Don Julio
Don Julio is a traditional-style, family-owned steakhouse in the district of Palermo Soho. While there are alternative entrees, the reasons for coming to this restaurant are undoubtedly the fine steaks and the expansive selection of wine. Don Julio's high-quality meat is shipped fresh on a daily basis, the same day that the cow is slaughtered. To accompany your steak, there are 350 wines to choose from, ranging from traditional malbecs, the staple red wines of Argentina, to a variety of additional reds and whites, including more experimental and difficult-to-find malbec blends. Don Julio is relatively small and intimate, not too fancy, with a warm family feel. Service is quick and attentive---rare in Argentine dining, and the waiters are eager to explain and to help you decide between the overwhelming variety of available steak cuts.
La Cabrera
La Cabrera, another popular steakhouse of Palermo, takes more of a gourmet approach to its menu. While premium beef cuts are still the highlight, a special feature of La Cabrera is its grandiose assortment of 13 miniature side dishes that accompany every entrée. For example, the "bondiola de cerdo," or pork shoulder cut, is a succulent dish that goes excellently with the lemon-citrus preparation. Also, try a bite of beef along with a forkful of stewed mushrooms and mashed potatoes with mustard seed. Compared to Don Julio, La Cabrera is about the same size, but more casual and lively. While Don Julio is better suited for dates, La Cabrera is a great place for big group dinners. Huge portions support this claim, as each one is fit for at least two to three people. Wine and drink are not La Cabrera's specialty, although the restaurant carries a decent selection of malbecs.
La Brigada
La Brigada is an excellent "parilla" located on the corner of Defensa and Bolivar in the district of San Telmo. Reflecting the old-fashioned feel of this historic district, La Brigada's atmosphere is a rustic blend of a humble local joint and fine dining: white linen tablecloths, tango music, and dim lights accompanied by a huge saloon-type bar, antique decorations, and gaucho/soccer memorabilia. Special dishes include the "lomo," a juicy sirloin cut, and "mollejas de chivito al verdero," young goat sweetbreads served in a sauce of creamy scallion. Another pleasant attraction of this restaurant is the locally brewed beer from Antares Brewery. A note for non-Spanish speakers: unlike Don Julio and La Cabrera, La Brigada is ill-equipped with English-speaking staff, so come prepared with a basic restaurant vocabulary.
