What should I order at El Palenque?
El Palenque
Steak (includes rib eye, picaña, bife de chorizo, bife de lomo, sirloin)
Mentioned repeatedly as exceptionally well-prepared Uruguayan beef, cooked perfectly over wood fire or coals, with excellent seasoning and generous portions. Reviewers highlight it as some of the best steak in Montevideo and even South America.
Baby Beef
Recommended as a must-try dish, praised for its quality and taste, often considered among the best steaks available at the restaurant.
Sucking Pig
Specifically recommended by a reviewer who emphasized its quality, suggesting it as a signature dish worth ordering.
Blood Sausage
Mentioned positively alongside other grilled meats, enjoyed for its flavor as part of the authentic Uruguayan parrilla experience.
Seafood Spaghetti
Noted as a good seafood option, served quickly and well-prepared, suitable for those seeking seafood dishes.
Vegetarian Paella
Mentioned as a vegetarian option that some found good, though one review noted it was tasteless, indicating mixed opinions.
Pears in Wine Sauce
Highlighted as an extremely delicious dessert by a reviewer, praised for its outstanding flavor.
Flan with Dulce de Leche
Described as outstanding and made on site, this dessert received positive remarks for its quality.
Provolone Cheese
Mentioned positively as an amazing appetizer, complementing the meat-focused menu.
Location details
Pérez Castellano 1579, Montevideo, Montevideo Department, 11000, UY
Open in Google MapsHours
| Monday | 11:30 AM to 7 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11:30 AM to 7 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:30 AM to 7 PM |
| Thursday | 11:30 AM to 7 PM |
| Friday | 11:30 AM to 7 PM |
| Saturday | 11:30 AM to 6 PM |
| Sunday | 11:30 AM to 6 PM |
About El Palenque
El Palenque is a Uruguayan restaurant in Montevideo, Montevideo Department, located in Mercado del Puerto. Reviewers consistently praise the grilled meats, especially beef ribs, picanha, ribeye, chorizo, and other parrilla cuts, along with attentive service and strong wine recommendations. The restaurant is also known for dishes like Spanish tortilla, paella, sucking pig, and dulce de leche desserts. It is described as casual, cozy, historic, and trendy, with indoor and outdoor seating, including rooftop seating.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Rooftop seating
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Hard liquor
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Historic
- Trendy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Checks
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- High chairs
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid parking lot
Frequently asked questions
What is El Palenque known for?
El Palenque is best known for its parrilla and grilled beef, especially beef ribs, picanha, ribeye, and chorizo. Reviewers also mention the open-fire grill experience in Mercado del Puerto and say the meat is juicy, well-cooked, and served with very attentive service.
What dishes are most recommended at El Palenque?
Reviewers most often highlight beef ribs, picanha, Spanish tortilla, paella, and sucking pig, with dulce de leche desserts also mentioned often. Specific favorites in the reviews include chorizo de rueda, ribeye, morcilla, provoleta, potato omelette, and sweet black pudding.
What is the atmosphere like at El Palenque?
The atmosphere is casual, cozy, historic, and a bit trendy, with a lively market setting and views of the grill. It works well for groups and tourists, and reviewers also mention it as a good spot for solo dining at the bar or for a long lunch on the outdoor seating.
Is El Palenque good value, and what is the price range?
El Palenque is priced at $$$, and reviewers describe it as expensive but worth it for the quality of the food and service. Several note generous portions and strong wine pairings, so it tends to feel like a higher-end meal rather than a budget option.
When is the best time to visit El Palenque?
Lunch and dinner are both popular, but reviewers specifically mention enjoying a long lunch and sitting outside or at the bar to watch the grill. It is worth checking hours and making reservations, since brunch and lunch reservations are recommended and one review noted the restaurant closed early on a Saturday evening.
Is parking available at El Palenque?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Paid parking garage, Paid parking lot is available.
Restaurants like El Palenque in Montevideo
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