El Fogón del Gringo

Given Tarija's proximity to Argentina, it's no wonder that the city produces some of the country's most succulent asados (BBQ meat). El Fogón del Gringo, where exquisite Argentine steak is offered with a first-rate salad bar, is the best of the best. Because some of the steaks are as large as 14 ounces (400 grams), be sure to get a bottle of the excellent local wine to accompany them.

The menu offers a wide variety of beef cuts, all priced at 55Bs (about US$8) for 250g and 75Bs (around US$10) for 400g. While you wait for your dinner, you have free reign of the salad bar (which is included in the meat price), and bread and dips are delivered to your table. The service was a touch rushed, and the meat was cooked wrongly, but overall it was a good pick for a meat restaurant in Tarija. The better-off Tarija residents definitely believe so, as the place was nearly packed on a chilly Wednesday night.

Address: Av Gutiérrez 634
Website: www.facebook.com/elsecretodemama.bo
Hours: 4-7pm Mon-Fri
Price: snacks B$3-5

TripAdvisor ratings: 4.0/5.0