Restaurant in Buenos Aires, Argentina
La Americana
Classic 24-hour San Telmo empanada spot perfect for late-night cravings. Huge variety of fillings from traditional beef to exotic combinations.
La Americana has been producing empanadas continuously since the mid-twentieth century and holds the status of a Buenos Aires institution for this most Argentine of pastries. Located on Avenida Callao 83 near the junction with Avenida Corrientes — the city's theatre, bookshop, and entertainment corridor — the restaurant operates 24 hours a day, making it a reliable destination before or after shows, late-night concerts, or any unscheduled moment of hunger in the city centre.
The empanada selection spans more than twenty varieties at any given time. The carne suave (soft beef — a slowly cooked filling with mild spices, hard-boiled egg, and olives) is the most traditional and widely ordered. The carne picante (spiced beef) suits those who prefer heat. Jamón y queso (ham and cheese), choclo (sweet corn), spinach and cheese, and caprese are among the perennial options alongside seasonal additions. The pastry — hand-crimped with the characteristic repulgue fold that identifies each variety — is made fresh continuously day and night.
Empanadas are sold individually for takeaway or eaten on-site at counter seating. The practical minimum order is half a dozen; a dozen assorted empanadas constitutes a proper meal for one. Prices remain among the most affordable quality-food options in central Buenos Aires, and the quality-to-cost ratio is consistently high. The setting is entirely unpretentious: tiled walls, fluorescent lighting, and a steady stream of customers ranging from office workers at lunch to theatre-goers at midnight. No advance planning is needed and no reservation is possible. The experience is utilitarian rather than atmospheric, but La Americana's empanadas are genuinely well made and hold up at any hour.
Signature dishes
- Dozen Assorted Empanadas — $15
- Carne Suave (beef) — $1.50 each
- Jamón y Queso — $1.50 each
Hours: Open 24 hours
Reservations: Walk-in
Visit / Book / Contact
- Phone: +54 11 4371-0202
Location
Av. Callao 83, C1022 CABA, Buenos Aires
-34.6097, -58.3925 — View on map
Highlights
- Open 24 hours daily at Avenida Callao 83, steps from the theatre and entertainment venues of Avenida Corrientes
- More than twenty empanada varieties available, including traditional carne suave and seasonal specialty fillings
- Hand-crimped pastry with fresh fillings produced continuously throughout the day and night
- Among the most affordable quality-food options in the Buenos Aires city centre
- Counter seating and takeaway available; a dozen assorted empanadas makes a full meal
Tips
- Order a mixed dozen to sample multiple varieties — the server records each filling individually at the counter
- Carne suave is the most traditional introduction for first-time visitors; carne picante suits those who prefer heat
- Empanadas can be ordered baked (al horno) or fried (fritas); baked is the traditional option and has a flakier pastry
- The busiest periods are 12:30–2:00 PM and 10:00 PM–midnight; visiting outside these windows means faster service
- Takeaway is standard practice — a useful option for hotel dining or eating near the nearby plazas and bookshops
FAQ
What are empanadas?
Empanadas are hand-crimped pastry parcels filled with various ingredients — most commonly seasoned beef, chicken, or cheese — that are baked or fried. They are one of Argentina's most ubiquitous foods, consumed at all hours and at every price point.
How many empanadas make a meal?
Three to four empanadas constitute a light meal; six to eight make a substantial one. A dozen assorted serves comfortably as a shared meal for two to three people.
Is La Americana really open 24 hours?
Yes. La Americana operates around the clock, seven days a week. The sustained overnight trade is supported by its proximity to Avenida Corrientes, Buenos Aires' entertainment and bookshop street.
What is the difference between al horno and fritas?
Al horno empanadas are oven-baked with a flakier, drier pastry. Fritas are deep-fried with a crunchier, richer exterior. Both use the same fillings; the choice is a matter of personal preference.
How much do empanadas cost?
Individual empanadas are among the least expensive items on the Buenos Aires dining scene. Prices are in Argentine pesos and adjust with inflation; current pricing should be confirmed on arrival.
Accessibility
La Americana is on the ground floor of a building on Avenida Callao with a step-free entrance from the pavement. The counter seating area is accessible to wheelchair users, though the space becomes crowded during peak lunch and late-night hours. Takeaway service allows purchases without needing to navigate the full interior.