The Best Restaurants in Cononia, Uruguay: El Drugstore

El Drugstore offers an extensive menu with something for everyone in Colonia, Uruguay. When I go to Colonia I eat here. Many people come to through Colonia from Argentina for a weekend at the surrounding beaches. It's common practice for expats who live in Buenos Aires come to Colonia, Uruguay every 90 days to renew their tourist visa.

Ambiance: The décor of El Drugstore features an eclectic collection of artsy bric-a-brac. This restaurant gives tourists something completely different from all the parillas and pasta places you see around this historically quaint town. Expect polka dotted table clothes and a collection of poster art that covers the brightly colored walls from floor to ceiling. Primary colors and antiques garnish their ample, but cozy dining rooms.

Service: El Drugstore features an open kitchen, so you know everything is clean and nothing fell on the floor before it sat on your plate. The servers are attentive but not hovering. They are friendly but not in a needy, "restaurant at the mall", fake kind of way.

Menu: The menu at El Drugstore offers something for everyone. If you have money to spend there are steaks and fish. For those on a budget try a pizza or sandwich. This may be the only place in Colonia, Uruguay with a 15 item vegetarian menu. Menu items include: a homemade hamburger, Japanese Yaki Soba Noodles, pillow soft gnocchi, salads, tabule, salmon, steak and desserts. This is the kind of eatery that serves seasoned olive oil and balsamic vinegar with your salad.

Every afternoon, El Drugstore offers a menu of the day that includes an appetizer, main course and dessert. Anticipate a full coffee menu, a more than adequate wine list and more or less a full bar.

Music: This bohemian spot in Colonia, Uruguay offers a variety of live music daily, at both lunch and dinner, for your dining pleasure. As I sit here dining on my taste homemade hamburger, I am enjoying the entertainment provided by a local and handsome trio that includes two talented classical guitarists and a funky percussionist.

During set breaks, and when the band has gone, El Drugstore serves up trendy new music like you would hear at Sushi Samba in New York City.

Location: El Drugstore in Colonia, Uruguay is located at the corner of Portugal and Vasconcellos, in front of the church. This restaurant is open late.