Santiago: Tamarugo (April 2017)

Santiago: Bar Cafeteria Tamarugo - One of Two Full-Service Options in the Airside Domestic Terminal
My spouse and I dined at Bar and Cafeteria Tamarugo for breakfast one morning in late March 2017. The restaurant is located in the domestic terminal at the Santiago Airport on the third floor near Gate 22, just prior to the Dunkin’ Donuts and one set of restrooms.
To us as Americans, the name “cafeteria” misleading, because Tamarugo offers table service as well as some grab-and-go items. The café offers seating at wood tables with bright red chairs arranged on a wood-laminate floor and open to the airport itself (not enclosed by four walls). The one bright green wall of the restaurant houses the takeaway counter and kitchen. The breakfast menu included pizzas, sandwiches, and egg dishes. We shared one breakfast pizza and one plate of scrambled eggs and diced ham with toast. We preferred the eggs to the pizza, although it had potential, served on a rectangular pan/skillet. No butter or jam came with the eggs (and we did not ask for any); it seemed that you were intended to scoop the eggs/ham on the toast and roll or fold it to make tiny sandwiches. The restaurant offers a full bar, including beer, wine, and cocktails. We were able to pay using a credit card, and the waiter processed our payment right at our table. (He will ask if you want to include a 10% tip on the card before he runs it.) Although our meal was not inexpensive, it was on par with other dining choices at the airport. We spent about $30 for one breakfast sandwich, one scrambled egg/meat dish with toast, and two rounds of sodas.
Café Tamarugo served its purpose for us. Although we would not quickly return, perhaps breakfast is not its strongest meal offering. Plus, it offers one of only two table service establishments in the domestic terminal. (The other is Gatsby Express; in addition, there are a few counter-service food options including Starbucks, McDonald’s, and an independent vendor.)





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