El Federal Bar

El Federal is not only a historic establishment, founded way back in 1864, but also a highly recommended stop for those visiting Buenos Aires who enjoy good food in a genuine atmosphere. Located just steps from the Mercado de San Telmo, it offers a varied menu of traditional dishes, well-prepared and served by a very friendly staff. The bar is also very well stocked with beers, wines, and cocktails at excellent value.

A classic restaurant in San Telmo. They serve a multitude of dishes from breakfast options to meats. When you enter El Federal you feel like you're going back in time with their really authentic decorations. The restaurant is really fairly priced. One of the best tortillas I've eaten, even better from some from Spain. The milanesas, a classic Argentinian dish is served with real and really crispy potatoes. A great experience for a fair price. The inside is not really accessible as it has stairs right at the door, but they do have street seating that look very pleasant.

Firstly, food is just incredibly delicious. Most importantly, we were surprised we experienced the unexpected hospitality and extraordinary service at the bar. Would love to come back again for sure!

El Federal Bar in San Telmo is one of my favorite spots when I want to soak in Buenos Aires’ vintage charm. The place feels like stepping back in time — with its stained-glass arches, wooden floors, antique cash register, and warm, rustic décor that still holds so much character. It’s cozy, welcoming, and there’s a real sense of history woven into every detail.  The food is pretty solid — their empanadas are a standout, and they do classic porteño dishes well. Sandwiches are generous and satisfying, perfect with a cold beer or a glass of wine.  Service is attentive and friendly, though not always super fast — but honestly, in a place this relaxed, that’s not a deal-breaker.  The vibe encourages lingering, conversations, people-watching. If you come during a less hectic time, you can really enjoy the atmosphere without feeling rushed. It’s not the cheapest place around, and some items maybe feel priced a bit above what you’d expect, but overall it’s worth it. Whether you’re there for a midday sandwich, afternoon coffee, or evening drink, El Federal delivers more than just food—it gives you a piece of porteño culture.

I went because I read it is the second oldest bar but it wasn’t for me. I ordered the draft beer (chopp) and wurst (with cucumbers) and both were diabolical. The beer tasted sweet for some reason and the wurst was deconstructed and was actually a pate but had no flavour except the meat.

Review for El Federal Bar El Federal Bar offers an authentic and cozy Argentine experience. The rustic decor and historic charm create a warm atmosphere. The food is excellent, with standout empanadas and traditional dishes. The drinks, especially the wine and cocktails, are top-notch. Service is friendly and attentive. Highly recommended for a relaxing and flavorful evening

Quite an interesting and atmospheric place due to its history. I highly recommend visiting to get the spirit of the century before last. The service is not fast. For some reason, the waiters ask how well the meat is done. But regardless of your answer, they will bring you medium-well,

I love old bar& restaurants like El Federal , smtng like I beamed up the back in time ! Service , food and prices are very satisfying in the restaurant

We found this place here on Yelp and our Cab driver confirmed that it was a great place to eat. It's a very popular place and was busy. It was built in the 1860's and has a lot of history. It is very antiquey. They have a wide variety of items - meat, burgers, fish, pasta, salads. The menu is quite large. They have beers and wines and hard liquor. I had the Dubbel Beer - It was red in color and very tasty. They have a nice little wine list with Argentinian wines that were good and very affordable. The rooms are small and noisy, but there is certainly a LOT of energy in this place. I was in the mood for something green and always love pasta so I chose the Caesar Salad and the egg noodles with bolognese sauce. I was not pleased with my choices. The food was marginal at best. The pasta was way overcooked and the bolognese was tasteless. The salad itself was okay - with chicken and croutons, but the dressing was thicker than cake frosting and didn't taste anything like Caesar Dressing to me. I should have followed my instincts and had BEEF because that's what Argentina is best known for. The service was okay. She was friendly but not very informative. The prices seemed reasonable to me - but this is my first time to be in Argentina. It seems to that that this is one of those Touristy places that everyone hears about and goes to, because everyone tells you that you should. So I did. I don't think I'll be back.

An absolutely first rate historic restoration cafe. Buenos Aires Cafes of the early twentieth century were legendary places. Both the Argentine government and appreciative entrepreneurs have been working to save these great old bars and bodegones. El Federal is one of five historic restaurants that are being run by one company that has the goal of saving them all. The job that has been done on El Federal is absolutely top of the line. This is an outstanding place to eat, an outstanding place to drink and an outstanding room to sit in. * * * El Federal is in San Telmo - already one of the most historic and evocative neighborhoods in Buenos Aires. El Federal takes pride in being a vermutaria. They make their own house vermouth. I have been grabbing house vermouth everywhere I can get it. If you want a Malbec, they got plenty of those too. But to my mind, nothing tastes better or is more refreshing than a good Argentine vermouth. The absolute best vermouth in Buenos Aires that I have found so far is at the Cafe San Juan, also in San Telmo. But the vermouth at El Federal is a formidable number two. It is better than ANY house vermouth I have had in Spain, ANY commercial vermouth I have had in the U.S., Spain or Argentina and any of my more limited tastings in Italy. A number two vermouth in a long run of vermouth tastings all over the world? You want to have this vermouth. * * * How is the food? Outstanding! 1) Big beautiful absolutely marvelous milanesas. Reminder - a meat dish with tomato sauce on top is generally going to be better in Argentina than in the U.S. because their tomatoes are better so their tomato sauce is better. The beef is better too, so I had my milanesa with nalga which is rump steak. Chicken in Buenos Aires generally does not impress, but beef is absolutely positively out of this world. Perfect meat? Perfect tomato sauce? Fine cheese and a great great kitchen? Sign me up! 2) The best french fries I have had in Buenos Aires. The Portenos serves french fries with everything. Argentine french fries are no great shakes. El Chori makes fantastic homemade ketchup to die for ... But the base french fries themselves are no thrill. El Federal makes an outstanding addictive french fry. I could have just drunk vermouth and eaten french fries for lunch and I would have been a happy boy. 3) A super filling super yummy Tortilla with potatoes and onions. That dish is fine in a lot of places, but it is first rate here. 4) A totally tremendous fig and brie dessert. I have been served a lot of fig this and fig that in Buenos Aires. Often the fig dishes are disappointments. THIS fig dish is stellar. The figs are small but first rate and super-tasty. The brie is mild - but it goes with the figs wonderfully. The house makes a compote syrup to go over the duo. They don't put on much, but the fig compote syrup is what takes the dish and sends it over the roof. This is an adult dessert - a combination of sweet and savory as opposed to a dulce de leche sugar pigout. This combination of sweet and savory is magical. * * * If you are in Buenos Aires for any length of time, You absolutely positively want to get to El Federal. But lets imagine this is a short trip and you have a very limited number of days. One neighborhood has two of the best kitchens in the city and the two best vermouths in the world. And it is a cute historic neighborhood to boot with great markets and live tango performances? I for sure would do both. I would go to San Telmo for the day, Have an early meal at El Federal which opens early, closes late and has super flexible hours. No matter what time of day it was, I would drink vermouth. Go messing around San Telmo seeing this and seeing that. On a day when they had their fairs I bought some wonderful artisanal scarves at a good price. (There is junk to be had there too. Use your judgment.) Avoid the tourist restaurants in the indoor mercado, and the overpriced tourist stuff for sale there. Then dinner and more vermouth at the Cafe San Juan. You have to reserve for the Cafe San Juan. You won't have a problem getting into El Federal. Amazing eating, the two best vermouths in the world, and a lot of fun in the afternoon. What's not to like?

Classic Bodegon fare. Food was Ok, not surprising. Good Tortilla and a Milanesa that won't be remebered.

Was walking past this bar and decided to come in. Super cool old looking bar really caught my eye and when you walk in you can see it has an old-school ambience to it very traditional of an old British like pub. Food I ordered the Suprema Milanesa. Which pretty much is a chicken breaded Milanese with cheese and tomato sauce on top. Unfortunately, this is my first experience with Mila in Argentina, and it was a bit disappointing. Taste like something I could get back at home. I will say it was still tasty just not up to the hype I had in my head. They also don't have any chili flakes which I think would've helped this dish out. Everyone in the bar is friendly enough, although it does seem a little chaotic. I didn't know who to order from, and when I would talk to the bartenders, they would leave before I was able to get my order in. Just pleasantries and after I ordered my drink, I couldn't get a hold of anyone to take my food order. I personally wouldn't recommend this to an out-of-town, if you're looking for some authentic Argentinian food. But the ambience there is great, and if you're looking for a pub to drink in with a lively crowd, then this is the spot

The food was very hastily made and borderline gross. Lemonade's sugar was at the bottom and undissolved. Ravioli sauce was tasteless Big tourist trap. Cool Building from 1864 though

A classic bar and cafe in the historic San Telmo neighborhood of Buenos Aires is a landmark to visit. The bar is still preserved pretty much in the traditional Parisian cafe style. Even some of the equipment looks like it might be from the 19th century. The atmosphere is distinctively European -- minus the cigarette smoke! Basic wooden tables and sparse chairs dot the floor as aproned staff float about. We had leisurely beers at El Federal and were left totally undisturbed until we were ready for the tab. In a very Spanish touch, the beers came with a tiny basket of peanuts in the shell. Except there was a basket provided for the shells (unlike just tossing the shells on the floor like bars in southern Spain). This bar is definitely worth a visit, if only just for the bragging honors.

Long wait, but the food was very good. The staff was particularly excellent and friendly.

Bueno bueno bueno!! This is one of my favorite places in San Telmo. The Milanese is perfect and even the papas fritas are cooked perfectly. The atmosphere is very much old Buenos Aires as the building is from the 1800s, and the service is lovely. I highly recommend this local favorite for travelers to Buenos Aires.

What a let down. And to think I was excited to have a drink here after stopping in briefly with a guide on a private city tour. I don't know if I caught them at a bad time after a busy Sunday, but this was by far the worst bar/restaurant experience I have had in all South America. Came in tired and thirsty after lots of walking on a hot Buenos Aires summer day. So I know what you are thinking: tired, impatient tourist with unreasonable expectations. Nope, not true. When I arrived, the inside tables were pretty full, and only two of the five outside tables were occupied. I politely asked if they cared where I sat, and received a polite invitation to sit wherever I wanted. I chose an outside table and sat. And sat, and sat. After 10 minutes, I am given a menu by a waiter who leaves with his girlfriend shortly thereafter. 5 more minutes, and a rather unhappy looking young lady takes my beer and sandwich order. I wait 10 more minutes, watch the table behind me, who have been there about 5 minutes, get served their beer, and am given a vague, unprompted statement by my waitress that my beer is coming. Keep in mind that it is nearly half an hour since I arrived. I wait just a little longer, and still thirsty, give up. The interior is classic, it looks like a great place to have a drink, but I am sorry to say Bar El Federal fell far short on the afternoon of my visit.

Though both show up in the same sentence in most tourist guides, this resto-bar is way more awesome than Bar Plaza Dorrego nearby. Opened in 1864, it's actually a couple decades older. But there's a warmer, less gimmicky, more everyday feel about it. They're busiest on Sundays during and after the San Telmo antique market. Patrons seem mixed between tourists and locals. The menu may be comically long and relatively ordinary, but they're known for their picadas (meat/cheese boards). Choose one along with a glass of house wine to tide you over until dinnertime. If you manage to catch a tray of pan casero (baked in-house) fresh from the oven, order one of the fragrant square loaves with some butter ("manteca" instead of "mantequilla" in this country!) and dulce de leche. Availability of fresh pan casero seems to be highest before noon and later in the evening. Worth a visit? It's one of the few things in all the Buenos Aires guidebooks that I've thoroughly enjoyed. Experience it as a relaxing cafe-bar rather than as something on a checklist.

Very nice atmosphere inside the restaurant. The food is average, but we only had a sandwhich. Perhaps other things are better? But a definite must if you are in the area. Even if just for taking pictures of the inside!

I came here for the first time today hoping that it would serve as a nice study spot, as it was recommended in a popular article by the Culture Trip. In the end, it was just OK: the burger I ordered was overcooked, tough, and served on a wimpy bun about half its size. The french fries were over-fried and hard after just a few minutes. They serve your condiments via little packets on the table. I had to open about 12 ketchup packets for my large helping of disappointing french fries... just serve us our ketchup in a bottle, ok?! While I'm complaining, they have the waxy, useless paper napkins at the table that fail every time to remove anything of substance from your fingers. Why can't Buenos Aires get absorbent napkins on their tables? They must know these waxy stand-ins are useless... As a place to work, it was hit and miss. Hit because the back room was so quiet (nobody there mid-afternoon up to 6:00 pm) and with such a cool, old-fashioned vibe; and miss because there was absolutely not one outlet in the entire place. Good thing my laptop was charged when I came! Others here have commented that the service was poor but mine was very good, so maybe they're improving in this area? Had a sweetheart waitress that treated me well and provided prompt service.

Love this place. It has been here for decades. You can come for a coffee or a glass of wine. A full meal or just a snack. You can sit and read for as long as you like. The food is pretty damn good. The sevice is good, very nice people, especially if you are a regular as I am. One of my favorite places in San Telmo.

Great food, great place, great price. Dont miss it if you are visiting Argentina. Go walking so you can Check many good places around.

Another of the bars notables on the official list. It also has some history to it, having been around and serving up food since 1864. In fact, they're credited with being the originators of the local custom of a picada y vermut - a plate of cured meats and cheeses served up with a glass of vermouth. Service isn't all that friendly - no, that's not right, it's simply exasperated. I think that's probably chalk-up-able to the fact that being in San Telmo it's a place where roughly half the diners coming in are tourists, with little more Spanish than hola, por favor, gracias, adios, and maybe hasta la vista baby. They want a traditional local experience, but don't know how to ask for it. So, on to the Hamburguesa El Federal. First off, very commercial, supermarket style bun that didn't hold up past two or three bites - I ended up having to eat the burger with knife and fork. Second, no way that that's 300 grams as claimed. Maybe 200, but even that's a stretch. I asked for rare to medium rare. The patty came out so well done that it bordered on dry. It was also completely unseasoned. A bit overwhelmed by the toppings, especially the 5 slices of tomato and 4 of barely warmed, floppy bacon. Huge mound of waffle chips, dripping with oil, at least drain them before you put them on the plate. All in all, for me, just kind of a meh pub burger.

Great relaxed local bar - food is great! Staff is very accommodating (a few speak English). The menu is only in Spanish- but that's what we're here for (to learn)! They will let you sample the beer and then select from a variety of local beers.

The portions are large and the staff are friendly. We had a very filling late lunch here (only order the large tortilla espanola if you haven't eaten in a day). They have free wifi, which is interesting given the old school saloon style decor.

Historical bar located a few blocks walk from the San Telmo market, and a great locals joint. The menu is extensive and there is something for everyone. We ordered a picada for two and it was way more food than I was prepared for. Would have easily made a good lunch. Beer and wine were good, as was the coffee. Generally lower prices than similar tourist spots in the area with a great atmosphere. It's a must.

Greasy food. Dirty bathrooms. Canned peanuts. Coffee is lukewarm and gas station kind. Nice decor though.

So Bill gives it a 4 and I give it a 31/2 - but we had the Pesto and it was amazing! That is the freshest pesto I've ever had. They make a salad for you where you pick the ingredients. This is the 2nd time we've eaten there. They serve authentic Argentinian fare too, and are known for their cheese plates and fresh meats. Also they bake fresh bread and pastries daily (which we don't eat.) The place was founded in the late 1800's so you have to go just so you can say you've been there. A lot of old charm, an amazing wood carving that goes over the bar, everything looks authentic and most of it original. The turnoff for me was the old, ancient floor tile was so dirty. It looks original, and I'm sure the years of wax build-up is impossible to remove, and a new floor wouldn't look right. But you should go. Price includes a bottle of wine.

El Federal is a popular bar in the San Telmo district. Attracts a tourist crowd and serves up classic bar fair that has little inspiration. The seating outside occupies a portion of a quiet street and becomes a fun smoking joint later on in the evening. Quilmes is always cold and served with a smile. Expect little and you will be satisfied.

Great empanadas but they served us leftover lamb from the weekend. It tasted like fridge and was very dry. Not impressed.

This place is a must visit if you head to San Telmo. It's got the perfect nostalgic mood & tango aura. The menu is surprisingly extensive and the options various. I would specially suggest having a Gin & Tonic, a Spanish Tortilla, and any of the Pavita (cold turkey) sandwiches.