Choripán carts are an Argentine institution. Those street stands where the grill smoke calls you from three blocks away, where the chorizo drips juice, and where the owner knows you by name after two visits.
Here are the 7 best carts in Buenos Aires. The classics that have been around for decades, the new ones killing it, and the secrets that only locals know.
1. El Choricito - Costanera Norte
Location: Av. Costanera Rafael Obligado 5000 (near Club de Pescadores) Hours: Saturdays and Sundays 11:00-20:00 Price: $4,500 ARS (~$4.50 USD) complete choripán
The undisputed king of Buenos Aires carts. Since 1987 making the same parrillero chorizo that changes your life. On Sundays there’s a 30-minute line, but it’s worth every second.
Why it’s special:
- Artisanal chorizo from their own butcher shop
- Fresh bread of the day (runs out at 6 PM)
- Chimichurri with 12 secret ingredients
- River view for free
Fun fact: They’ve been in the same spot for 37 years. The owner, Don Carlos, learned from his father who had a stand in La Boca.
2. Chori Express - Plaza Constitución
Location: Plaza Constitución, Subte C exit Hours: Monday to Friday 07:00-23:00 Price: $3,800 ARS (the cheapest on this list)
The working person’s choripán. At 7 AM there’s already a line of people heading to work. At 6 PM, another line of people coming back. And at midnight, the line of folks leaving downtown.
Why it works:
- Honest price, high quality
- Speed (3 minutes and you’ve got your chori)
- Open practically all day
- Accepts transfers
The secret: They use charcoal grill, not gas. That makes the difference between a good chori and a spectacular one.
3. El Maestro del Chori - Bosques de Palermo
Location: Libertador and Dorrego (corner of the Rosedal) Hours: Weekends 10:00-20:00, weekdays 12:00-16:00 if weather’s good Price: $5,200 ARS (premium, but worth it)
This guy was a parrillero at a Palermo restaurant for 20 years. Got tired, opened a cart, and now makes the best gourmet street chorizo.
What makes it different:
- Pork chorizo with herbs
- Artisanal sourdough bread
- 6 sauces to choose from (even has black garlic aioli)
- Vegetarian option (lentil chorizo that doesn’t taste fake)
Target audience: If you’re taking a romantic date to the Rosedal, finish at this cart. You’ll impress for sure.
4. Choriván - Villa Crespo
Location: Corrientes and Scalabrini Ortiz (sidewalk of Abasto Shopping) Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 19:00-02:00 Price: $4,200 ARS
The night cart. When you leave the movies, the bar, or wherever at midnight and need a chori to save your life.
Why it rocks:
- Only cart with tables and stools
- Quilmes beer in cans ($1,500 ARS)
- Background music (tango, rock nacional)
- Free Wi-Fi (yes, seriously)
Anecdote: The owner has a sign that says “If you don’t like it, I’ll refund your money and give you another choripán.” In 8 years, he’s had to do it 3 times.
5. Don Pepe - San Telmo
Location: San Telmo Fair, Defensa and Humberto Primo Hours: Sundays 10:00-18:00 (fair only) Price: $4,800 ARS (includes the show)
It’s not just a cart, it’s an experience. Don Pepe is 78 years old, sings tangos while cooking, and tells you Gardel anecdotes between choris.
What’s special:
- Criollo chorizo with family recipe
- Country bread (thicker, holds everything)
- Criolla sauce with purple onion from Mendoza
- Sunday fair atmosphere
Tip: Go early (before noon). After that it fills with tourists and the wait is eternal.
6. Choriking - Belgrano
Location: Cabildo and Juramento (sidewalk of Banco Nación) Hours: Monday to Saturday 18:00-01:00 Price: $4,000 ARS
The millennial cart. Has Instagram (@choriking_belgrano), accepts all digital wallets, and does delivery through Pedidos Ya.
Innovation:
- QR to order without standing in line
- Combos: chori + fries + Coke $6,500 ARS
- Loyalty program (10 choris = 1 free)
- Vegan and gluten-free options
Crowd: Office workers from Cabildo, UBA Law students, and people leaving Dot Baires.
7. El Chori de Boedo - Parque de los Patricios
Location: Av. Caseros and Boedo (across from San Lorenzo Club) Hours: Game days from 3 hours before until 2 hours after Price: $4,300 ARS
This cart only opens when San Lorenzo plays. But if you’re a cuervo fan or love football, it’s a mandatory stop.
The vibe:
- Chorizo bombón (thicker than normal)
- Vienna bread (choripán format but brioche texture)
- “Ciclón” chimichurri sauce (pro-level spicy)
- Stadium atmosphere
Tradition: 25 years on the same corner. Three generations of fans ate there before going to the Gasómetro.
Tips for Choripán Carts
1. Strategic timing
Go 30-45 minutes before rush hour. Good carts run out of bread or chorizo.
2. Cash always
Even though many accept transfers, bring cash. If the signal drops, you don’t want to be left without eating.
3. Ask where the chorizo is from
The best carts tell you with pride. If they answer “from around,” run away.
4. Look at the grill
Charcoal > Gas. Always. The wood smoke gives that flavor that can’t be replicated.
5. Don’t be ashamed to drip
If you don’t drip down to your elbows, the choripán wasn’t good. It’s the law.
Why Are Carts Better Than Restaurants?
It’s a philosophical question, but the answer is simple:
Authenticity. A cart can’t lie. Either the chori is good, or you close in 3 months. No marketing, no decoration, no waiters. Just the guy, the grill, and you.
Price. $4,000-$5,000 ARS vs $8,000-$12,000 ARS at a restaurant. Same chorizo, half the price.
Atmosphere. You eat standing up, on the street, with the smell of smoke and traffic noise. And it’s perfect like that. It’s Buenos Aires in its purest essence.
Cart Map
North: Costanera (El Choricito), Belgrano (Choriking) Center: Constitución (Chori Express), Palermo (El Maestro) South: San Telmo (Don Pepe), Boedo (El Chori de Boedo) West: Villa Crespo (Choriván)
Pro tip: Do a “cart tour” on a Saturday. Start at Costanera at noon, end at Villa Crespo at midnight. Your heart will hate you, but your soul will be at peace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do carts comply with hygiene standards? The good ones do. They have AGIP permits and bromatological controls. If you see filth, don’t eat there.
Can I pay with card? More and more accept debit and transfers. But cash is king.
Are there vegetarian options? Some carts (like El Maestro del Chori) are adding options. But they’re the exception, not the rule.
What’s the best time to go? Sunday at noon after running in Palermo = mystical experience.
Final truth: The best choripán cart isn’t on this list. It’s on the corner of your neighborhood, the one you’ve known since you were a kid, where the guy asks “the usual?” without you saying anything. That’s the best. Always.
But if you don’t have one of those, start with these 7. You won’t be disappointed.