Located across the street from the Cementerio General, the largest cemetery in Santiago, Quita…read morePenas is named conveniently for those who would wander into this pub after burying their loved ones.
Quita penas, or "take away sorrow", is exactly what the patrons of this bar do - drown their sorrows with a large jug of pipeño or in one of their rich dishes. The food served here is a true example of Chilean comfort food at its finest, with bread, potatoes and meat as the base of almost all of these dishes.
This pub is not the most glamorous, but in a way, that is what makes it so unique and perfect for its location and purpose. It is a simple and cozy pub with photos lining its walls of popular figures such as Chilean sports stars, politicians such as Allende, artists such as Victor Jara and Gato Alquinta (from Los Jaivas) as well as Chilean poets and filmmakers.
Quita Penas is one of the historical hubs of Santiago, filled with stories and popular culture, it is here to stay. As it was told to me, everyone has a memory of spending an afternoon here with their family, passing through many emotions from sorrow to laughter.
One of the many things that has put Quita Penas on the map, is for Chile's main soccer clubs Colo-Colo. Colo-Colo was founded here in 1925 by two football players who were drowning their sorrows, after being let go from their soccer team. Now, whenever an "hincha" of Colo-Colo passes away, they always make their way here (their last stop of their caravan).
Tip:
You can get here by taking the green line metro to "Cementerios"
Try the "Paró la Chala". It is the house drink, made of pisco, gin and granadine (similar to a Terremoto but way stronger!)
They are open every day of the year except for September 11th.