We had no idea that we were near such an iconic old-school neighborhood fixture when we booked an…read moreinexpensive apartment for our BA stay. It's made all the difference, as there's nothing better to soak in the local culture.
Cervantes II is a parilla, a restaurant focussed on the grilling of beef. (Non-beef alternatives include chicken, pork, seafood, salads, and even ravioli with tomato sauce.) Parillas focus on serving a variety of dishes, quality food, quick service, and low prices. And quantity. Each order will be more food than you imagine.
As written previously (and I translate badly from the Spanish), Cervantes II is "a neighborhood tavern, a large inn, with large capacity and frequently overcrowded with people waiting by the door." It's true; it's always full. Don't let this scare you: the service and turn-over is fast; you'll be sitting shortly. There's also take-out.
We've come here several times, trying different things, working through the menu. Recommendations -- thus far -- include rabas (calamari), matambre (fried pork), bife de chorizo (top sirloin steak), and bife de lomo (tenderloin steak).
Everything is made to order, there's free Wi-Fi, and there's never any feeling of being rushed from the table. Enjoy.
