7 Places to enjoy small plates and beer in Buenos Aires

A genuine slice of the Basque Country has made its way into the streets of San Telmo. Sagardi is the ideal place to enjoy an authentic Spanish tapas experience. On one side, there's a classic restaurant with the Basque txuletón as its flagship dish. On the other, a bar filled with pintxos where guests can pick their choices right from the display and take them to their table.

A perfect bite, like pepper, cheese, and walnut on crispy bread, pairs wonderfully with a refreshing Imperial IPA served directly at the bar. Each pintxo has a toothpick, and at checkout, you pay based on the number of sticks on your plate.

Highlight: Though it’s in a busy area, it has its own parking lot three blocks away.

Where: Humberto Primo 319, San Telmo, Buenos Aires.

"Versatile" is a fitting description for Cucina Paradiso. Though known for its pasta and cannoli, it also has a menu section dedicated to "snack time."

Starting around 5 p.m. and ending at 7, just before dinner, you’ll find delicious bites like fried croquettes with potato, parmesan, mozzarella, and a hint of black truffle, as well as breaded and fried stuffed olives. These small plates, enjoyed on a summer afternoon, pair perfectly with a cold Imperial Golden.

Highlight: Keep your receipt if it totals over $50,000 – you can exchange it for a Pasaporte Paradiso at Alcorta Shopping and collect stamps at different locations for rewards.

Where: Armenia 1610, Palermo Soho, Buenos Aires.

Its wooden deck is the perfect spot this season, located by the river with stunning views. Tribu is like a beachside spot just a few kilometers from Buenos Aires.

The food offering focuses on clay-oven and grilled dishes, but there are options for all tastes, including small plates to snack on. Calamari rings, Spanish tortilla, and trout bruschettas paired with a refreshing Imperial Extra Lager make the perfect combo to welcome the summer.

Note: The restaurant operates within a fully restored former train station building.

Where: Juan Díaz de Solís 2794, San Isidro.

An evening on a terrace with string lights and live music calls for two things: a beer and some small plates. At Pompeya Leloir, the menu features several snack options like fries, provolone, and an Arabic platter with hummus, tabbouleh, and toasted pita bread, ideally accompanied by an Imperial APA to enhance the flavors.

Highlight: The menu includes veggie burgers and a kid’s section.

Where: Martín Fierro 2997, Unit 10, Parque Leloir, Buenos Aires Province

Located on a busy Palermo corner, Bilbao offers a 100% tapas experience. Some standout plates include Swiss chard fritters with aioli dip and roast beef and chorizo meatballs with tomato pisto, sardo, and warm bread. Enjoy them with a pint or half-pint of Imperial to complete the experience. The house specialty is seafood, crafted by chef Leandro Leyel.

Also of interest: Learn all about IPA beer

Note: While lunch or dinner is ideal, they also offer complete breakfast and snack options.

Where: Thames and Costa Rica, Palermo, Buenos Aires.

Cacho Rotisería is the place for those familiar, comforting dishes like vitel toné. The 80s-inspired decor and craveable bites like Spanish tortilla and mozzarella sticks make it feel like home. We recommend the Popurrí de Rotisería, a sampler with croquettes, fritters, and chicken strips alongside an Imperial Roja. For more, try La Milanesa de Brandoni with noisette potatoes.

Highlight: Behind a plastic curtain, Cacho hides La Uat, a bar with the same aesthetic that’s popular on weekends.

Where: Thames 1627, Palermo, Buenos Aires.

La Caña Vermutería blends the best of two culinary worlds: Italian aperitifs and Spanish tapas. The menu features multiple options, with pintxos and tortilla as must-tries. An Imperial IPA is a perfect companion for the ham croquettes, while an Imperial Roja goes well with Pantuca, a sourdough toast topped with slow-cooked tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil.

Highlight: The menu includes shared tapas platters with various options for groups.

Where: Marcos Sastre 3301, Villa del Parque, Buenos Aires.