Excellent that you ask 🤓 — because many first-time visitors to Buenos Aires are surprised when they see an extra line on their restaurant bill called “cubierto.”
🍽️ What Is the “Cubierto” Charge? #
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Cubierto literally means “cover charge.”
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It’s a per-person fee added to your bill in many sit-down restaurants (especially parrillas and traditional bodegones).
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Typically: ARS 2,000–5,000 per person (≈ $2–5 USD, depending on exchange).
🥖 What Does It Cover? #
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It’s not a tip → it goes to the restaurant.
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It usually covers:
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Table setup (bread basket, butter, dips).
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Table linens and service.
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In some places, agua de mesa (tap water) is included, but not always.
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⚠️ Things to Know #
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Displayed on menus: By law, restaurants must show the cubierto charge somewhere on the menu.
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Not charged everywhere:
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Cafés, bars, fast-food, and most modern/hip restaurants don’t add it.
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Traditional parrillas and tourist-area restaurants almost always do.
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You still tip separately: Add your 10% gratuity on top of the bill (including cubierto).
✅ Example #
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Food & drinks: ARS 25,000
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Cubierto (2 people): ARS 6,000
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Subtotal: ARS 31,000
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Tip (10%): ~ARS 3,100
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Total paid: ~ARS 34,100
