El Federal Bar — Restaurant in Autonomous City of Buenos Aires

OCTOBER 2018 UPDATE First I just want to say that El Federal now offers an IPA along with their other craft beers and it's just great, if pricey outside of happy hour. (Did you know that El Federal was making craft beers years before the current craze? Well, you do now.)

Second, it's still a really good breakfast for Buenos Aires and for the price. The eggs-over-fritas dish is gone so I had an omelette which was a bit too cheesy for my taste (and also more a fritata than an omelette) but along with the big basket of good, toasted bread I was quite full. Despite inflation the breakfast menu isn't that much more expensive than it was over a year ago. Still recommended.

PREVIOUS REVIEW I don't honestly remember anything I've ever eaten here before, despite having done so a number of times, usually with visiting friends. Bar Federal is a bar notable and so on the lists of many tourists in San Telmo. It's extremely popular with locals, though, too, even late into the night.

So the food must be standard Argentine restaurant-quality - decent but not exciting, or else I've just ordered the wrong thing.

Still, I decided to leave a review today because I enjoyed my breakfast: papa fritas with pancetta and a egg on top, a small basket heaped with really good toasted white bread (How many times have I said that in Buenos Aires? Not many.), fresh squeezed orange juice, and a cafe con leche.

I didn't really expect Midwestern-style fried potatoes but then again neither did I expect standard French fries, either. But here they are, almost shoe strings. I seem to remember El Federal's standard papas are more like steak fries... Whatever, they were good. Great pancetta, perfect egg.

Cafe con leche? Eh. It was decent. At least the first one was. The second one I ordered was subpar and required sugar. I did hear the espresso machine wheezing like a ventilator.

Now that I can't abide Starbucks on Plaza Dorrego anymore, what with its jacked-up prices and horrible wifi, this quaint, comfy and historical joint might just become my go-to for morning coffee. They don't censor gay sites, either.

But note: Just as I was about to post this in El Federal itself, right after writing that sentence, the network disappeared and didn't come back. Argentina, if nothing else, will help you appreciate the humor in everyday ironies.

By the way, Le Blé right across the street has far superior coffee, and much bigger cups, too. I just don't feel very...

DON'T COME TO THIS PLACE. My visit to El Federal was nothing short of a disaster. The agony started with an excruciatingly long wait for the food. My anticipation for a delightful chicken dish turned into a nightmare as I was served a completely different and less appealing sirloin. The waiter's lackadaisical approach, relying solely on memory instead of diligently noting down orders, was evident and exasperating.

To add insult to injury, the waiter's response to my rightful complaint about the mix-up was shockingly rude. Instead of acknowledging the mistake and attempting to rectify it, their dismissive attitude only heightened my dissatisfaction. It's disheartening when a simple request for the correct order is met with such hostility.

Despite my disappointment, I refrained from requesting a replacement, fearing it would extend the already agonizing ordeal and, it was far from a gastronomic delight. Not only was it not what I had initially craved, but the preparation itself left much to be desired.

What struck me most was the feeling of being duped. Ordering one dish and receiving a pricier alternative felt like a deliberate attempt to manipulate customers. It's disheartening when a supposedly reputable restaurant engages in such deceptive practices, leaving patrons questioning the integrity of the establishment.

In conclusion, El Federal's mishandling of my order, coupled with the rude service and substandard food quality, left a bitter taste in my mouth – both figuratively and literally. This experience was not only disappointing but also a stark reminder of the importance of genuine customer service and culinary excellence, elements sorely lacking at El Federal.

I was going to follow the tour of "the Notables", starting with El Federal, but not anymore. Notably one of the worst...

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...