Buenos Aires Cafe
Categories: Coffee & Tea, Latin American, Caterers, Sandwiches [Edit]
Neighborhood: 78704 (South Austin)2414 S 1st St
Austin, TX 78704 (512) 441-9000
- Hours:
Mon 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Tue-Thu 9:00 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Fri-Sat 9:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Private Lot
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: No
- Good for Kids: No
- Takes Reservations: No
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Good for: Dinner
- Alcohol: Beer & Wine Only
53 Reviews for Buenos Aires Cafe
I love having guests because then I get to go to all the places I've been lusting after on yelp.
We were super impressed by how the lone waitress handled the whole room. Definitely makes it a little bit of a slower lunch spot, but we thought it was worth it. The tostada (thin ham & cheese sandwich) and dessert (black and white berry tart) were kinda disappointing. But, the portobella and choripan sandwiches were amazing, as well as the spinach salad and fries that can come as sides. I also really enjoyed the empanadas. The part that really made it for my lunch dates was the espresso. Having lunch dates that share while listening to the Amelie soundtrack made the experience for me.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
I took my GF to Buenos Aires Cafe hoping we'd fall in love with it, but we left very disappointed. The empanadas were very good, though small, and were our favorite part of the meal. I had the Canelones Caseros and she had the Milanesa. Both were just OK. The Milanesa was chewy and overly salty. I really liked the sauce on the Canelones, but was kind of "eh" on the entree itself.
While it is cozy, I wouldn't really call this a romantic place or even a good date spot--at least not on the weekend. It gets very crowded, and you're always conscious of the people waiting awkwardly near the door or filling up the patio outside. Savoring and lingering are definitely not encouraged as the staff and waiting patrons regularly eyed our table in a covetous manner. The noise level was what really sealed it for me, though. It's hard to have a romantic dinner when you have to lean over and yell into your date's ear to make yourself heard. It was louder than the Chuy's waiting area in that place.
The fact that they ran out of wine glasses and served us in juice glasses reinforced the sense I got from the beginning: they are trying to make the place something it isn't. The acoustics, decor, and layout of the cafe are more suitable for a Tex-Mex diner or lunch counter rather than a nice restaurant. If you do go on the weekend, get there early.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
Cozy. Can seem a bit loud if it's packed and there's a noisy table nearby. But there are outside seats if you're so inclined.
I think I'll bring any date I think I'm going to have a good time with here, because let's face it, they've got some foreign sounding stuff on the menu, wine, and it's good food to boot. That, plus whatever bumbling lines from the 1970's i manage to spout, will have aphrodesiacal powers upon her that can not be stopped.
Now to find that date...
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (4)
Cool (3)
REALLY APPRECIATE the fact that ur waiters are regular people. Have had the gnocchi, the pork tenderloin, beef milanesa., empanadas; all delicioso. REALLY APPRECIATE your malbec support
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Cool (1)
Amazing homemade deserts, yummy specials. I love veggies, my hubby loves meat. We both love Buenos Aires. I always look for a pasta primavera-like special. I never thought green beans and pasta could go so well together. Lunch is very reasonable, dinner can get a little pricey.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (2)
I sat and looked around Beunos Aires Cafe, I thought to myself, "THIS is why I love Austin."
It's a small little place. It's crowded. It's wonderful. The ambiance is so cute. Black and white tablecloths. Couples, singles, large tables.
I always appreciate other wine-fans. Asked the server for a suggestion on the wine--he emphatically told us which of the two was better. It was tasty.
He told us of the specials, and my mouth watered. I had salmon with a crab fondue on top, served with a shrimp and crab crepe, topped with a parmesan jumbo shrimp. Perfectly-done asparagus on the side. It was fabulous. All of the specials sounded great.
Funky plates--another thing I like. My plate was a big rectangle. And proportions are very healthy-sized. I had no problem eating my entire meal.
Oh. And the dessert?! A chocolate-pasilla pepper creme brulee. Awwweesome! For real.
Although it was crowded (the entire time we were there), we were seated right away. BAC is now a new gem for me in the treasure that is South 1st/Oltorlf.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (2)
Cool (5)
I really liked the ambiance of this place! I read previous reviews and stopped for a 6 pack of beer before I arrived. However when I got there, the waitress did inform me that there is a corking fee. So, just FYI, there is a 5 dollar/6 pack fee and a 10 dollar/bottle of wine corking fee. I told the waitress that I had my info wrong, and she was very nice to let it slide.
The food was great, I had the spinach salad with 2 empanadas, the picante and verdura. Both were great, but I had wished that I had gotten an entree item. Definitely something to look forward to next time!
My friend and I did run out of beers, so we had the beer (yes one) that they offered. I believe that it was Argentinean. It was ok, just a regular Pilsner. Overall, I recommend this place! Can't wait to try it for breakfast sometime.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Cool (3)
I am trying to offer something more than just agreeing with all the others who have praised this wonderful little gem of a restaurant in 04. If you are a very long-time Austinite, you may remember Kate's which was open for just a few years in the space that is now Romeo's on Barton Springs Road. Or maybe you went to the original Castle Hill Cafe, when it was tucked at the base of Castle Hill, where Twink is now. Both were tiny but great. It all starts when the chef really cares about what goes on the plate. High-end entrees aren't cheap, but the prices reflect the food cost of the quality ingredients. You can dine there on a budget, and very well, by combining apps such as the empanadas and gnocchi of the day. The wine list is heavily skewed toward South America, which makes perfect sense and provides a number of bargains. Service is friendly, helpful and sincere, if sometimes just a little frantic.
No reservations, so there can be a wait. Go early or late on a weeknight and you can usually get a table right away. When there is a wait, it's worth it. I've noticed a number of customers just come in to pick up a take out dessert. Mmmm. I'm not giving up that 5th star, but I'm not exactly sure why not.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (2)
It's easy to forget if you don't dine fine very often what, exactly, it is that makes a special dining evening genuinely amazing. Thanks to the Buenos Aires Cafe, I got a crash course in memory jolting last night, and I'm amped about it.
This wasn't a flawless dining experience, but darn near, as once we were sat things went off without a hitch. I overheard our waiter casually mention that they weren't comparatively busy (the previous night there had been a two hour wait), but word to the wise: this place is definitely worth trying, and you'll want to get there early. Also, don't park anywhere near the G&S, as charm school over there apparently regularly tows. Word to the wise.
Buenos Aires Cafe seems to succeed based on a couple of ideas: the amazing food (*amazing* - really great), and the nuanced approach to what they do. I was introduced to Cerveza Quilmes prior to dinner, and it may be my new brew of the moment: crisp, flavorful, not too heavy but full of layers. Yum. For dinner I attacked the pork tenderloin (though there were about a half-dozen dishes I wanted to try), and the dessert lover had her way with the Milenesa a la Napolitana, a beef cutlet-mozzarella-marinara dish she pronounced scrumptious.
For dessert we juggled the creme brulee, which tonight came with a spicy dark chocolate layer, and the quatro leches. Both were amazing, and we were amazed. We'll definitely be back, and I can't wait to drop in with some out of towners to watch jaws drop...other than my own.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (6)
Funny (1)
Cool (5)
Buenos Aires is a fantastic, cozy spot for consistently great dishes that reminds me of your favorite neighborhood spot to take a date in a place like Seattle or Brooklyn...in a good way. Food, wine and service are all a solid 4, but I'll upgrade them to a 4.5 for being in walking distance from my house.
The first time I ever tried this place it was under such unassuming circumstances, it's laughable. I was at a going-away happy hour at the (great in its own right) dive bar next door, G&S Lounge. After a couple of whiskeys and no dinner I was kinda starved/tipsy, so a girl friend and I snuck out to get some food. I was super impressed by what I discovered and have been back half a dozen times since.
From the outside, Buenos Aires Cafe looks similar to many of the shabby, cozy spots up and down S 1st/Oltorf. That's where the similarities end. The food and carefully edited wine list are on par with some much schmancier, more expensive digs on SoCo and downtown. Try a Malbec, empanadas, and the gnocchi (it's an almost spiritual experience). My ex swears by the pork tenderloin as well. Oooh, and they put hearts of palm and a sparing amount of dressing on the salad. Points!
The space squeezes in as many tables as possible, so weather permitting I recommend the patio. I've only been for dinner, but with the exception of sometimes having to wait a bit for a table/slightly slow service (they're busy), have always walked out totally satisfied. A bottle of nice vino plus a fantastic dinner for two runs ~$75.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (5)
Cool (4)
OMG.
OMFG.
WOW.
This is F-A-B. Where do I start? Perhaps with the end? If a place has an ambience that sends you off into the night to show your first born whip, for the very first time, to your girl - that's perfection!
This place is truly delightful. The food is incredible, with wonderful just-right portions, beautiful presentation, and the prices are pretty damn good for the 5 star yumminess you get. My favorite part about this place is the oh so tiny size of the Cafe and the welcoming vibes in the air. Even though the tables are extremely close, it really doesn't matter much as everyone here seems to be having the time of their lives. It does get loud, but again, it just doesn't matter much ..... this place pulls off the mix of everything perfectly - casual but elegant and lovely but hot.
P.S. If you are ever in Portland, check out The Alameda Cafe - I would parallel it to BAC. http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (5)
Funny (2)
Cool (5)
So, people drink Yerba Mate... and enjoy it? Ew.
Weird tobacco/coffee/tea/herb concoctions aside, the food is delicious.
The cozy interior fits in well on our not-yet-trendified-into-oblivion stretch of south first street.
Entrees are cheap and wonderful, lunch is a steal.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Cool (4)
food was amazing
service was stellar
expensive, but i thought, worth it
good wine list
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Love Love Love this place!
5 stars all around.
Quaint atmosphere paired with amazing service! Yummy desserts and fantabulistic wine selection! Yum Yum Yum =)
Friendly Note:
When parking watch out for the %$#% at G & S Lounge, he'll tow you if you park anywhere close to his bar. I stopped to have a drink at G & S before a nice meal at Buenos Aires Cafe, started to walk over to the cafe after the drink and the owner of G & S came running out screaming and cussin at me to move my car. Point being, DON"T PARK IN G & S parking lot.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
Wow. What a treat. One of best meals I've had in 7 months in living here. Had dinner, ordered the filets and tuna. Great presentation, great taste. A bit below temperature from eating outside, but overall fantastic. A bit pricey (near $30) for the specials, but worth it good. Great chef. Bring bottle of wine, should offset cost. A true treat.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (2)
WTF! No parriada? what kind of argie restaurant do you call yourself. I had the milanesa napoleana. like a chicken fried steak with marinar and mozzarella. it was ok. empanadas were small. tasty. but small. shoulda tried the new peruvian place.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
I love this place. We met the Owner/Chef at a private party he cooked at. He is super friendly and so talented. We went to try his restaurant after tasting his cooking and now we are big fans. The gnocchi is the best I have ever had. The empanadas are incredible. Definitely go at night when the Chef is there. Lunch was a bit disappointing. The waiter looked and smelled like he hadn't bathed in days. Not quite appetizing
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
Pero che!
I think this place is pretty darn great, punto final.
The empanadas and alfajores are a lot like my mom makes, so I encourage everyone check it out.
I can think of two things that would make this place perfect: an assortment of Serpico ice cream and a less chaotic parking situation (then again, drivers in BA are insane, so maybe keep that for authentic ambiance)
A selection of Mafalda, Condorito and Gaturro comics would also be fun to have around, so I promise to bring what I have next time I stop by.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (2)
This would be four stars if it weren't for the odd-almost-undetectable sense of 'humor' the guy running the place had the day a friend and I went in for lunch. She had just come back from a few months in Spain, so as you can expect we had loads to catch up on. 'Hurry up!' 'I'll have to hit you' and 'thats to guarantee my tip' after tossing us a chocolate dessert biscuit were comments we had to decipher all through lunch. I speak sarcasm, but even that can't be played the entirety of a conversation without utter confusion - something you don't want when taking an order, confirming questions about our food, etc.
Erin, I agree with your Sean Penn's Ridgemont High comparison; this guy seemed to not give a flying rat's ass. Disappointing for a place that imports their wine from Argentina and creates delicious desserts. Their empanadas were tasty, sandwiches were good. I'm on the fence about returning to give that guy a second chance... be straightforward with him. Any of your jokes may spur a wrath you may not be prepared to handle.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (4)
Cool (2)
Expectations met. Taste buds satisfied. A nearly perfect lunch experience.
I had heard a lot about this place from friends and Yelpers (some of whom are also friends!), so when I was in the neighborhood for an appointment, I thought I'd finally try it.
Despite the diminutive dining space, it didn't feel crowded for a 1 p.m. weekday lunch, though I could easily hear others' conversations as I sat alone and read my book.
Two tables of the three besides my own that were occupied included Argentineans, a fact that I mention because they got special treatment, including a visit from the chef and special free dishes (what looked like a big bowl of seasoned tomatoes, though I can't be sure) after she spoke with them.
I felt as though the waitress wasn't sure how to approach me as I dined by myself. At least once, she walked toward my table and thought the better of it or got distracted and did something else. Which isn't to say there was anything wrong with the interaction we did have. She was pleasantly efficient.
I ordered the vegetariano (my pronunciation of the word might be off, though it was about the third word I learned in Spanish, because the waitress didn't get it until I pointed at the menu) sandwich, which for about $8 came with grilled eggplant, onion, cheese and mustard (heavy on mustard, but I like that) on a crunchy wheat roll and a spinach salad that was drizzled with a sweet, sharp dressing that perfectly complemented the feta cheese, caramelized pecans and other ingredients. The salad and the tender eggplant part of the sandwich were the highlights of the meal.
I feel I can't fairly judge this place until I try a dinner entree. I looked at the dinner menu before leaving, and the dishes all looked amazing and unlike things I've had before (whereas the lunch menu includes dishes such as a hummus wrap and portobello sandwich, ubiquitous among Austin veggie cuisine). Note that the average dinner is ($5 or so) more expensive than lunch.
Highly recommended. Bring a friend to thoroughly enjoy le petit ambiance.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (5)
Funny (3)
Cool (6)
So in my quick glance of reviews no one mentioned the not Tres but the Quatro Leches cake that this place serves...It is amazing (I think)...I asked for the recipe with no luck and asked for any leftover cake...assuming that when they make the cake and make individual plates there are some cake edges left over...
I first sampled this place before a friend's wedding. She was having them cater so a couple of co-workers wanted to taste the goods. The vegetarian options are just as good as the carnivore ones, which is not always the case at some places.
The Shepherd's pie is a little salty but excellent...though I never want to eat it because the plating is pretty nice to look at...I should take a picture. The empanadas are great (this was catered at the wedding)
The best dish there is the Surf N Turf with green mash potatoes...the steak literally melts in ones mouth...One time when I went for dinner everyone in the place ended up ordering this meal and as each plate came out the room just went silent. When food can stop conversations that is pretty amazing...
I haven't ever had lunch there...so I cannot comment on that but I am sure its pretty good.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (3)
Cool (3)
I had been sooooo excited to try this place. I had only heard about it here on Yelp and was really looking forward to it. However...
First, I went to try it a few weeks ago on a Monday. Both the info on the Yelp page here above and the info on the Buenos Aires Cafe webpage say that is is open on Mondays. We get there (this is like 6 or 7pm) and it is most definitely not open. In fact, the hours on the door make it seem like it is only open for lunch on Monday. Or maybe it was just a weird day for them. Either way, I was bummed.
Second try: my uncle was in town and for dinner asked "what restaurant have you been wanting to try?" I thought of this one. We showed up around 6pm and they were open! Yay!
First of all, this place is SMALL. Like 10 tables inside. There are tables outside but I wasn't sure if that was for waiting or for actually eating (no one was using them).
We started with empanadas. Delicious!! I should have just made a meal of them. Instead, I ordered the shepard's pie like entree. Bleh. Not so good. I pushed back my mashed potatoes to see the innards and was met with meat and veggies soaking in grease. Or meat juice. Or something liquidy. Ew. Then I find a hardboiled egg under my mashed potatoes. What? Is that typically in shepard's pie? I didn't remember seeing it mentioned on the menu and as it happens to be, hardboiled eggs are one thing that I REALLY don't like. I try to eat around it and the food is so hot (better than luke warm, I suppose) that I burn my mouth. I know it happens, but it wasn't making this any better for me.
My uncle, on the flip side, LOVED his pork. (I was debating between ordering that and the shepards pie -- obviously I chose poorly.) I didn't try it but it looked good.
There was also a weird misunderstanding with ordering wine that I thought would have been easy to fix but was basically glazed over so that kind of annoyed me (bringing out glasses of wine when a bottle was ordered).
All in all though, I did like the place, just not what I ordered (except the empanadas -- they are stellar). I'll go back sometime and try something else. Maybe the pork. Or maybe just a plate full of empanadas.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Cool (1)
Met a business associate there for lunch yesterday. This place is so tiny and loud! The menu was unappealing. Guess I'm just not that into Argentinian food. The poor guy working there ran the register, waited tables, hosted and cleared. And he kept up with everything very well!
Squash soup...kinda bland. Beef cutlet sandwich...good, but looked like mystery meat from high school cafeteria. Empanadas...really good, until they got cold (but whose fault is that? mine).
Fresh flowers were on the tables. And I mean good flowers, like lillies and roses. Why do so many places cheap out on their flowers? I don't appreciate carnations.
I dunno. The place just didn't smack me with the WOW factor. I'd go again if someone asked me.
Tried Buenos Aires Cafe today for lunch... first time.
I don't have a lot to add to the other reviews... good place, VERY nice and helpful wait staff and an overall very good experience. My friend and I agreed that we'd try it again sometime.
The empenadas were very tasty but a little small. Our authentic Argentine sandwiches (the ones with the little flags next to them) were really good as well. Mine was the thinly sliced breaded meat with tomato and lettuce, and my buddy's was marinated pork (really tender for pork) with that famous argentine sauce (not sure what it is called but has lots of cilantro). Both were very good.
I wasn't crazy about the pastries we tried but they weren't bad either.
I loved that it is a little place with like 10 tables (feel like you're sharing an experience with everyone else in the place) and I don't mind that the prices seemed a little high... I want them to stay in business.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
I've been to Buenos Aires with a range of fellow diners. No one has been disappointed. Service is friendly, unobtrusive, and helpful regarding wines, specials and desserts. I've had the gnocchi a couple of times and it's delicious. Wine is poured generously if you order by the glass and food portions are perfect if you're the type that always has to deal with a take home box.
If you haven't already, check out the art on the walls while you wait to be seated. Last time I ate there I forgot my favorite souvenir scarf from Spain... went back a couple of days later and the server pulled it right out from under the bar. Definitely a great place if you're looking to avoid Austin's sometimes overcrowded 'boutique' diners.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Cool (1)
Delicious Argentine cuisine - I am in the process of eating my way through their menu; so far every dish has been excellent!
For dinner I have had the Camelones Caseros (Herb crepes filled with portabella mushrooms and eggplant) for 12.99
For lunch I have had the sandwiches: Vegetariano (served hot with roasted eggplant, red peppers and mozzarella) and the Turkey Wrap (served cold w/ alfalfa sprouts, field greens, tomatoes and guacamole) The sandwiches are a bit pricey @7.99, some are less; but, I think they are worth it if you dine in and enjoy the atmosphere - the patio is very nice when there is a cool breeze.....
Be prepared to wait during prime eating times.
On my next visit I am looking forward to trying the Hummus Wrap!!
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Lived up to the hype. Everything consumed was better than good. Don't even get me started on that Cream of Spinach soup. Everything is perfect and not too heavy, ask servers if you have ANY questions. Go for something different and you will have a better experience.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
I'd never been to an Argentine restaurant before, and this place was awesome. The menu is pretty similar to that of an Italian restaurant, with some twists.
It was kind of surprising how small the restaurant was, but it wasn't a problem and we found a seat fine. The service was great, the food excellent and different, and the three Argentine (I think, based on their pronunciation of 'll') women dining next to us help create a true setting of being deep in the European-like city of South America. (Disclamier: I've never been to Buenos Aires, the city)
Buenos Aires is a bit expensive to go dine at every week for me, but if I feel like something nicer, it's definitely on the return-to list.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (2)
Wow . This place is awesome. The jugglery of taste that i had throught my dinner. Mind blowing.
We started off with the Empanadas. Very tasty.
I ordered the pork tenderloin with the chimmichuri sauce on top. Perfectly cooked melt in your mouth meat and the sauce added the right kind of flavor to this dish.
My wife ordered the gnocchi. I must admit it was fantastic and i dont like gnocchi. There were four different kinds of gnocchi ranging from sweet to spicy taste. It was a taste explosion.
The grande finale was a dark chocolate habanero creme brulee. I swear i could have eaten 10 of those. Oh so delicious.
Definately going there again and again.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Cool (2)
After driving around and perusing several lunch options, my lunch buddy and I finally decided to check this place out. Again, I didn't get much of a chance to inspect the inside seating area, it was a gorgeous day and we chose to sit outside on the patio. The patio is somewhat enclosed (you know, with those clear tarp thingies), but it allows for the breeze to blow through a little bit anyway...in a good way. It's also really well shaded.
We were attended to promptly, the waitress was very knowledgable about the menu and friendly. The food options are amazing. I'm really curious about the empanadas, which are stuffed with all sorts of meats and veggies. I'm so used to the fruit filled kind!
After looking at the menu for a few minutes, I decided on a pretty basic ham sandwich with a (don't remember what the exact name is) mayonaise side salad. They were out of the salad, so I opted for a spinach salad instead. My friend got a portabello sandwich (the special of the day). My sandwich was fabulous...my favorite part was the bread, though. I guess I'm just a carb whore that way. As I'm discovering the more I eat sandwiches, I seem to consistently have a bread-to-insides ratio problem. Although the bread was really, really tasty, the ham, cheese, and veggies overflowed the edges. I had to nibble around the sides. My salad was really fabulous, too. The dressing was a perfect flavor, complementing the spinach, walnuts, and cheese crumbles.
I'd like to visit again and try that other salad.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (5)
Funny (2)
Cool (3)
My folks are from BA. We used to go every other year while my Baba Clara was alive. Let me tell you, BA Cafe is as authentic as you can get. From the amazing triples (sandwiches de miga - call in and special order the heart of palm ones, they are worth it), to the milanesa and alfajores. This place rocks!
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Located in south SoCo area. A little bit far for me.
I like their empanadas. I finished three in one minute. They are crispy pastry with meat in it.
Didn't like my entree CANELONES CASEROS that much because I ordered the dish without meat. But presentation is really good. red and green sauce makes it look Delicious. It's a crepe with mushroom and cheese in it.
I don't like Mate. I drank that in Brazil first. I almost forgot the taste. Now I remember what tastes like, medicine. You need a straw to drink it otherwise you will get a lot of tea leaves.
They have indoor and outdoor tables. Indoor tables look like fine dining. Outdoor looks like for some casual drinks.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
I've never had a bad experience at Buenos Aires. The first time I went, I had a roast chicken with potatoes and a salad. It was straight-forward and delicious. The chicken was juicy on the outside with crispy skin on the outside. The potatoes were roasted with a bit of butter and herbs, resulting in creamy perfection with just a bit of caramelization.
My dining partner tried the Roasted Red Pepper soup and made me swoon with jealousy. It was rich and silky and I wanted a bowl for myself.
On my second visit, we tried a variety of epanadas that were equally good. The South First location is convinient to my home and work, so I plan to make this a regular haunt.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (2)
Cool (3)
I finally got to check out the Buenos Aires Cafe recently and it was delicious--an out-of-the-ordinary treat. We started off with wine and two kinds of empanadas which were so tasty, and the dipping sauce they come with is so full of flavor. I got their daily special, which was delicious, aside from not seeming very Argentinian. It was tuna covered in sesame seeds with a couple different kinds of veggies and wasabi mashed potatoes with shrimp on top. My dining companion had the gnocchi, which was another adventure in taste--one of the several types tasted like pumpkin pie. The dessert case was tempting, too. The only downside is that it's tiny, and the patio is right on S. 1st, which despite the plastic sheeting to obscure the traffic, lacks a little for ambiance.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (5)
This small south side restaurant is really wonderful.
The Pollo al horno is marinated over night & has the most awesome flavor. The pork tenderloin is also wonderful; here's how it is described on the menu "Roasted pork tenderloin served with chimichurri sauce, Yukon Gold mashed potatoes and fresh haricots vert."
BTW - they seem to always have a couple of specials that tend to be delicious.
It looks like the menu has really been expanded so I really am looking forward to going back. I think that I am going to have to try the mushroom crepes on the next visit.
Prices are reasonable for a great meal. There are different menus for lunch and dinner. The dinner menu has a lot more choices so I definitely would recommend visiting dinner. They are in the process of updating their website - the times currently listed are slightly inaccurate; they are closed monday evenings and they also close down between lunch and dinner during the week.
Another option would be to just stop by and have one of their delicious deserts with some coffee. They have a case full of their desserts that I like to study before picking my dessert.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (2)
Cool (1)
You could go for the gorgeous pastries, the intimate atmosphere, the unspeakably precious crustless sandwiches that my Argentinian friend raved over, saying they made her feel like she was back home, but me? I keep returning for the soup.
They make one a day, and it might be carrot ginger or curried sweet potato, you don't really have a variety but what you do have is the best soup you could possibly wish for and a lot of it.
Paired with an empanada (made in the traditional style with ground meat and raisins) it's a delectable, affordable treat in an otherwise moderately pricey cafe.
If you go during peak hours, expect the tiny place to be overwhelmed as its business has already burst past its seating capacity. The waiters aren't the quickest but they really do have lovely accents, which makes up for a lot. Order an espresso or a bottle of wine, sit on the veranda and imagine that the universe really has combined Argentina and Austin, Tx, just for you.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (6)
Cool (5)
This is my favorite place to go for lunch. The food always feels home-cooked and it is always delicious. You get a choice of fries or salad with a sandwich, but I recommend the spinach salad. It comes with blue cheese and walnuts... mmm. I have heard great things about the soup and empanadas as well. A wonderful and lighter alternative for lunch. Parking here is tight, and the seating is quite cozy, but it is well worth it.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Man, I don't want to say it. I really don't. After reading all the reviews on yelp, I've been waiting to go here for months. Seriously. Finally, last night I went with a friend for dinner and, you guys, I was a little..... disappointed. I know!
Maybe it had something to do with the fact that as we walked in the waiter was swinging a water pitcher around, apparently unaware, sloshing water all over the restaurant. Also, he reminded me of Sean Penn's character in Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Ok. I can overlook it. Stuff happens.
We went early, around 6 ish and got a table right away. We ordered a couple of empanadas, spinach salad, I ordered the pork and my friend ordered the special-a surf and turf concoction.
The empanadas were good. Tasty. We had the vegetable and the chicken varieties. Flakey crust, nice flavor, no complaints. The spinach salad was also very generously portioned and had great flavor. (Love those candied pecans.)
The pork loin was, again, good. Not spectacular, but pretty tasty. It was a little on the undercooked side, but generally had a good flavor. The presentation was very impressive as well. My friend's special was filet and two prawns. The filet was, according to him, a little dry, but everything had pretty good flavor. Not excellent, but pretty good. In my mind the entrees didn't stand out as particularly Argentinian or unique from other similar types of restaurants, which is such a shame.
Oh, and we also had the creme brulee for dessert and though we were told it was so delicious we would "die", here I am, still alive.
I wanted to love it. I really did. Maybe my expectations were too high. Maybe it was a bad night. But, I always give a restaurant two chances, so maybe next time I won't be so underwhelmed.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (6)
Funny (4)
Cool (3)
The only restaurant in town you c