Buenos Aires Café — Restaurant in Austin

Buenos Aires Café in Austin, Texas, is a delightful gem that brings the rich and vibrant flavors of Argentina to life. From the moment you step inside, you’re welcomed by a warm and inviting atmosphere, with a mix of rustic charm and modern touches that set the tone for an unforgettable dining experience.

The menu is a celebration of traditional Argentine cuisine, starting with their signature empanadas. Perfectly golden and flaky, each empanada is filled with flavorful ingredients that reflect authentic family recipes. The juicy steaks, cooked to perfection, are another highlight, showcasing Argentina’s world-renowned reputation for beef. Paired with their house chimichurri sauce, every bite is a savory delight. For lighter options, the menu also includes fresh salads and shareable plates, making it easy to find something for everyone.

The wine selection is thoughtfully curated, featuring some of South America’s finest vintages. Whether you’re a fan of bold Malbecs or crisp Torrontés, the staff is knowledgeable and happy to guide you toward the perfect pairing.

For those seeking a more exclusive experience, the Milonga Room in the basement is a must-visit. This speakeasy-style bar offers expertly crafted cocktails in an intimate setting, perfect for a date night or special celebration.

Whether you’re stopping by for a casual lunch, a romantic dinner, or a weekend brunch, Buenos Aires Café delivers a memorable taste of Argentina with exceptional food, friendly service, and a vibrant environment. This spot is perfect for anyone looking to explore authentic Argentine cuisine while enjoying the best of Austin’s dining scene. Don’t miss out on this incredible culinary journey—it’s a dining experience you’ll...

My wife and I have been here twice - once before the pandemic and recently. The first time was fantastic - great service and the food was excellent with a great location (5 Stars). The last time was not fantastic (we would give it 2.5 Stars). OK, the good: 1)Reservations via Resy were great and we were seated quickly (I think I now know why...)! 2)The appetizer was really good - the Proveletta with Chorizo was great! 3) Love the house. Such a romantic, old Austin location and feel. That is why we come down there. OK, things that dinged it: 1)Service was so-so, the hostess gave my wife a little grief when she asked to not be in the corner. The server was average. 2)When we sat down and ordered, the drinks arrived after the appetizer. 3)The drinks were tiny and not prepared as requested. I had a second drink ordered about halfway through the meal that didnt get made by the time w were done - and we were eating slowly due to a huge rainstorm we were waiting to pass. 4)One of the reasons for us going back to this location was my wife wanted a flavorful meal - it was her birthday! Other than the appetizer and the brussel sprouts, the main courses were a real letdown. Sweet potatoes were OK, the epanada and Nepolitana was ok. 5)The bill: $150 with tax and a tip. I am ok with paying more in Austin - I know that comes with the territory. With tax, it should have been about $100. I cannot be sure, because I didn't ask for the receipt - I am pretty sure this place adds the 25% 'you get to pay extra tax' I am seeing with other places. I should not be investigating my receipt to see if there are hidden fees. Shame on me for not checking more closely. Not...

I came on Friday during happy hour.

I started with a glass of sangria ($8) which was fruity and tasty but the glass was pretty small.

Then I had some empanadas ($4 each). The carne picante was so flavorful. It’s filled with spicy ground beef mixed with green olives, raisins, green onions, and a bunch of spices. I don’t love raisins on food, but I still thought the empanada was fantastic. The ingredients and flavors come together so well. The chicken empanada didn’t have as much flavor as the spicy beef one. The cebolla y queso (caramelized onion and cheese) empanada was very underwhelming. I wish it had more cheese because it tasted like it was mainly an onion empanada.

My partner ordered the lomito sandwich ($9) which was just a tiny piece of beef tenderloin sandwiched between French baguette. It lacked flavor and we were surprised at how small it was.

For dessert we had the quatro leches ($8) which is their take on a tres leches sponge cake. It comes in a pool of condensed milk and is topped with whipped cream and strawberries. It was good, but it was a little dry. I prefer tres leches cakes that are soaked in milk.

We also had an alfajor de maicena ($4), a cornstarch cookie sandwich filled with dulce de leche (think caramel) and rolled in coconut flakes. This was dense and dry on its own, but it would probably go well with a glass of milk.

I came expecting the happy hour prices on their website ($3 empanadas, $6 drinks) so I was disappointed at their current happy hour prices. The menu is very...