The Abasto neighborhood is a place where tango and culture mix with coffee and bars. In this area of Buenos Aires, many of the stories and anecdotes have their origins on the corner of San Luis and Anchorena. There you will find the historic Bar Roma del Abasto.
Bar Roma has been around for almost 100 years and has become a meeting point for friends, coworkers, couples and families. Pizzas, empanadas, vermouth and even musical events are some of the reasons that invite people to visit Bar Roma.
Bar Roma (Buenos Aires): Essential Information Before Your Visit
What is Bar Roma?
Bar Roma is a beloved restaurant and bar specializing in pizza, empanadas, and vermouth, located in the vibrant Abasto neighborhood of Buenos Aires. With a history that dates back to 1927, Bar Roma has become a popular gathering place for families, friends, and colleagues who come together to enjoy meals and drinks in an authentically Argentine setting, accompanied by national music.
Bar Roma’s roots are deeply intertwined with the Abasto neighborhood, particularly the historic Abasto Market, which was a bustling commercial hub during the early 20th century. The bar served as a refuge for merchants, artists, football players, and countless locals who frequented its tables to savor coffee, beer, vermouth, pizza, and empanadas.
In 1952, the bar changed ownership, remaining in the hands of Jesús and Laudino until 2019, when they decided to pass the torch to a younger generation eager to continue the legacy. After four months of renovations, Bar Roma faced the unexpected challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, but despite the odds, it managed to survive and continues to thrive today at the corner of San Luis and Anchorena.
Bar Roma is open Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 1 AM, and on weekends from 12 PM to 1 AM.
Where is Bar Roma?
Bar Roma is located in the Balvanera neighborhood, commonly known as Abasto (an unofficial name for the area), at the corner of San Luis and Anchorena streets. It’s just one block from Avenida Córdoba and a few blocks from Avenida Corrientes. The bar is also close to Avenida Pueyrredón, situated to the east.
The Balvanera/Abasto area, where Bar Roma is located, is a fascinating cultural and gastronomic circuit, although it remains somewhat unexplored by foreign tourists. Being off the typical tourist trail, many people miss out on visiting the Abasto neighborhood and all it has to offer in terms of activities and sights.
Not far from Bar Roma, you’ll find the iconic Abasto Shopping mall, one of Buenos Aires’ most important shopping centers, not only for its commercial offerings but also for the historic building it occupies. The neighborhood has a rich history with tango, having witnessed many composers living or performing in nearby bars. The most famous example is Carlos Gardel, who lived on Jean Jaures street, where the Carlos Gardel House Museum is now located.
In the vicinity of Abasto Shopping, you’ll discover theaters, cultural centers, and various restaurants. Additionally, you can visit the Carlos Gardel Passage between Jean Jaures and Anchorena streets, where you’ll see the statue of Carlos Gardel.
How to get to Bar Roma?
The quickest way to reach Bar Roma is by bus. Given the many bus lines that pass through the area, and with Avenida Córdoba just a block away, you can take advantage of the following bus routes to get to Bar Roma: 29, 41, 99, 101, 106, 109, 140, and 188.
Another option is the subway. Line B runs along Avenida Corrientes, about five blocks from Bar Roma, while Line H runs along Avenida Pueyrredón, about four blocks away. In both cases, there are stations that will drop you off nearby, leaving you to walk the remaining blocks westward (if using Line H) or northward (if using Line B).
If you prefer using a private vehicle or bicycle, it’s a viable option, especially since the area is away from the main tourist flow. However, you’ll need to find a private parking lot for your car, bike, or motorcycle.
For bicycles, while you can lock it to a post, there’s a higher risk of theft, especially at night in this part of Buenos Aires. Take advantage of the protected bike lanes and exclusive paths to ride comfortably without mixing with car traffic.
For cars or motorcycles, since finding street parking can be hit or miss, it’s best to park in a private lot and not worry about it.
Why enjoy Bar Roma?
Breakfasts, Brunches, and Snacks
From 9 AM to 11:30 AM in the morning and 4 PM to 7:30 PM in the afternoon, you can enjoy a coffee, croissants, sandwiches, or toasties at Bar Roma. It’s also a great place to share a beer, wine, or vermouth with friends.
Bar Roma isn’t just about the best pizzas and empanadas in the Abasto neighborhood. It’s also a cozy, warm meeting place where you can relax and pass the time.
Pizzas and Empanadas
Bar Roma is famous for its pizzas and empanadas, honed over nearly 100 years. If you want to enjoy quality pizzas and empanadas without any guesswork, Bar Roma is the place to be.
Starting with the pizzas, you can choose from classic options (mozzarella, anchovies, onion and cheese) or go for Bar Roma’s special pizzas. These include vegan options, blue cheese, mushroom, and even stuffed pizzas, among many others.
The empanadas at Bar Roma are just as delicious as the pizzas. Far from being overshadowed, these large, flavorful empanadas come in various fillings, including beef, spicy beef (with chili), grilled chicken, ham and cheese, spinach and cheese, cheese and onion, and cheese and mushrooms.
What to pair with your pizza and empanadas? You can opt for Bar Roma’s signature vermouth or choose from beers, cocktails, wines, and non-alcoholic drinks.
Home Delivery Orders
If you’ve fallen in love with Bar Roma’s food and want to enjoy it again, but can’t visit the bar, you can take advantage of their home delivery service and order your favorites to enjoy at home.
You can pick up your order at Bar Roma or make your purchase through a delivery app.
