Bar
Siete Negronis
A cocktail bar devoted to the Negroni, listed on The World's 50 Best Bars extended list three years running, now at Terrazas San Cristóbal in Bellavista.
La Piojera
A traditional bar near the Mercado Central, in business since at least 1896 and named by President Arturo Alessandri, famous for the terremoto.
At a glance
- Type
- Traditional Chilean bar
- Area
- Santiago Centro, Santiago, Chile
- Price
- $ · Budget
- Official site
- lapiojera.cl
Good to know
- Terremoto
- Chicha
- Pipeño
- Chilean snacks
Why we recommend it
La Piojera is one of Santiago's best-known traditional bars, a chingana and a symbol of what Chileans call cultura guachaca. It stands on Aillavilú street, almost opposite the Mercado Central, in the small Barrio Chino near Estación Mapocho.
The premises were already operating as a bar in 1896. Carlos Benedetti Pini bought it in 1916, and his family has run it ever since. The name comes from an anecdote of 1922, when President Arturo Alessandri Palma was taken there by the director of the investigative police and, on seeing the place and its clientele, is said to have exclaimed: and you brought me to this flea pit? The word piojera stuck, although the sign on the facade only went up in 1981. In October 2003 its leaders declared it a monument of the feelings of the nation.
The signature drink is the terremoto, and this is a classic place to try it. The bar also serves pipeño wine from Chillán, chicha from Villa Alegre and San Javier, red and white wine by the caña, ponche de culén, bigoteado and, on special occasions, cola de mono. To eat there are perniles, arrollados, malaya, hard-boiled eggs and grilled meats, solid food that helps soak up the drinks.
This is a place to experience Santiago's bar culture at its most traditional rather than to look for comfort. Keep an eye on your belongings, as you would anywhere in the busy streets around the market.
La Piojera is easy to combine with lunch at the Mercado Central or a visit to La Vega Central across the Mapocho; a food-focused day that starts with seafood at the market and ends here with a terremoto shows two very different sides of the city's traditions. Pace yourself with the house drinks, and take a taxi or ride-hailing app back to your hotel at night.
The bar's website loads its current menu online. It suits groups of friends, curious travellers and anyone who wants to experience a bar that has been pouring drinks for well over a century. For a quieter comparison, El Hoyo in Barrio Italia also claims the terremoto and has been serving traditional Chilean food since 1912.
La Piojera FAQs
Where is La Piojera?
On Aillavilú street, almost opposite the Mercado Central, near Estación Mapocho.
What should I drink?
The terremoto is the signature drink; the bar also serves pipeño, chicha and ponche de culén.
How old is La Piojera?
The premises were already a bar in 1896, and the Benedetti family has run it since 1916.
Why is it called La Piojera?
President Arturo Alessandri is said to have called it a piojera, or flea pit, on a visit in 1922.
Is there food?
Yes, perniles, arrollados, malaya, hard-boiled eggs and grilled meats.
Who owns La Piojera?
The family of Carlos Benedetti Pini, who bought it in 1916.
When was the sign put up?
The name was used from 1922, but the sign on the facade dates only from 1981.
What is nearby?
The Mercado Central and La Vega Central.