Had a great time here last night with some friends. I arrived first, connected to the free WiFi…read more(PW: francis1892) to check in on Yelp, and chatted with the bartender while sampling a few brews: the Honey, the IPA, the Scottish, and the Golden. We were speaking Spanish, but I think he spoke some English too, if you are considering a visit and are concerned about your Spanish skills.
All the beers were nice, though the IPA was the star, flavor-wise. The honey was mild and very drinkable, not overly sweet. The Scottish was suavecito (super smooth), a bit like the texture of Guinness which has a silky mouthfeel. And the Golden was -- I don't want to say bland, but not totally flavorful. But it would be a good accompaniment to a burger and fries. If I were the brewer, I'd just tweak the flavor profile a bit.
After my friends arrived, we had a beer together inside, and then we moved outside. It was a bit loud indoors (the tap system was malfunctioning and beers were coming out really slowly because it was out of gas, so a line was forming.) The music could have been turned down a bit too in my opinion, but partly this is because I was speaking Spanish and lots of background noise makes it harder for me to concentrate and listen in my second language. Other than the volume, the inside was really pleasant. Nice decorations, a hipster vibe, books on the large communal table, and graffiti to read on the walls. The bathrooms weren't super clean (note to staff!) But there was paper and soap so I was satisfied.
Outside is a seating area in front, and there's one table out back too but that was full all night so we didn't get to experience that ambience. After another round it was midnight and the front garden was closing so we moved back indoors with our freshly ordered burgers and fries. It's a great deal: a pint, burger, and fries is $250 ARS (to be paid in cash or by debit only, no credit cards accepted). Most burgers have cheese, so I ordered El Nihon (The Japanese) which was made with a nicely cooked beef patty and wasabi mayo. Very tasty, and hefty too. When I picked it up, I was surprised at its weight. I asked for my fries extra crispy and that's how they were delivered! Big win! And I went to the kitchen to ask for some of the special sauces they have on request, and got the most picante (spicy) one, which I loved but my friends all said was too hot -- I'm a spice fiend. I don't remember the name, but if you want that one, just ask for the spiciest.
After three beers, a burger, and an order of fries so large I couldn't finish it all and took the rest home for an omelette, I was happy. Is it partly the beer speaking? Perhaps. But I enjoyed my evening at Francis Platz. It channels the German burger joints of Berlin very well, and if I lived in Buenos Aires I'd likely go back.
