Best Terremoto
in Santiago

Verdict: A favorite of Anthony Bourdain; their Pastel de Choclo is the definition of "soul food." It is large, messy, intensely flavorful, and served in a setting that hasn't changed in a century. — Estación Central

Queue: Located in a gritty, high-energy neighborhood near the train station.

Go: 1:30 PM; a legendary and very unpretentious "Picada" operating since 1912.

Price: $

Dietary:

Verdict: Known as "The Palace of the Terremoto," this massive venue is a hub for traditional Chilean music and dance. Their version is notoriously large and is served with a very high-quality grenadine that adds a beautiful depth to the drink. — Centro Histórico

Queue: High-energy and very popular with local workers.

Go: 8:30 PM; a classic and very large traditional bar and restaurant.

Price: $

Dietary:

Verdict: This is where the city’s working class eats; look for the "Empanadas de Pino" stalls where the turnovers are served on plastic plates with a side of "pebre" (Chilean salsa). — Recoleta

Queue: Located just across the river from the Mercado Central.

Go: 12:30 PM; the second-floor food court is a hub for authentic local food.

Price: $

Dietary:

Verdict: The name translates to "Where the Fat Man Is"—a classic Chilean indicator of a place that serves enormous, calorie-dense meals for a low price. Their Completos are notoriously "oversized." — various (Centro / Rancagua)

Queue: High-energy and very unpretentious.

Go: 1:30 PM; a "people's restaurant" known for its massive portions.

Price: $

Dietary:

Verdict: Offers a "premium" Chorrillana using high-end tenderloin (lomo) and hand-cut artisanal fries; it is the most expensive version in the city but also the most technically perfect. — various (Providencia / Lastarria)

Queue: Located in the city's premier dining and cultural districts.

Go: 1:30 PM; a legendary and very stylish restaurant filled with Chilean pop culture artifacts.

Price: $$$

Dietary:

Verdict: One of the most famous "Picadas" in Santiago; their Chorrillana is a favorite for tourists and locals alike, known for its generous amount of beef and its perfectly caramelized onions. The atmosphere is vibrant, loud, and quintessentially Bellavista. — Bellavista

Queue: Located in the heart of the Bellavista nightlife area.

Go: 8:00 PM; a very popular and historic corner restaurant in the bohemian district.

Price: $$

Dietary:

Verdict: A favorite for those looking for an "authentic" local experience away from the main tourist strips; their Chorrillana is home-style, using thick-cut fries and a rich, savory beef gravy. — Bellavista

Queue: Located in the quieter backstreets of Bellavista.

Go: 8:30 PM; a hidden, rustic restaurant with a very traditional atmosphere.

Price: $$

Dietary:

Verdict: Known for its "Mega Chorrillanas"—plates that are designed to feed an entire family or a group of office workers. It is fast, affordable, and very unpretentious. — various (Centro)

Queue: Large and efficient casual dining room.

Go: 1:30 PM; a popular "people's restaurant" on the city's main avenue.

Price: $

Dietary:

Verdict: Their empanadas are notorious for their size and weight; one is a full meal. They are baked throughout the day, ensuring you almost always get one that is still warm from the oven. — various (Las Condes / Vitacura)

Queue: Multiple locations in the city's safe, middle-class districts.

Go: 1:00 PM on a Sunday; a premier bakery chain that is a staple for local families.

Price: $$

Dietary:

Verdict: Offers a "safe" and very affordable introduction to the Completo; it is a popular choice for those who want a sit-down meal with a cold beer without spending much. — various (Ubiquitous)

Queue: A very large and standardized casual dining chain.

Go: 1:00 PM for a reliable family lunch with beer (Schop).

Price: $

Dietary:

Verdict: As the name suggests, it is built for speed; the waiters are famous for shouting orders and the hot dogs appear almost instantly. It is a quintessential part of the downtown office-worker culture. — Centro Histórico

Queue: Extremely high turnover; you eat and leave in 10 minutes.

Go: 12:30 PM; a historic standing-room-only spot in the heart of the city's pedestrian district.

Price: $

Dietary:

Verdict: Offers a "home-style" Completo that feels less like fast food and more like something a Chilean grandmother would make; the bread is fresh from a local bakery and the mayo is whipped by hand. — Ñuñoa

Queue: A cozy and unpretentious establishment.

Go: 1:30 PM; a classic neighborhood lunch spot with a very traditional menu.

Price: $

Dietary:

Verdict: This is the "raw" street experience; while not for the faint of heart, eating a Completo from a street cart while standing on a busy corner is the most authentic connection to the city's working-class food culture. — various (Santiago Centro)

Queue: Look for the most crowded mobile carts in the downtown streets.

Go: 6:30 PM; the name refers to the "Uncle of the Oil"—a humorous nod to street food culture.

Price: $

Dietary:

Verdict: Known as the "other" birthplace of the Terremoto; they claim to have invented the drink before La Piojera. Their version is notoriously strong and served in a wonderfully dark and atmospheric setting. — various (Centro)

Queue: High-energy and very unpretentious.

Go: 8:30 PM; a historic and very unpretentious bar near the river.

Price: $

Dietary:

Verdict: Offers a "traditional" Terremoto in a wonderfully historic and quiet setting; it is a favorite for local intellectuals and writers who want to avoid the crowds of the more famous bars. — various (Centro)

Queue: A quiet and very atmospheric spot in the city center.

Go: 8:30 PM; a hidden and very atmospheric restaurant in a narrow alleyway.

Price: $$

Dietary:

Verdict: Famous for the "juiciness" of their pino; they use a traditional ratio of onions to meat that creates a rich, savory gravy inside the turnover, which is the hallmark of a great empanada. — various (Maipu)

Queue: A humble and very unpretentious neighborhood bakery.

Go: 12:30 PM; a legendary "local secret" with a massive following in the West.

Price: $

Dietary:

Verdict: Offers a "classic" version in a wonderfully formal and quiet setting; it is a favorite for local bankers and lawyers who want a traditional refresher without the noise of the city center. — various (Centro)

Queue: A quiet and very atmospheric spot in the financial district.

Go: 1:30 PM; a historic club with a beautiful garden terrace.

Price: $$

Dietary:

Verdict: Offers a "gourmet" take on the Chorrillana, using craft-beer-marinated beef and artisanal fries; it is the best spot for those who want to pair the dish with high-quality local IPAs or Stouts. — various (Bellavista / Providencia)

Queue: Located in the city's premier nightlife and dining corridors.

Go: 7:30 PM; a modern craft beer bar with a high-end pub food menu.

Price: $$

Dietary: