Bar El Federal is one of the city's most beautiful Bares Notables, historic bars recognized for their cultural importance. You can go for any meal - from coffee in the morning to a hearty lunch to happy hour with vermouth in the evening. A classic for lunch or a snack is a picada - a charcuterie platter - so come hungry.

This style of cafe is my favorite and this one in particular is a treasure. The details in the carved wooden bar are stunning.

TIP: It is one of 4 bares notables operated under the same ownership, Los Notables. The other 4 are La Celta, El Margot, Bar de Cao, and La Poesia. You'll see the same menu at all 4 so if you're feeling pressure to see as many old restaurants as possible, know that to visit one of these is to practically visit all four.