Bites Nearby: Buenos Aires Tango

The Bites Nearby column can’t decide if is a restaurant for seekers of food followed by fun... or fun followed by food.

On the fun side, tango shows are available by request Monday through Thursday, and the establishment offers tango classes on Wednesday, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., followed by four hours of open dancing. Live bands play on the weekend, when valet parking is available.

On the food side, many Argentinians are descended from Italians, Spaniards and other Europeans who left their home countries in the 20th Century, and the eatery’s cuisine reflects that reality.

There are 10 pasta items on the menu, including Linguini Bolonesa, Fetuchini Alfredo, Penne al Vodka, Ravioles and Tortelini 3 Colores. But Argentina is also located in South America, and there are many Pan Latin items, such as Arroz con Pollo, saffron-colored rice with shredded chicken, green peas and sausage; Arroz con Mariscos, saffron-colored rice, green peas and mixed seafood; Milanesa, breaded beef or chicken cutlet; Trucha Rellena, broiled trout stuffed with mixed seafood in a light white wine sauce; and Lomito de Cerdo, lean pork loin with rice and mango sauce.

Then there’s the famed Argentinian cattle, and many house specialties feature beef. Entrees include Entraña Bariloche, grilled skirt steak with melted mozzarella cheese and roasted peppers; Gaucho Steak, grilled boneless shell steak with mushrooms in a soft red wine sauce; and Entraña Serrana, grilled skirt steak with prosciutto di parma, sautéed mushrooms and broccoli.

Dessert options include Flan, caramel custard with dulce de leche or Chantilly cream; Queso Y Dulce, Argentinian Gouda cheese with sweet potato or quince paste; and Helado al Whisky, vanilla ice cream, Chantilly cream, chocolate syrup, walnuts and a touch of whiskey.

On weekdays from noon to 4 p.m., Buenos Aires Tango offers lunch specials featuring grilled hamburgers. Also on weekdays, but from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., there is an early bird special. For $16.50, a diner choses a soup or salad, a main course, a dessert and coffee or tea.

Appetizers include Matambe, rolled veal stuffed with vegetables and served with Russian salad; Empanada, a beef or chicken turnover that is baked or fried; and Mejillones, sautéed mussels in extra virgin olive oil, garlic and parsley.

Buenos Aires Tango serves beer, including the Argentinian Quilmés brand, red wines (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Malbec, Blends) and white wines (Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Another's).

Address: 111-08 Queens Boulevard, off 75th Avenue.

Phone: 718-520-6488.

Hours: Open seven days a week, starting a noon with a relaxed closing time.      

Prices: Appetizers begin at $2.50; soups begin at $6.50; salads begin at $7.50; pasta dishes begin at $12.50; cooked entrees begin at $12.90; grilled entrees begin at $14.50; fish items begin at $19.50; and house specialties begin at $24.90. Desserts begin at $6. Wines are in the $24 range.