A historic downtown bar-restaurant near the Mercado Central famous for the terremoto, a cocktail of pipeño wine, pineapple ice cream and grenadine, and for hearty plates like chorrillana and empanadas. Crowded and loud at lunch and after work.
La Piojera is a historic bar-restaurant on Aillavilú street in downtown Santiago, a short walk from the Mercado Central. It is one of the best-known traditional drinking and eating places in the capital and is famous as the home of the terremoto, a cocktail of pipeño (young, lightly sweet wine), pineapple ice cream and grenadine. The cocktail is served in large glasses and is strong enough that locals treat it with caution, and visitors are often warned to take it slowly. Food is hearty and unpretentious, built around chorrillana, a pile of chips topped with beef strips, fried onions and eggs; empanadas de pino filled with minced beef, onion, egg and olive; and pernil con puré, roast pork leg with mashed potato. The dining room is large, informal and decorated with memorabilia and political and sporting ephemera, and it fills quickly at lunch and after work with a mix of workers, students and curious travellers. Noise levels are high, tables are shared at busy times, and the dress code is whatever is comfortable. Prices are among the lowest in this guide, making it a budget-friendly stop, and a drink and a plate remain inexpensive even by Chilean standards. Hours are listed as Monday to Saturday from about 12:15PM until midnight, with the restaurant closed on Sundays. Reservations are not needed; arriving before 1:30PM or after 3PM generally avoids the worst lunchtime crowd. The surrounding area around the Mercado Central is busy by day and quieter at night, so visitors should be aware of their belongings and consider a taxi or ride-hailing car after dark. La Piojera pairs naturally with a market visit and gives a direct introduction to the city's working-class food and drinking culture.
| Price | $ |
|---|---|
| Hours | Mon-Sat 12:15PM-12AM (listed; confirm); closed Sun |
| Reservations | Not needed; arrive before 1:30PM or after 3PM to find a table. Phone +56 2 2698 1682. |
| Address | Aillavilú 1030, Santiago Centro |
Signature dishes
- Terremoto cocktail
- Chorrillana
- Empanadas de pino
- Pernil con puré
Good to know
- Known for
- Terremoto and classic Chilean pub food
Location
Aillavilú 1030, Santiago Centro
-33.4316, -70.6526 View on map
Highlights
- Famous terremoto cocktail of pipeño, pineapple ice cream and grenadine
- Chorrillana and empanadas de pino in a historic downtown setting
- Walking distance from the Mercado Central
- Very low prices for a drink and a full plate
Tips for visiting
- Take the terremoto slowly; it is stronger than it tastes.
- Arrive before 1:30PM or after 3PM to find a table without waiting.
- Pair a visit with the Mercado Central, which is a short walk away.
- Keep valuables secure in the crowded downtown area and use a taxi after dark.
- The restaurant is closed on Sundays; confirm hours on +56 2 2698 1682.
When to visit
Late lunch after 3PM is calmer, while the after-work period and weekends bring the biggest crowds. Weekday afternoons suit visitors wanting a seat and a conversation.
Accessibility
Accessibility details are not confirmed. The venue is large and busy, and visitors with mobility needs should phone ahead about steps and restroom access.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a terremoto?
A terremoto is a Chilean cocktail of pipeño wine, pineapple ice cream and grenadine, and La Piojera is among the most famous places to try it. It is stronger than it tastes.
Is a reservation required?
No. Reservations are not needed, but arriving before 1:30PM or after 3PM makes finding a table easier.
Where is La Piojera?
It is at Aillavilú 1030 in Santiago Centro, near the Mercado Central.
Is it open on Sundays?
Listed hours are Monday to Saturday from about 12:15PM to midnight, with the restaurant closed on Sunday. Visitors should confirm before going.