A Chef’s Guide to Santiago, Chile

A Chef’s Guide to Santiago, Chile - Find. Eat. Drink.

Chef’s Guide, Santiago, Chile, Where to eat, where to drink, where to shop, recommendations, City Guide, Travel Guide, Chef’s recommendations, hotels

By Liz Caskey

Beer

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Beer | Cocktails | Dive Bar

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CERVECERIA NACIONAL

Photograph courtesy of Cerveceria Nacional

The artisan beer movement is taking Chile by storm with young, passionate brewers popping up all over the country where the pure Andean waters provide the base for their inspired brews—from Santiago to Patagonia. The newest player in the capital scene is located in the funky Barrio Yungay, west of the downtown. This has quickly become the spot in Santiago to drink beer, with over 25 artisanal Chilean brands to choose from. Should hunger ensue, be like a true Chilean and order up some of their hearty, old school dishes like arrollado a lo pobre, spiced poached pork with French fries and fried egg; a beef tongue sandwich piled high with avocado or a crunchy homemade pizza. Salud amigos!

Location: Barrio Yungay

Address: Compañia de Jesús 2858, Santiago

T: +56/(0)2.681.4713

Website: www.cervecerianacional.cl

Closest Metro: Quinta Normal (green line)

Hours: Tue - Thu 6:30pm - 12am; Fri - Sat 6:30pm - 2am

Credit Cards: AE, DC, MC, V

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Cocktails

CASA LASTARRIA

Photograph courtesy of Casa Lastarria

In a 1930s Tudor-style building, this renovated home is on the lips of every hipster and barrio resident. Its slick style and low-key natural décor (think wood, concrete, stainless steel) make it a hub for lunch with fresh Chilean and international style cuisine overseen by chef Gonzalo Gutierrez. In winter, sit inside the cozy interior that lights up at night with an attractive glow. During the summer months, neighborhood dwellers congregate on the cobblestone patio in front of Casa Lastarria where seriously lethal Pisco Sours (Chile’s national drink made with lemon), mojitos, Kir Royal, and sparkling wine circulate at the speed of light. For snacks, get their empanadas.

Location: Barrio Lastarria

Address: Lastarria 70 (at Av. Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins)

T: +56/(0)2.638.3236

Website: www.casalastarria.cl

Closest Metro: Universidad Católica (red line)

Hours: Sun - Mon 11am - 1am

Average Price: Main Course US$ 9 - 16

Credit Cards: AE, DC, MC, V

Dive Bar

LA PIOJERA

Photo Credit: Paul Lowry [flickr]

One of Santiago’s historic cantinas, its name means “flea house” in Spanish, coined by former president Arturo Alessandri. For almost 100 years, not a whole lot has changed at this hole-in-the-wall, known for strong drinks and lots of local color. Still owned by the Bendetti family, the graffiti walls tell the story of the patrons who have come to laugh, love, cry, fight, suffer, and bond over alcohol throughout the decades. Order a terremoto, an “ice cream float” made with the simple wine called pipeño and topped off with a generous scoop of pineapple sorbet. Although you sip it through a straw, do not blow this off as a “fufu” drink— because it goes straight to your head. If you make it through your first terremoto and want a repeat, order a replica, a second round. Other options in this popular joint are chicha (sweet grape cider) from San Javier in the Maule valley south of Santiago. Near Christmas, the ubiquitous cola de mono, a sort of eggnog made with firewater, milk, coffee, and spices are a holiday favorite. Although primarily a drinking hole, they have homey food, such as a thick arrollado sandwich, to help soak up all the booze. As you hang out, musicians with guitars and accordions sing folkloric cuecas and heartfelt national ballads.

Location: Centro Histórico

Address: Aillavilú 1030, with San Pablo (next to Mercado Central)

T: +56/(0)2.698.1682

Website: www.lapiojera.cl

Closest Metro: Cal y Canto (yellow line)

Hours: 10:30am - 12am

Credit Cards: No credit cards