Have you not yet visited one of the many notable bars in Buenos Aires? Since the end of the 19th century, the city witnessed the rise of bars and cafes that offered more than just a place to have breakfast or drink. They were meeting points that brought together Argentine society, especially the intellectual and artistic class.
Most of these notable bars are still open today. In fact, they have not changed much in their architecture and service, being in some cases owned by the heirs of each founder.
Here we invite you to visit Varela Varelita, located in the Palermo neighborhood and frequented by locals and tourists who go out of their way to try its sandwiches. Intellectuals, artists and people looking for a bit of creativity in its inspiring atmosphere have passed through this bar and still do.
Varela Varelita (Buenos Aires): Everything You Need to Know Before Your Visit
What is Varela Varelita?
Varela Varelita is part of the select group of notable bars in Buenos Aires. These notable bars or cafés are recognized by the city’s government for their long history as gastronomic establishments and meeting places for intellectuals, poets, writers, journalists, artists, and even politicians.
There are over 80 notable bars in Buenos Aires, and Varela Varelita is one of them.
Located in the Palermo neighborhood, the bar gets its name from the last name of its original owner, who ran the bar with his son. Thus, the bar is named Varela Varelita: the first part for the founding father and the second for his son and successor.
Like other notable bars in Buenos Aires, Varela Varelita has hosted famous Argentine writers such as Héctor Libertella (1945-2006) and José Bianco, the latter being the editor of the renowned literary magazine “Sur.”
Varela Varelita has been in operation since the 1950s, and its ambiance has changed little since then: typical tables, walls filled with framed posters and movie advertisements, and a simple café and bar menu.
To this day, many cartoonists, filmmakers, actors, producers, and writers choose Varela Varelita as their spot for finding the focus that no other place provides, not even their own home.
The Menu at Varela Varelita
Varela Varelita’s dual identity as both a bar and café is evident in its menu: concise, simple, and without many options. This simplicity is precisely what is valued at Varela Varelita—a bar that does a few things, but does them exceptionally well.
The menu includes a variety of café offerings such as coffee, tea, “submarino” (hot milk with a chocolate bar), and cappuccino. These can be paired with medialunas (Argentine croissants), traditional pastries, pastafrola (a tart with quince or sweet potato jam), ricotta cake, or alfajores.
While many people are more than satisfied with what Varela Varelita offers for breakfast or a snack, the bar really shines with its sandwiches and alcoholic beverages.
Varela Varelita is known for its delicious and hearty sandwiches, which can include cold cuts, veggie options, and even hamburgers, with the possibility of adding cheese, ham, tomato, lettuce, and eggs as extras. Regular patrons often accompany their sandwiches with light alcoholic beverages such as beer or aperitifs like fernet, campari, cynar, and more. These can be enjoyed with soda, soft drinks, or freshly squeezed juice.
You’ll also find beers, empanadas, and non-alcoholic beverages on the menu.
Where is Varela Varelita?
Varela Varelita is located on the corner of Scalabrini Ortiz Avenue and Paraguay Street, in the Palermo neighborhood. Nearby are Plaza Armenia, Plaza Guemes, Plaza Serrano, and other tourist spots like Alto Palermo, the Botanical Garden, the Ecopark, and La Rural in Palermo.
In addition to Varela Varelita, the area is filled with restaurants, bars, and cafés, especially near the aforementioned plazas and Santa Fe Avenue.
Scalabrini Ortiz Avenue runs diagonally, connecting the neighborhoods of Palermo and Villa Crespo. Meanwhile, Paraguay Street is a key thoroughfare that stretches from Leandro N. Alem Avenue in the Retiro neighborhood to Dorrego Avenue in Palermo Hollywood.
How to Get to Varela Varelita?
The easiest way to get to Varela Varelita is by subway. The D line has a station on Scalabrini Ortiz Avenue at the intersection with Santa Fe Avenue. From there, it’s just a three-block walk to the bar.
Additionally, several bus lines run through the area, including Scalabrini Ortiz Avenue and Paraguay Street, making it quick and easy to reach Varela Varelita. The following bus lines will get you close: 15, 55, 57, 68, 110, 111, 145, 152, 160, 188.
The Palermo area, where Varela Varelita is located, is also well-suited for private vehicles or bicycles. Traffic issues are uncommon, and there are various private parking options available.
Varela Varelita is open Monday to Saturday and is closed on Sundays. On Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, it is open from 7 AM to 2 AM. On Thursdays and Fridays, the bar remains open 24 hours a day.
Why Visit Varela Varelita?
Experience a Notable Bar in Palermo
If you’re in Buenos Aires, visiting as many notable bars as possible should be on your to-do list. And there’s no better place to start than Varela Varelita, one of the most important in the Palermo neighborhood.
From the exterior to the tables and the simple menu, everything here will help you understand why Argentines are so passionate about these types of bars.
Taste the Delicious Sandwiches
Regular visitors to Varela Varelita highly recommend trying their exquisite sandwiches. From simple ham and cheese sandwiches on French bread to heartier options like hamburgers or milanesa sandwiches.
You can customize your sandwich with additional ingredients and pair it with non-alcoholic drinks, beers, or classic herb-based aperitifs.
A Bar with a Football and Cultural Atmosphere
Varela Varelita captivates visitors not just with its food and drinks but also with its ambiance. This atmosphere is shaped by both the patrons and the bar’s décor.
The walls of the bar are adorned with football pennants, vintage advertisements, and movie posters, among other framed images.
Adding to the charm are the typical bar furnishings and the excitement generated by the TVs, which almost always display a sporting event.
Flexible Opening Hours
Varela Varelita is one of the few notable bars that is open 24 hours a day, but only on Thursdays and Fridays. On the other days, except Sundays when it is closed, the bar operates from 7 AM to 2 AM.
The bar sees a steady stream of visitors throughout the day, though you can take advantage of quieter times before noon and during the early afternoon. In the evenings, especially on weekends, Varela Varelita tends to be busier.
It’s ideal to visit with a companion, as this increases your chances of getting a table.
