I spent this past weekend in Buenos Aires at the new Mine Hotel, and since I loved the place I decided to write about it for those of you heading to Argentina in the near future.
I wanted to stay in Palermo SoHo, which is my favorite neighborhood in Buenos Aires, so a friend of mine suggested I stay at the very cool Five Hotel. When I found out that Five was fully booked, I did some online research, and booked a room at Mine for the weekend.
Mine opened in February, and it still feels brand new. The rooms are reasonably priced, starting at $125 a night, with modern decor and very comfortable beds. There is a lounge TV area, a pool for the summer, and a cute little restaurant. The rate includes breakfast, which consists of a selection of pastries, fruit, dulce de leche, and eggs prepared to your liking. The hotel is located only a block away from some of my favorite stores, bars, and restaurants in Palermo SoHo. It is also a block away from Freddo, which is a bonus if you are as addicted to ice cream as I am. The staff could not have been any nicer and more attentive, and is very gay friendly, which is another bonus.
Some restaurant tips and more about Buenos Aires after the jump.
Bar 6: perfect hangout for an afternoon snack or breakfast, also opened for dinner. Make sure to order the tostado 6, a grilled ham and cheese on the most delicious flatbread. I went back twice for it.
Cabaña Las Lilas: even though the meat was a little overcooked this time, Las Lilas is still my favorite steakhouse in Buenos Aires thanks to the delicious appetizers, and the outdoor sitting area with a view of Puerto Madero. On a sunny day, it is the perfect place for lunch.
Casa Cruz: last time I was there the food was superb but the service was beyond awful. This time it was the very opposite: service was top notch, but the food was below average, especially considering this is supposed to be one of the best restaurants in town. Be warned, the hostess will make you wait at the bar even if you have a reservation and the place is not busy.
La Cabrera: a hidden gem in Palermo Soho, this old brasserie style restaurant is not trendy at all, but delivers amazing food at very modest prices (lunch for two will run at about $50). The meat is grilled to perfection (order the ojo de bife), and comes accompanied by squash puree, caramelized onions, garlic mashed potatoes, and more. The wait on weekends may be long, but there is free champagne and the food is worth it.
I was surprised to see several new shops around Palermo SoHo, and even a brand new Kiehl's, but my favorite spot to shop for clothes is still Felix at Calle Gurruchaga. Their shirts are cute and cheap, and there are always some great bags and accessories.
Next time I am in Buenos Aires, I want to check out Osaka, which was highly recommended but fully booked this past weekend. Has anyone been there?
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I've been to Osaka and it is quite good. If you stay away from the sushi and order other stuff, you'll do just fine. The duck samosas are some of the best of anything that I've ever eaten!
Posted by: Nick | 07/15/2008 at 09:00 AM
I've been to Osaka, but to the original one which is here in Lima, Peru, and it's great. I've heard it's really hard to get a table at the one in Buenos Aires.
Posted by: Roger | 07/15/2008 at 09:51 AM
Thanks for the tips. I will try those places.
Great! Hug from Brazil!
Posted by: Felipe Fontoura | 07/15/2008 at 10:32 AM
i still don't get the fuss over cabana las lilas. it's overrated, overpriced, full of tour busses, bad service... aside from the view, ther's not one single thing i like about the restaurant.
Posted by: jupter | 07/15/2008 at 01:25 PM
Agreed, the duck at Osaka is like nothing else! But remember to bring cash, they don't take credit cards. Also, you should try Bereber next time you're in town. It's an amazing Moroccan restaurant with a great patio overlooking Plaza Armenia.
Posted by: Ryan Patterson | 07/15/2008 at 05:24 PM
Yes, Osaka is really great. The place is awesome and the food was delicious too. I didn't have that trouble getting a table, but it happened maybe because I went to a late lunch (we arrived there 2 PM), but it was a Saturday.
Posted by: Jack | 07/15/2008 at 09:58 PM
hey, i live in Argentina, i have been to Osaka and it was nice, but there are lot's of other places that are so much more worthy. I'll be happy to recommend a couple for your next visit!
Posted by: sebastian | 07/16/2008 at 11:02 PM
As one who has fallen in love with Buenos Aires after three visits in the past three years-- I thank you for your recommendations. I went to the steak house in Palermo which you mentioned; I loved it. ...also went to Las Lilas in PM. Personally, I liked it, and it was not full of tour BUSES when my party and I ventured there.
In 2009 I hope to return to Buenos Aires. I have a wonderful, wonderful tour guide, a handsome 26 year old Portenio who has his credentials in the field. His name is Marcelo; his email address is: [email protected], cel 15 5654-9032, and his web address is: www.ciceroneba.com.ar.
I was indeed pleased with Marcelo's expertise; he knows his culture and history and some of the better restaurants in his city; he'll also make reservations for opera and other events if you desire. If you desire for him to accompany you to events-- he'll do that. And lastly, his hourly fee was indeed reasonable.
If you want a private gay guide who is stellar at what he does, plus easy on the eyes-- contact my new friend! (When I was with him on four or five occasions during my two week stay-- he certainly enhanced my trip.)
Posted by: Eddwarm | 07/17/2008 at 09:27 PM
As one who has fallen in love with Buenos Aires after three visits in the past three years-- I thank you for your recommendations. I went to the steak house in Palermo which you mentioned; I loved it. ...also went to Las Lilas in PM. Personally, I liked it, and it was not full of tour BUSES when my party and I ventured there.
In 2009 I hope to return to Buenos Aires. I have a wonderful, wonderful tour guide, a handsome 26 year old Portenio who has his credentials in the field. His name is Marcelo; his email address is: [email protected], cel 15 5654-9032, and his web address is: www.ciceroneba.com.ar.
I was indeed pleased with Marcelo's expertise; he knows his culture and history and some of the better restaurants in his city; he'll also make reservations for opera and other events if you desire. If you desire for him to accompany you to events-- he'll do that. And lastly, his hourly fee was indeed reasonable.
If you want a private gay guide who is stellar at what he does, plus easy on the eyes-- contact my new friend! (When I was with him on four or five occasions during my two week stay-- he certainly enhanced my trip.)
Posted by: Eddwarm | 07/17/2008 at 09:29 PM