This always surprises first-time visitors 😅 — Argentines have a very late dining culture compared to most of Europe or the US.
🕖 Typical Dinner Times in Buenos Aires #
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Weekdays: 8:30 PM → 11:00 PM
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Weekends: 9:00 PM → midnight (sometimes even later in Palermo or San Telmo nightlife areas)
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Restaurants in tourist areas may start serving around 7:30–8:00 PM, but locals rarely arrive before 9 PM.
🍴 Lunch vs. Dinner #
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Lunch: 12:30 PM → 3:00 PM (some businesses close after lunch, especially smaller shops).
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Dinner: Starts late → 20:30–21:00 is normal, and restaurants can be empty before 8 PM.
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Late-night dining: Some parrillas, Palermo eateries, and bars stay open until 1–2 AM, especially on weekends.
✅ Tips for Travelers #
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Don’t expect early dinner reservations like in Europe → plan for later meals.
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If you’re hungry earlier: cafés, fast food, or bars often serve snacks from 5–7 PM.
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Tango shows usually include dinner starting around 9 PM, matching local habits.
