May 25: 25 places to eat out and celebrate Argentina’s National Day

Almacén y Bar Lavalle is once again celebrating May 25 with one of those classic locros that already has a loyal fan base. The recipe — repeated year after year — combines oxtail, pork rind, flank steak, pig trotters, pancetta, sausages, corn, beans and squash in a slow-cooked stew that begins the day before to achieve its signature creamy texture. It’s served with a spicy scallion, garlic and paprika sauce, alongside a fried empanada and a glass of wine. To complete the patriotic feast, there will also be churros, homemade pastries and hot chocolate throughout the day.

Good to know: the combo of locro + fried empanada + glass of wine costs AR$30,000 and will be available from 8am until late night.

Where: Lavalle and Rodríguez Peña, San Nicolás.

In San Telmo, La Terraza de La Carbonera offers a simple menu inspired by traditional Argentine flavors: beef or humita empanadas, locro and a glass of wine served on a glass-covered terrace inside one of the neighborhood’s century-old buildings. The special menu joins the venue’s regular offerings, which include shareable small plates, grilled dishes, wines and cocktails.

Good to know: the AR$35,000 menu will be available from May 22 to 25.

Where: Carlos Calvo 299, San Telmo.

This May 25, the corner of Gurruchaga and Cabrera once again pays tribute to Argentine cuisine with its already classic locro, created by chef Darío Gualtieri and inspired by his grandmother’s family recipe from Santiago del Estero.

It includes white corn, criollo squash, beans, selected meats, pancetta, paprika and homemade spicy sauce. The experience is enhanced by the setting of Lo de Jesús — “the temple of meat and wine” — and La Malbequería, home to one of the country’s most important Malbec collections, with more than 350 labels from across Argentina.

Good to know: those who prefer celebrating at home can order locro delivery through the Tucán App and other delivery platforms.

Where: Gurruchaga 1406, Palermo.

In Puerto Madero, Cauce celebrates with a special menu paired with wines from Bodega Tacuil, owned by the Dávalos family. It starts with bread, salami and vermouth — a welcome with both federal and porteño spirit — followed by two empanadas that capture criollo tradition: humita paired with Torrontés and beef paired with a Criolla wine.

The main dish is locro, served with Doña Ascencio Blend Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec, a bold blend that matches the hearty stew. Dessert is dulce de leche bread pudding paired with Sauvignon Blanc, followed by coffee and mini cornstarch alfajores.

Good to know: the special menu is available for lunch, dinner and takeaway at AR$50,000 per person.

Where: Av. Alicia Moreau de Justo 440, Puerto Madero.

With a cuisine rooted in Galician traditions, this restaurant combines Spanish and Argentine influences in hearty dishes. For the national holiday, they’re stepping away from classic locro with two comforting options: puchero made with slow-cooked roast beef in broth with carrots, corn, squash, leek, potatoes and sweet potatoes; or lentil stew made with a sofrito of onion, garlic, bell peppers and paprika, slowly simmered until creamy and rich.

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Good to know: dish + wine glass combos start at AR$17,000.

Where: Irigoyen 1801, Villa Real, just steps from Versalles.

Surrounded by books, antique teapots and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, Ifigenia Café offers an intimate and homemade-style May 25 celebration. This literary café will serve quince pastries made entirely in-house — from the puff pastry to the fresh-fruit filling — as well as beef empanadas, natural wines, loose-leaf teas and specialty coffee. With an open library, workshops and music, the space invites guests to slow down and spend the holiday reading and eating well.

Good to know: pastries and empanadas cost AR$6,000 each, and the puff pastry is prepared in full view of guests.

Where: Bolívar 1049, San Telmo.

A classic and hearty May 25 menu featuring traditional locro prepared with pork ribs, pork rind, fresh and cured sausages, beef, pancetta, white and yellow corn, butter beans, squash, onion, garlic and leek, seasoned with paprika, bay leaves, peppercorns and beef stock. A truly traditional preparation, completed with sweet potato and quince pastries served alongside hot chocolate — perfect for those looking to celebrate through old customs.

Good to know: the locro is served inside a country-style bread loaf, turning the dish into an even more homemade and comforting experience.

Where: Av. Maipú 701, Vicente López.

Inside a century-old mansion in Caballito with its own garden, Chill Garden is putting together a May 25 celebration that combines comfort food, live music and an outdoor atmosphere. The star is a traditional locro slow-cooked by chef Tupac Guantay with corn, beans, squash and pork cuts that create the thick, comforting texture the occasion calls for. The experience also includes a live folk music jam session plus complimentary pastries and torta frita for all diners.

Good to know: locro is served for AR$15,000 with a glass of wine included, and there’s a 2-for-1 deal on wine glasses throughout the day.

Where: Pujol 935, Caballito.

This Parque Chacabuco classic goes for an unbeatable May 25 formula: knife-cut beef empanadas and homemade locro packed with meat and flavor, prepared with roast beef, pork belly, smoked pancetta, pork rind, chorizo colorado and tripe. With its cantina-style atmosphere, the restaurant offers a relaxed and generous dining experience, with dine-in and takeaway options — ideal for anyone looking for straightforward criollo comfort food.

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Good to know: the locro + empanada combo costs AR$24,000 and usually sells out early.

Where: Del Barco Centenera 1698, Parque Chacabuco.

Facing Plaza Dorrego in the heart of San Telmo, Todo Mundo! celebrates May 25 with a very porteño proposal combining criollo cuisine, tango and long after-dinner conversations. The patriotic menu includes an ossobuco empanada, locro, drink and dessert for AR$40,000, featuring a hearty slow-cooked stew with corn, beans, cabutia squash and assorted meats. For those looking for a cozy autumn afternoon plan, there’s also a sweet deal with hot chocolate and three quince pastries for AR$20,000.

Good to know: there are tango performances during the day, and at night the venue continues with its classic dinner show and live music — a house tradition for more than 40 years.

Where: Anselmo Aieta 1095, San Telmo.

A truly classic May 25 celebration in a venue that pays tribute to Eva Perón and old-school porteño cuisine. For the occasion, the restaurant is serving a special off-menu locro with long cooking times and deep flavor, combining corn, beans, squash and a generous selection of meats. The experience also includes knife-cut beef empanadas, all enjoyed in a setting that blends traditional bodegón vibes, vermouth bar culture and political nostalgia.

Good to know: the special locro with empanadas costs AR$26,000 and is served exclusively on May 25.

Where: Guardia Vieja 4446, Almagro.

For those who prefer staying at home, La Dorita offers a complete patriotic combo that solves everything: two beef empanadas, vacuum-sealed locro for two people, two flans with Chimbote dulce de leche and one bottle of Fin del Mundo wine for AR$60,000. The proposal is designed for takeaway and easy at-home enjoyment, though guests can also choose to dine in.

Good to know: orders must be placed in advance via WhatsApp and picked up at either of the two locations.

Where: Humboldt 1892, Palermo; Bulnes 2593, Palermo.

The renowned boulangerie joins the May 25 celebrations with a special proposal that blends local traditions with French technique. Under the slogan “Argentine tradition with a French soul,” its Palermo and Belgrano locations will offer off-menu creations reinventing classics such as patriotic-style Berlin pastries filled with dulce de leche or pastry cream, rogel cake slices, quince pastafrola and cornstarch alfajores. An ideal option for those looking to celebrate the national holiday with a more gourmet twist.

Good to know: special combos include tea or coffee + Berlin pastry (AR$5,500), tea or coffee + pastafrola (AR$8,000), or a deal of two Berlin pastries for AR$5,000.

Where: Malabia 1805, Palermo; Zabala 1901, Belgrano.

In Puerto Madero, Villegas Restó takes May 25 to a more refined level with a three-course menu featuring empanada, patriotic locro, mixed flan and a glass of wine. The proposal combines tradition with elegant presentation and attentive service in a modern space that reinterprets the Argentine grill experience through a contemporary lens. An ideal alternative for those looking to celebrate with a more sophisticated touch.

Good to know: the AR$45,000 menu includes a glass of Luigi Bosca Pinot Noir, specially selected to pair with the main course.

Where: Avenida Alicia Moreau de Justo 1050, Puerto Madero.

For a May 25 celebration with historical context, this restaurant inside a 1923 mansion offers a complete patriotic menu with empanada, locro, dessert and beverage. The setting — featuring vintage-style dining rooms and a garden patio — creates a unique experience where food blends with architecture and memory.

Good to know: the menu costs AR$41,000 and includes a beverage of choice, from wine to lemonade.

Where: Juan María Gutiérrez 3926, Palermo.

A simple, hearty proposal perfect for cold weather: fried empanadas and a massive, generous “locrazo” made for sharing at the table. The bistro opens from midday with a special menu including homemade knife-cut beef empanadas (with potato, egg and scallions) or cheese empanadas (with mozzarella, sbrinz cheese, scallions, chili flakes and parsley), plus a creamy locro packed with pancetta, chorizo colorado, meats and plenty of squash. Everything can be enjoyed indoors, on the heated sidewalk terrace, or taken away for an easy patriotic lunch at home.

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Good to know: two empanadas cost AR$10,000 and the generous locro of the day costs AR$18,000.

Where: Av. Dorrego 901, Chacarita.

At one of San Telmo’s most iconic corners, La Poesía celebrates May 25 with a deeply porteño and history-filled proposal. This notable café founded by writer and journalist Rubén Derlis dresses in sky blue and white once again to serve locro throughout the entire day, from morning until late night. The experience is completed with homemade pastries, churros and hot chocolate for those preferring a patriotic afternoon tea at one of the city’s most traditional cafés.

Good to know: locro costs AR$22,000; pastries, AR$3,000; and the hot chocolate with churros combo, AR$7,000.

Where: Bolívar and Chile, San Telmo.

Chef Leandro Leyell’s project offers a patriotic celebration inspired by fire cooking and quality ingredients. The special menu includes fried knife-cut beef empanadas; a complete locro made with corn, white beans, pork belly, flank steak, squash, pancetta and chorizo colorado, served with spicy sauce; plus pastry, beverage and coffee. The venue — a spacious and relaxed terrace — provides the ideal setting for a long lunch or a different kind of holiday dinner.

Good to know: guests booking the first lunch seating are welcomed with empanadas and wine.

Where: Nicaragua 5577, Palermo.

As every year, Malvón transforms its classic brunch into a patriotic celebration with criollo dishes, homemade recipes and lots of pastries. From May 23 to 25, the Villa Crespo mansion adds knife-cut beef empanadas, lentil stew and a brunch-style version combining savory dishes, sweets and hot drinks. The pastry counter also fills up with traditional treats like pastelitos, cornstarch alfajores and filled croissants, alongside specialties inspired by other countries — such as Danish pastries — all handmade with organic flours and homemade dulce de leche.

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Good to know: the complete patriotic brunch costs AR$34,000 and includes a main dish, sweet option and beverage.

Where: Serrano 789, Villa Crespo.

One of the most versatile options, with both dine-in and takeaway menus. For takeaway, they offer a combo for two people at AR$46,000 including beef empanadas, two 450-gram portions of locro, sweet potato or quince pastries and bread rolls, plus individual options such as locro with quirimichi sauce (AR$17,900), veggie locro (AR$14,900) and empanadas (AR$3,000). In the dining room, the menu costs AR$25,500 and includes empanada, traditional or veggie locro with quirimichi, pastry, beverage of choice and bread.

Good to know: they offer a discount for customers who bring their own container for takeaway.

Where: Costa Rica 4588, Palermo.

With an all-day format, Cantina Recoleta offers a patriotic menu beginning with a fried or wood-fired empanada, with a choice between knife-cut beef or cuartirolo cheese with spiced onions. The main course can be either lentil stew with chorizo colorado, smoked pancetta, wood-fired roast beef and vegetables, or a smoked vegetarian version with pine mushrooms, scallions and poached egg, followed by bread pudding with dulce de leche and cream, plus a drink.

Good to know: available from 11am to 10pm, the menu costs AR$32,000.

Where: Av. Santa Fe 1430, Recoleta.

Inside a restored 1907 mansion in the heart of San Telmo, Grapín offers a different kind of May 25 celebration where patriotic cuisine meets a vegetarian perspective. The special lunch menu includes a humita empanada, an original mushroom locro and a traditional criollo pastry for dessert. The locro recipe combines crushed corn, butter beans, squash and six mushroom varieties — including shiitake, portobello and oyster mushrooms — creating an intense and comforting meat-free version.

Good to know: the menu costs AR$35,000, or AR$40,000 with a glass of wine included.

Where: Bolívar 938, San Telmo.

A proposal centered around pot cooking and open fire, where the star is a smoked locro made with beans, chickpeas, onion, bell pepper, scallions, leek, white and yellow corn, plus beef, pork skin, chorizo colorado and smoked pork sausage, thickened with squash and sweet potato and cooked for four hours. There’s also a slow-cooked lentil stew served with toasted country bread, followed by homemade sweet potato and quince pastries for dessert.

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Good to know: everything is cooked with the restaurant’s signature smoky touch, giving classic dishes a unique character.

Where: Honduras 5098, Palermo.

A proposal combining nostalgia and homemade cooking, in line with its seaside-style bodegón spirit and family tables reminiscent of the 1970s. The menu includes humita empanadas, classic locro (made with chorizo colorado, pork sausage, flank steak, pig trotter and pork belly) or a veggie version, plus quince and sweet potato pastries served with a scoop of ice cream. All in a relaxed atmosphere perfect for sharing and slowing down.

Good to know: it’s one of the few places offering a vegetarian locro version, expanding the menu without losing the traditional spirit.

Where: Virrey Loreto 3303, Colegiales.

The pizzeria — known for introducing Roman pinsa to Argentina — celebrates May 25 by blending Argentine tradition with Roman spirit through patriotic specials. In San Telmo, there will be hot chocolate, churros and homemade pastries for chilly afternoons, while the Almagro location goes heartier with locro, fried empanadas and wine. All served in a relaxed atmosphere where vermouth, coffee and long after-meal conversations also take center stage.

Good to know: the locro + empanada + wine combo costs AR$30,000, and the hot chocolate with churros combo costs AR$7,000.

Where: Carlos Calvo 581, San Telmo; Bulnes 910, Almagro.

By the team at La Dorita

INGREDIENTS (for 17 portions of 800 g)

• Corn oil, 100 g
• Pig trotters, 500 g
• Pork belly, 1 kg
• Roast beef, 1 kg
• Tripe, 500 g
• Sausage, 320 g
• Chorizo colorado, 160 g
• Split white corn, 400 g
• Butter beans, 400 g
• Squash, 3 kg
• Red bell pepper, 400 g
• Leek, 2 stalks
• Carrots, 200 g
• Stock concentrate, 60 g
• Salt, 40 g
• Pepper, to taste
• Crushed chili, to taste
• Sweet paprika, to taste
• Cumin, to taste
• Smoked pancetta, 100 g

For the spicy sauce:

• Scallions, 100 g
• Olive oil, 20 ml
• Spicy crushed chili, 1 tsp

METHOD

(Takes three days)

Day 1:

Soak and simmer the beans and corn for three hours. Change the water and repeat the process three times, cooking them for at least nine hours total.

Day 2:

Separately, boil the beans and corn for 40 minutes. Boil the pig trotters for an hour and a half, and cook the tripe in another pot for three to four hours. Grate the squash; finely dice the leek, red bell pepper and carrots; and set aside.

Day 3:

In a large pot, sauté the pork belly and flank steak first; then add the pancetta, leek, carrots and bell pepper. Add the grated squash and stock. Stir in the tripe, pig trotters, beans, white corn, chorizo colorado, pork sausage and seasonings. Once everything is combined, cook for another two hours.

For the spicy sauce:

In a frying pan, cook the white part of the scallions first; then add the green part and enough olive oil to coat everything. Turn off the heat and add the remaining oil plus one heaping tablespoon of spicy crushed chili.