American grill located adjacent to Buenos Aires' famous hipódromo horse racetrack, is an upscale, atmospheric grill with a comfortable bar area, classy black leather booths, and impressive service that would knock the socks off restaurant managers around the city - not to mention the food. Order up a few beers, enormous caesar salads, authentic bacon swiss cheeseburgers, and 20-inch rib racks, and top it off with an ice cream sundae to be amazed at just how well Buenos Aires does - or out-does - American barbeque food.

Description:

Gigantic juicy steaks, mounds of French fries, and jugs of red wine under a chandelier of soccer jerseys - El Pobre Luis offers diners an authentic, family-style Argentinean culinary experience in this cavernous, wood-interior dining room along a pretty street in the northern Belgrano neighborhood. Don't expect to see fancy cocktails and organic salads on the menu here; chef Luis Acuña is serving up regional wines and traditional beef dishes the local way, grilled on an open flame without spices or garnishes, for patrons to enjoy the cuts that Argentina is known and loved for.