Nor-Cal nachos are a favorite for a starter or a meal at California Bar. Photo by: Kendal Montgomery
Well Toto, we’re not in Santiago anymore…
It’s truly as the manager of California Sports Cantina and Restaurant Sydni Whitaker claims: When you go to this place, you’re going to forget where you really are.
Maybe it’s the homey feel and the attentive service, or simply the rarity of finding authentic Tex-Mex and other Gringo favorites, because sometimes, a Gringo just needs a taste of home; and when that hunger strikes, California Bar, as it is more commonly known, is there.
But it is more than giant burritos, burgers and buffalo wings, it’s a place to see your favorite US sports teams that aren’t broadcasted in Chile play on the big screen. It's a place where you can be a regular and where the staff will know what you want before you ask. It's a place where you can meet others and have a good time.
"If I’m in San Diego and go to my local pub, they greet me –they know me—and they keep me happy. That’s our goal here in Santiago," said California-native Whitaker.
The idea for this "total" package first came about while owners James Lyles and Dan Worth were in Chile for a study abroad program in 2001. Many times they craved a decent burrito, but it wasn’t until they found themselves in a T.G.I. Friday’s watching the Super Bowl whilst cheesy 80’s music played in the background that they realized something had to be done.
They eventually returned to California, but their ideas for Santiago were never far from their minds; and in 2007, they came back and opened Basic Bar, located in Nuñoa. Success was instant and they quickly outgrew the space, which led them to their present location in Providencia under the new name: California Sports Cantina and Restaurant.
"They saw what was missing and had a mission," said Whitaker. "And now we just want to be the best restaurant in Chile."
Though it’s known as a "gringo bar," it by no means segregates foreigners and Chileans. In fact, much of the staff and clientele are natives; and they make a pretty authentic pisco sour.
For drinks, California bar can be a bit pricey – a pitcher of Torobayo is 6,500 pesos, more than $13 USD – but the food is well priced and served in huge portions. So a night out may put a dent in the pocket, but, as the saying goes, "Vale la pena," it’s worth it, because you’re almost guaranteed to have a good time.
Details:
California Sports Cantina and Restaurant
Las Urbinas 56, Providencia
Metro Station Pedro de Valdivia or Los Leones
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