The restaurant's front room
Cheap and in a good location, Alcobri has homemade food and is open late.
We usually tell you about restaurants and bars renowned for their good food or their style, in cool spots that have some type of plus. However, this time, I want to introduce to you one of my local favorites —in my old neighborhood Bellas Artes —a type of "fuente de soda," (something like a diner that also sells alcohol) that doesn't have much style, nor good music or sophisticated drinks, but always, always, has people.
Alcobri is located on Loreto Street on the corner of Dardignac, just a few steps from the renowned, popular restaurant El Toro, or a few blocks from clubs such as Bar Loreto or Onaciu. It has been on this corner for years, serving French fries, seafood empanadas, lunch menus and seafood. It's famous for its excellent service, very affordable prices —like a good "fuente de soda," nothing is more than $4,000 CLP— and the food, although very simple, is prepared well and reminds me a bit of home; when I pass by around 10 p.m. asking if they have any food and they say, "Meat with rice," I feel as if I had gone to eat at my grandmother's house, who serves me what's left of lunch, which has that comforting, friendly taste.
They also sell completos and sandwiches, as well as wines and national beers by the liter, such as Escudo, the locale's most popular bottle. It's normal to pass by here and see people of all ages sitting outside or inside, around an Escudo, while talking of life or eating an empanada.
If you're close, my recommendation is to go there for lunch, because they have menus with various options—such as fried fish for example, one of my favorites. If you're going late, eat the meat with rice, but if you're looking for something a little more sophisticated, the ceviche is excellent and substantial. For fresh seafood, Thursday is the best day, because that's when they go to Mercado Central; and if you want more privacy while enjoying your food, in the back of the locale, there is a room decorated with oceanic motifs —fishing nets, starfish, etc.— ideal for eating ceviche and drinking a bottle of wine.
Details:
100 Loreto, Recoleta
T: (56 2) 732 6952
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