Bar Arocena
A historic Montevideo bar since 1923, famed for its legendary Chivito sandwich and authentic local vibe, complete with live sports viewing.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Bar Arocena
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Montevideo bar since 1923, famed for its legendary Chivito sandwich and authentic local vibe, complete with live sports viewing.
"This is the best Chivito I've had so far in Uruguay!"
Come Hungry!
Generous portion sizes mean you'll want to arrive with an appetite to fully enjoy your meal.
Try Different Chivitos
Explore both classic chivitos and the innovative variations offered at this historic bar.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Uruguayan Bar Food
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+598 2600 0483
Address
4W6V+3CC, Av. Alfredo Arocena, 11500 Montevideo, Departamento de Montevideo, Uruguay
Website
bararocena.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Legendary Chivito
Savor Uruguay's unofficial national sandwich, a gargantuan creation with steak, ham, bacon, cheese, and more.
Authentic Local Atmosphere
Step into a historic bar, open since 1923, offering a genuine taste of local Montevideo vibes.
Sports Bar Experience
Enjoy live sports matches on screen while indulging in traditional Uruguayan dishes and drinks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Come Hungry!
Generous portion sizes mean you'll want to arrive with an appetite to fully enjoy your meal.
Try Different Chivitos
Explore both classic chivitos and the innovative variations offered at this historic bar.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
For a smoother experience, consider visiting during less busy times to avoid potential service delays.
Don't Forget the Sides
Sweet potato fries and onion rings are highly recommended accompaniments to your main dish.
Tips
from all over the internet
Come Hungry!
Generous portion sizes mean you'll want to arrive with an appetite to fully enjoy your meal.
Try Different Chivitos
Explore both classic chivitos and the innovative variations offered at this historic bar.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
For a smoother experience, consider visiting during less busy times to avoid potential service delays.
Don't Forget the Sides
Sweet potato fries and onion rings are highly recommended accompaniments to your main dish.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bar Arocena is celebrated for its legendary chivitos, often hailed as the best in Montevideo and even Uruguay, served in generous portions. Diners appreciate the authentic, historic bar atmosphere, and the ability to watch live sports. However, some reviews mention issues with hygiene and inconsistent service, with one diner reporting a negative experience regarding a cook's handwashing habits and another noting difficulty in obtaining basic cutlery.
"I do recommend coming here hungry, as the chivito sizes are rather generous. We came here at lunch, and even though they were busy, the service was very fast."
Mina C. Trandafilovski
"The glass they offered me was dirty and smelled like mold. Also? I accidentally went to Men’s room and saw the cook use the bathroom and walk out without washing his hands. HE DID NOT WASH HIS HANDS AFTER USING BATHROOM.
Ewwwww
Despite wanting to vomit, I didn’t want to cause a scene for the group and ate the food. It wasn’t bad. But I really question the hygiene at this restaurant."
Elsa K
"Although we ate a great chivito with fried sweet potatoes and onion rings, the service was not good. We asked the waiter for knives and forks to eat the chivito but unluckily we had to use our hands!"
sandra perez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The chivito is Uruguay's unofficial national sandwich, a substantial creation typically featuring steak, ham, bacon, cheese, egg, and other toppings.
Yes, Bar Arocena is open 24 hours a day, allowing you to enjoy their dishes whenever you desire.
Yes, diners frequently mention that the portion sizes, especially for the chivito, are very generous.
Yes, Bar Arocena is a great spot for sports lovers as you can watch live matches on their screens.
French fries and sweet potato fries are popular choices and are often recommended to accompany your meal.
As a historic bar, Bar Arocena generally has a casual dress code, so feel free to come as you are.
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Este es un bar muy reconocido en Montevideo, está abierto las 24 horas del día por lo que se podrán degustar los mejores chivitos cuando tengas ganas, sobre todo cuando se está con bastante hambre en esas noches de salida con los amigos, se podrá ir a comer un chivito en el mejor lugar y con la mejor compañía, que más se puede pedir. Este bar se encuentra ubicado en Arocena 1564.
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Joined by chef Ignacio “Nacho” Mattos, head chef and owner of New York‘s Estela, Café Altro Paradiso, and Flora Bar (unfortunately now closed), Bar Arocena specializes in Uruguay’s unofficial national sandwich: the legendary chivito. A gargantuan among sandwiches, the chivito is built out of steak, ham, bacon, cheese, hardboiled egg, mayo, and garnishes.
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So it makes sense to try it at the alleged birthplace of said steak sandwich. Old school style Bar Arocena, which first opened in 1923, brings us chivito royalty decked out with thin tender steak, cheese, ham, bacon, mayo, fried egg, and lots of history. Make sure to also order a portion of papas fritas.
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Mientras que en Uruguay los mejores son el Tinkal, Chivitería Marcos, el Bar Arocena y el American Bar, en Argentina se habla de lugares como Nuestra Parrilla, Alameda Costanera Sur, Chori y La Cabrera Parrilla Palermo. En ambos casos, la mayoría de los restaurants recomendados quedan en la capital.
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Bar Arocena is a perfect bar for sports lovers as one can watch live matches on the screen. Moreover, it is a local bar that serves authentic food, and their food is worth appreciation. So, you can stop by having excellent bar food and beer to get the perfect local vibe.
Los bares y cantinas imperdibles para probar sus platos típicos
Lleva lomo, lechuga, tomate, huevo, morrón, jamón cocido, mozzarella, panceta y mayonesa. Se llama “ Chivito Arocena”. Se come con las dos manos, se desarma y chorrea.
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