
Restaurant in Esquel:
María Castaña Restaurante
Address: Esquel, Chubut Province, Argentina
Monday to Sunday 8a.m.–1a.m.
Phone: +54 2945 45-1752
🍰☕ The Ultimate Argentine Breakfast & Brunch in Esquel – Sweet Treats, Local Life & Travel Tips 🇦🇷
🐾 Saying Goodbye to Our Furry Friend
Our morning begins with a classic Argentine dilemma: leaving our little cat friend behind while we head out for breakfast. After reassuring our feline buddy that he’s been well fed and petted, we set off to satisfy our own appetites, promising to return soon!
🍫🥐 The Art of Argentine Breakfast – Pastries, Cakes, and More
On our last day in Esquel, chilly weather calls for a hearty and sweet meal. We dive into a breakfast banquet that’s a bit more special than the typical Argentine start. While most locals might have a simple coffee with medialunas (sweet croissants), facturas (pastries), or bread with jam and butter, we go all out with:
Waffles with dulce de leche, whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles, and a cherry on top
Decadent chocolate cake layered with dulce de leche, whipped cream, raspberries, and chocolate bits
Classic toasted ham and cheese sandwich (tostado) for a savory touch
Alfajores de maicena (cornstarch cookies filled with dulce de leche and rolled in coconut)
Cafés con leche (frothy coffee with milk) plus a little glass of soda water—a uniquely Argentine touch to cleanse the palate
It’s a weekend-style brunch with more sweets than savory, perfectly in line with the Argentine love for cakes, pastries, and desserts at breakfast!
🍰 Breakfast Highlights & Sweet Temptations
Sampling the various treats, we note:
The chocolate cake is spectacular, with layers of rich flavor and a balance between tart raspberries and creamy dulce de leche.
Waffles in Argentina are delightfully light, covered in a thick layer of dulce de leche and cream—so addictive, we joke about needing to leave the country before our clothes no longer fit!
Alfajores de maicena are a favorite: crumbly, delicate, and perfectly paired with the sweet caramel filling.
Coffee here is consistently excellent—milky, frothy, and strong enough to balance out all the sugar from the sweets.
And if you’re ever in Esquel, we highly recommend getting “the chocolate cake”—it’s much more than just chocolate!
💸 Affordable Indulgence & Local Eating Tips
For two people, three drinks, a lavish array of sweets, and a hearty sandwich, the total came to just $14 USD—a great deal for such a generous breakfast spread. Pro tip: share the massive portions, especially if you plan to keep eating all day.
🚌 Travel Logistics: Buying Bus Tickets in Esquel
After brunch, we brave the Patagonian winds and rain to walk to the bus terminal and purchase tickets to El Bolsón. Here’s what we learned:
Tickets are around $10 USD for a comfortable “cama” (reclining seat) on a short ride.
Bus departures are limited, so plan ahead—morning or late afternoon only.
Arriving early lets you secure the best seats and stick to your itinerary.
Despite a broken umbrella and getting soaked, we’re happy with our travel plans and look forward to the scenic journey ahead.
🍷 The Secret to Buying Great Argentine Wine
Back at our apartment, we share a hard-earned tip: skip the chain supermarkets and upscale wine shops—family-run grocery stores and smaller shops often hide rare gems at bargain prices! We score a bottle of 2003 Norton Malbec blend (yes, 16 years old!) for just $8 USD. It’s a special find that we’ll save for guests, but it shows just how amazing wine shopping can be in Argentina.
🌧️ Cozy Workday & Packing for the Road
With rain pouring outside, we make the most of a cozy indoor workday. Tonight’s mission: packing for tomorrow’s early departure. Pro tip: divide duties—one of us handles the luggage, the other manages all the photos and video files!
Sweet & Sugary ARGENTINE BREAKFAST at a Cafe in Argentina | Esquel, Chubut:
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