If you are looking to have a relaxing night out in Santiago, Chile, the Patio Bellavista is the place for you. Located in the historic Bellavista neighborhood this little collection of cafes, restaurants and shops is right off of metro station Baquedano. To get there, get off at metro station Baquedano and walk North. You’ll cross a bridge and a very sad looking river (Rio Mapocho). You will be on Pio Nono street. Stay on the right hand side of the street and after walking just a couple blocks you’ll come up to a big white building that says Patio Bellavista (Pio Nono 73). Inside you’ll find stores with all kinds of high end artesenia (arts and crafts). One store sells organic jams, spices and tea. Another sells handmade sweaters. A few sell gorgeous (and expensive) jewelry. There’s a specialty wine store as well. You will also find a contemporary modern art gallery, a travel agency and a small hotel. If shopping is not your thing, then sit down and have a bite to eat. There are two ice cream parlors. One is Yogen Fruz, a frozen yogurt chain found in Chile, and the other is an Italian gelato place. There are several sit down restaurants as well. All are a bit pricey, but because the Patio Bellavista is quite touristy the service is better than at most Chilean restaurants, and many offer live music. The only restaurant I have eaten at inside Patio Bellavista is BackStage, which offers a variety of sandwiches, soups, typical Chilean food, hamburgers, sushi…a little bit of everything, really. They have a very extensive drink menu as well, with all kinds of foreign beers that you are not likely to find at many other restaurants.
A huge bonus to Patio Bellavista that I have found is that you can sit at a table outside, but because the patio itself is enclosed, you won’t be bothered by bums, drunks, beggars, or thieves. It’s quite a safe area once you are actually inside. At most restaurants in the Bellavista sector you are subject to the whims of the people passing by on the streets. There are so many people selling stuff in this area that you might find yourself being harassed to buy random things during your outdoor meal. But, not at Patio Bellavista!
To learn more check out the Patio Bellavista website: www.patiobellavista.cl
