Top San Antonio de Areco Pulperías for Drinks

Choosing where to stop for a drink can be hard with so many options. Areco has a rich collection of historic bars that vary in atmosphere. Some are quiet museums, while others are lively spots for friends. Before diving into the full details, here are our top quick picks for your visit.

• Best overall: Boliche de Bessonart.
• Best for history: Pulpería La Blanqueada.
• Best for families: Pulpería de San Antonio.
• Best free experience: Gaucho Museum walking grounds.

Best Pulperías for Traditional Drinks in Areco

The traditional pulperías in San Antonio de Areco are more than just bars. They are living history books with dusty shelves and ancient wooden counters. Most offer the famous "picada," a board of local cheeses and salami. You should expect a casual, unpretentious environment in every location listed here.

1. Name: Boliche de Bessonart
   Type: Iconic Bar
   Why go: It is arguably the most famous bar in town with leaning walls and authentic charm.
   Best for: People-watching and photography.
   Where: Corner of Segundo Sombra and Zapiola.
   Time: 1-2 hours.
   Cost: $$-$$$ (Moderate).
   Getting there: Set in the downtown area, easily walkable from the main square.
   Tip: Try the "Fernet with cola" while sitting by the old windows.
2. Name: Pulpería La Blanqueada
   Type: Museum/Sight
   Why go: This is a restored 19th-century pulpería mentioned in famous Argentine literature.
   Best for: History lovers.
   Where: Inside the Parque Criollo grounds.
   Time: 45 minutes.
   Cost: $ (Entry fee for museum).
   Getting there: Walk 15 minutes from the city center across the Old Bridge.
   Tip: Check out the visiting the historic pulperia la blanqueada museum guide for updated tour times.
3. Name: Bar San Martín
   Type: Local Hangout
   Why go: It is a no-frills spot where real gauchos often stop for a morning coffee or afternoon drink.
   Best for: An authentic, non-touristy experience.
   Where: Near the main square, Plaza Ruiz de Arellano.
   Time: 1 hour.
   Cost: $ (Cheap).
   Getting there: Located right in the heart of the historic center.
   Tip: Order a Cinzano with soda and listen to local conversations.
4. Name: Pulpería de San Antonio
   Type: Gastronomic bar
   Why go: It offers a more modern dining experience while keeping the traditional aesthetic.
   Best for: Lunch paired with local wine.
   Where: Calle Don Segundo Sombra.
   Time: 2 hours.
   Cost: $$$ (Standard restaurant pricing).
   Getting there: Walkable from any downtown hotel.
   Tip: Their meat empanadas are some of the best in the province.
5. Name: Bar Los Principios
   Type: Experience
   Why go: It is one of the oldest establishments in the city, kept in its original state.
   Best for: Seeing antique bottles and vintage decor.
   Where: Zapiola and Moreno.
   Time: 1 hour.
   Cost: $$ (Affordable).
   Getting there: A short walk from the riverfront.
   Tip: Review the list of the oldest bars in San Antonio de Areco to see its peers.
6. Name: Almacén de Ramos Generales
   Type: Experience
   Why go: It looks like an old general store where you can buy both goods and drinks.
   Best for: Browsing local crafts while sipping a vermouth.
   Where: Near the Ricardo Güiraldes Museum.
   Time: 1 hour.
   Cost: $$ (Mid-range).
   Getting there: Best reached by foot or bicycle from the center.
   Tip: Look for the high wooden shelves filled with old merchandise.
7. Name: Puesto La Suerte
   Type: Day trip
   Why go: Located a bit outside town, it offers a more rural, open-air feeling.
   Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts.
   Where: Rural outskirts (5km from center).
   Time: Half-day.
   Cost: $$ (Moderate).
   Getting there: Take a short taxi or bike ride from town.
   Tip: Check for top attractions near San Antonio de Areco to pair this with a nature walk.
8. Name: La Segunda
   Type: Traditional bar
   Why go: It has a quiet atmosphere and deep roots in the neighborhood culture.
   Best for: Reading a book or quiet reflection.
   Where: A few blocks away from the busy tourist path.
   Time: 1 hour.
   Cost: $ (Budget-friendly).
   Getting there: Walkable, but slightly hidden on a side street.
   Tip: Ask for the house wine served in a penguin-shaped pitcher.
9. Name: Bar El Tokio
   Type: Coffee/Bar
   Why go: It is a classic social club where locals play cards and enjoy traditional snacks.
   Best for: Socializing with locals.
   Where: Facing the main square.
   Time: 1 hour.
   Cost: $$ (Moderate).
   Getting there: Located at the busiest corner of the square.
   Tip: Visit in the late afternoon for the best atmosphere.

Essential Gaucho Drinks You Must Try

When you sit down in an Areco pulpería, you might see drinks you don't recognize. Argentines have a unique palate for bitters and herbal spirits. The most common traditional drink is Fernet, an Italian bitter often mixed with cola. It is a staple of social life across the country.

Another classic is Vermouth, specifically brands like Cinzano or Gancia. These are typically served with a splash of soda water and a lemon slice. Often, these drinks come with "triolet," which are small bowls of olives, peanuts, and cheese. It is the perfect way to spend a lazy afternoon.

If you prefer something sweet, try Hesperidina. This orange-based aperitif was the first trademark ever registered in Argentina. It has a mild, citrusy flavor that is very refreshing. Many pulperías also serve local wines from the Pampas or nearby Mendoza regions.

Planning Your Trip to Areco and Nearby Spots

San Antonio de Areco is about 113 kilometers from the city of Buenos Aires. You can reach it by car via National Route 8 in about 90 minutes. Buses also run regularly from the Retiro station in the capital. It is a popular weekend destination, so plan for crowds on Saturdays and Sundays.

Most visitors find that a full day is enough to see the main bars. However, staying overnight allows you to enjoy the quiet evenings when day-trippers leave. You can find many charming guest houses and traditional estancias nearby. The city is very safe and easy to navigate on foot.

For more official information, you can visit the San Antonio de Areco Turismo website. They provide maps and seasonal event calendars. The town hosts the massive Tradition Festival every November, which is a must-see for gaucho fans. Always check the weather as the Pampas can get quite hot in summer.