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| Che's Argentine steakhouse going strong after 30 years |
by Gabriela Gonzalez
DownIsland Staff
DownIsland Staff
| Click on pictures to enlarge |
What started off as a small, family-owned restaurant with only 15 or so tables to
seat its customers, has grown over the past 30 years to become one of Puerto
Rico’s most famous and popular Argentinian dining spots. But that doesn’t mean
its “family comes first” policy has changed that much over the decades.
And that’s mainly because Che’s Restaurant, located at 35 Caoba Street in
Punta Las Marías, San Juan, didn’t trade in quality of service and great food
when it expanded its locale to fit its growing clientele.
Founded in 1976 by Argentinians Roberto Alemán and Oscar Marty, Che’s
opened its doors for the first time on July 16. Its menu has remained essentially
the same since then, boasting succulent, prime meat cuts like the ever-popular
Churrasco, the Bife de Chorizo (New York Sirloin), the Bife de Lomo (Filet
Mignon), and of course, its signature cut, the Bife Che’s (or Rib Eye). Other
favorites include the Parrillada Argentina (Argentinian Grill), the Milanesa de
Ternera (Breaded Veal), and their meat, cheese or crabmeat Empanadas
(Turnovers).
“I was here once before on a business dinner and had the empanadas, and I
told my wife that whenever she came down [to Puerto Rico] we would have to
come to Che’s so that she could try them,” says John Toomey while enjoying
dessert with his wife Elizabeth, both from Dedham, Massachusetts.
Even Juan Pablo Alemán –Che’s General Manager and son of owner and
founder Roberto Alemán—admits he loves dining out at different restaurants,
but says he’s never had empanadas as good as the ones they make here.
And for those who aren’t in a carnivorous mood, Che’s Restaurant also serves
pasta, seafood, soups and salads.
They also have a full bar and an extensive wine list, including some of the best
Argentian and Spanish wines.
Che’s Restaurant opens 7 days a week, from 11:30 am – 11 pm on Sundays-
Thursdays and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. All major credit cards
are accepted, as well as Traveler’s Checks. No personal checks. Gift cards are
also available at the restaurant.
Telephone (787) 768-7121
seat its customers, has grown over the past 30 years to become one of Puerto
Rico’s most famous and popular Argentinian dining spots. But that doesn’t mean
its “family comes first” policy has changed that much over the decades.
And that’s mainly because Che’s Restaurant, located at 35 Caoba Street in
Punta Las Marías, San Juan, didn’t trade in quality of service and great food
when it expanded its locale to fit its growing clientele.
Founded in 1976 by Argentinians Roberto Alemán and Oscar Marty, Che’s
opened its doors for the first time on July 16. Its menu has remained essentially
the same since then, boasting succulent, prime meat cuts like the ever-popular
Churrasco, the Bife de Chorizo (New York Sirloin), the Bife de Lomo (Filet
Mignon), and of course, its signature cut, the Bife Che’s (or Rib Eye). Other
favorites include the Parrillada Argentina (Argentinian Grill), the Milanesa de
Ternera (Breaded Veal), and their meat, cheese or crabmeat Empanadas
(Turnovers).
“I was here once before on a business dinner and had the empanadas, and I
told my wife that whenever she came down [to Puerto Rico] we would have to
come to Che’s so that she could try them,” says John Toomey while enjoying
dessert with his wife Elizabeth, both from Dedham, Massachusetts.
Even Juan Pablo Alemán –Che’s General Manager and son of owner and
founder Roberto Alemán—admits he loves dining out at different restaurants,
but says he’s never had empanadas as good as the ones they make here.
And for those who aren’t in a carnivorous mood, Che’s Restaurant also serves
pasta, seafood, soups and salads.
They also have a full bar and an extensive wine list, including some of the best
Argentian and Spanish wines.
Che’s Restaurant opens 7 days a week, from 11:30 am – 11 pm on Sundays-
Thursdays and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. All major credit cards
are accepted, as well as Traveler’s Checks. No personal checks. Gift cards are
also available at the restaurant.
Telephone (787) 768-7121
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