El Obrero

It took me a while to get there. Got there by 12pm, a bit early for lunch. The place was oretty much empty except for one table. I sat in the corner. The decoration is pretty cool as there is pictures all over the place. Ordered the entraña and a arugula salad. It was a nice size piece of meat. Cooked medium. Arugula salad was good. Service was ok. The waiter never came back to check on me but i asked if i could charge my phone and he brought me a portable charger.

Definitely a no-frills local favorite. We got a tip from an American ex-pat who lived in BA for about 7 years to try El Obrero, so we trekked from Palermo to give it a shot. El Obrero is located in La Boca, which we were told could be a little unsafe after dark, so we decided to come for lunch.

When we arrived, the outside looked kinda dilapidated, but once we entered, we were surprised to see the inside completely packed. Nonetheless, we were seated within 5 minutes, because they ended up opening up a table that was originally reserved, but were more than 15 minutes late. Sucks to suck. The inside is lined with all sorts of memorabilia, mostly as an homage to Argentinian sports and famous people who had dined in previous years.

We went with the ojo de bife (ribeye), the cazuela Obrero (tomato-based stew with rice, octopus, squid, and clams), and a good Malbec (duh). The cazuela was delicious, and came with a healthy portion of seafood, while not being too salty or sour. Overall, very well-balanced. The ribeye was likely, in my opinion, the best steak I had during my entire trip to Argentina, mostly because of the nice even char they put on the steak, while still keeping it juicy and flavorful (heh). Most of the steaks I had during my trip were very delicious and flavorful, but lacked the texture you get from being grilled over a close open fire. Just my own preference.

Prices are decent here, with most dishes running from around AR$180-250. The service was very attentive, and our waiter even called a cab for us at our request. I would definitely eat here again, given the chance. The food, while nothing fancy, is delicious, and well-executed, and you can feel like a local eating here.

Service was okay and the food was just okay too. Don't get the battered pejerrey fish unless you want many mouthfuls of sharp scales! To be fair, I've learned over my past month in Argentina that when you go to a bodegón, you should always, always order the steak, or you risk being disappointed. My friend's bife de chorizo steak was AMAZING, so she clearly did something right! Next time, I'm goin' for the beef.

When we had to wait 40 minutes for a table I really did wonder if my husband was lying by telling me it was the best meal he ever had and the wait would be worth it. Let me tell you.. he was NOT lying.. besides the incredible service the food was so wonderful.. We started with provoleta which was cooked perfectly and seasoned nicely.. My husband and daughters all went for the lomo while I decided to try the grilled fish with paprika and garlic. That was the best fish I have ever tasted... flaky and cooked to perfection. I only got one bit of lomo as none of my companions would share!! The piece I had was tender and delicious. For dessert our waiter recommended the dessert his mother made, Vanilla Palvo. It was the perfect way to end the meal!

Great steak and superb chimichurri sauce. Fries and salad good too.
But in a dicey neighborhood so take a taxi to get there (take this from somebody who has lived in some pretty colorful neighborhoods in urban America). It is worth the trip.