The cheap eatery in Buenos Aires that makes perfect fried empanadas

In the neighborhood San Telmo there is a restaurant where you can eat cheaply and that makes perfect fried empanadas. It is a classic that has caught the attention of locals and strangers, with reports even in international media that want to know the best kept secret of this outstanding cuisine of the region. Buenos aires city.

The fact is that this small place, decorated with images not only of Gauchito Gil, but also of Evita or Carlos Gardel and Roberto Goyeneche, is famous for its Riojan empanadas and the sauce that accompanies them, whose ingredients are not revealed.

Is about The Gauchitoa still life from San Telmo in which regional flavors prevail. The imprint is given by “Beto” (Roberto Ormeño), who arrived from La Rioja more than four decades ago and a few years ago decided to rescue an old recipe from his childhood.

Where is El Gauchito?

“El Gauchito” is promoted on social networks, it is “the best place in Buenos Aires to eat the authentic Rioja empanada”. It is on Avenida Independencia at 414, a few meters from Defensa Street.

It is open from 12 to 4 and from 8 to 11 p.m., and its telephone numbers are 4300-8783 and 11-2467-1312.

What can I order at El Gauchito

There are seven varieties of empanadas, fried or baked: meat, chicken, ham and cheese, corn, capresse, roquefort and onion. But what you have to prove yes or yes is La Rioja, the house specialty: meat cut with a knife and fried, accompanied by a secret sauce.

Another recommended one, the Milanese sandwich: lettuce, ham, tomato, cheese and grilled egg, with homemade low-crumb bread. As an accompaniment, it comes with a portion of fries. Oh, and it’s to share.

How to get to El Gauchito

“El Gauchito” is on Avenida Independencia almost Defensa, in the heart of the San Telmo neighborhood. The Independencia station on subway line C is six blocks away.

Among the bus options, lines 2, 22, 86 and 126 circulate, among others. And also, two blocks away is Paseo Colón.