


La Esquina de MeNU
About
La Esquina de MeNU offers families an authentic taste of Argentina in the traditional Mataderos neighborhood, known for its gaucho culture and local charm. The casual, welcoming atmosphere makes it easy for parents to relax while kids experience classic Argentine dishes like empanadas, milanesas, and dulce de leche desserts in a setting where families are truly valued.
Highlights
- ✓Authentic empanadas in various flavors that kids love
- ✓Classic milanesa (breaded cutlet) similar to chicken fingers, appealing to picky eaters
- ✓Fresh pasta dishes with simple tomato or butter sauces
- ✓Sweet dulce de leche desserts including flan and panqueques
- ✓Welcoming atmosphere where local families dine, giving an authentic cultural experience
Pro Tips
- 1.Learn a few basic Spanish phrases as this neighborhood restaurant caters primarily to locals and English may be limited, but staff are typically patient and helpful with tourists
- 2.Ask for 'agua sin gas' (still water) if your kids prefer non-carbonated drinks, as sparkling water is common in Argentina
- 3.Argentines dine late, so arriving for an early dinner around 7-8pm means shorter waits and a quieter atmosphere for families
- 4.Order empanadas as a starter to share, they arrive quickly and keep hungry kids happy while waiting for main courses
- 5.Keep some cash on hand as smaller neighborhood restaurants may not always accept international credit cards
Best Time to Visit
Weekday lunchtimes (12-2pm) or early evenings (7-8pm) before the local dinner rush. Weekend lunches are also family-friendly, though Sundays can be busy with multigenerational Argentine families dining together.
What to Know
Moderate pricing with most main courses affordable for families. Mataderos is outside the tourist center, so plan for a 30-40 minute taxi or Uber ride from downtown Buenos Aires. The neighborhood is safe during daytime but arrive before dark.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round. If visiting on a Sunday, consider combining your meal with a visit to the nearby Feria de Mataderos (Mataderos Fair), a traditional gaucho market with folk music and dancing, open Sunday afternoons from March through December.
More Activities Near Mataderos
Café Mataderos
Café Mataderos offers a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere where families can enjoy authentic Argentine breakfast and pastries without breaking the bank. This cozy local spot provides a relaxed environment perfect for introducing kids to Argentine cafe culture, with fresh medialunas (croissants), hot chocolate, and friendly service that makes families feel right at home.
Parque Mitre
Parque Mitre is a spacious community park in the Mataderos neighborhood offering families a refreshing slice of local Buenos Aires life. With well-maintained playgrounds, open green spaces for picnics and games, and sports facilities where kids can kick a ball around, it provides an authentic Argentine park experience away from the typical tourist trail.
Heladería Federico
Heladería Federico is a beloved neighborhood ice cream shop in the Mataderos district where families can sample authentic Argentine helado made with traditional recipes. Kids will love choosing from the colorful display of creamy, artisanal flavors that are notably richer and denser than typical American ice cream, while parents appreciate the budget-friendly prices and genuine local atmosphere.
Biblioteca Popular Sarmiento
Biblioteca Popular Sarmiento offers a welcoming community library experience in the Mataderos neighborhood where children can immerse themselves in Argentine culture through books and educational programs. The dedicated children's section and regular story time sessions provide an excellent opportunity for young readers to enjoy Spanish-language literature and interact with local families in a calm, enriching environment.