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Villa Crespo
B.A.’s original speakeasy has spawned a spate of followers over the past few years, but it remains a classic for cocktail lovers: 878 has an extensive drinks list, many made with its own line of spirits, armchairs to sink into, plus a supercool clientele. Be sure to stick your head around the more private back bar.
Thames 878, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1414DCR, Argentina
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San Telmo
Opened in 1928, this traditional corner bar opposite Parque Lezama is an iconic spot. Day and night it's full of characters who engage in passionate discussions or simply watch the world unfold through the oversized windows. Imbued with nostalgia, Bar Británico has a cinematic appeal—which may explain why it has appeared in movies like The Motorcycle Diaries and Francis Ford Coppola's Tetro.
Brasil 399, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1154AAC, Argentina
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Palermo Hollywood
One of the growing number of wine bars in the city, Bar du Marché is getting it exactly right. This cute French-inspired spot has an ample wine selection and some delicious picadas for sharing.
Nicaragua 5946, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1414BWL, Argentina
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Abasto
A well-curated line-up of live music, film screenings, fun parties, and interactive theater ensures this huge converted factory is one of the best cultural centers in the city. The outdoor space morphs into an inner-city beach complete with hammocks in summer; the winter months see DJs and bands hash it out indoors. The Konex is also home to percussion band Bomba de tiempo, which plays every Monday evening.
Sarmiento 3131, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1196AAG, Argentina
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Palermo Soho
Decadence meets southeast Asia at this theatrical cocktail bar helmed by Buenos Aires’ mixology queen Inés de los Santos. Enjoy one of her signature Umami Martinis streetside, in a cozy booth or at the bar itself (made from egg shells). Watching the slick team slinging drinks makes for the best seats in the house. The food menu is equally tempting; try the lacquered pork bao. Still thirsty? Snap up one of Ines' ready-to-drink cocktails from the boutique for the walk home.
Armenia 1540, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1414, Argentina
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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Centro
A flower shop and wine store combined with a whole lot of bar, this hip basement watering hole opened in 2013, and quickly becoming a fixture on Retiro's growing scene before rising to regular features on the World's 50 Best Bars list. The cocktail menu draws inspiration from Argentina’s immigrant history (the Italians, Spaniards, English, and French have all played their part). Join the cool crowd and kick back with a Vinedo Italiano Spritz created by bartender and owner Tato Giovannoni.
Arroyo 872, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1007AAB, Argentina
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Chacarita
Champions of low-intervention wines and those made by small producers, Naranjo has captured the attention of Buenos Aires’ young wine lovers. While 180 labels sourced from all over the country are always available, in a bid to demystify wine, there’s just one single crystal glass for all grapes and styles. Drinkers keen to try something new take a seat under the orange tree after which it was named, and stay for delicious gluten-free, often vegan, small plates to share.
Ángel Justiniano Carranza 1059, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1414, Argentina
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Palermo Hollywood
One of the city's best venues for two decades features everything from demure indie rock to the outrageous and legendary Club 69 on Thursday (think underdressed cross-dressers). Check out live bands and dancing on the A Side, while something contrasting and chill simultaneously takes place in the back B Side room.
Cnel. Niceto Vega 5510, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1414BFD, Argentina
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Recoleta
No expense has been spared at the polo-themed Pony Line, a cool watering hole in the Four Seasons hotel. Creative cocktails, its own line of craft beer, luxury bar snacks, and great tunes have made this a go-to spot for sassy ladies, suave gentlemen, and models.
Posadas 1086/88, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1011ABB, Argentina
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Palermo
Several milongas call this large dance hall home. The coolest is Parakultural, which takes place late on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday. Reservations are essential for the last of these—the dance floor is totally packed by midnight, so get here early. Originally an alternative, "underground" milonga, it now attracts large numbers of porteños, as well as longtime expats.
Av. Scalabrini Ortíz 1331, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1414DOA, Argentina
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Palermo
Themed around Jules Verne’s Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, Verne Club runs a tight ship thanks to it's top-notch mixologists. This old-school cocktail bar serves innovative offerings that are often inspired by the eponymous author’s characters, including a Phileas Fogg Martini.
Medrano 1475, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1179ABA, Argentina
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Almagro
Cobweb-covered bottles line the walls of this tiny venue, with maybe the most authentic tango music in town. It's known by all as "El Boliche de Roberto" after its owner, who presides from behind the heavy wooden bar. When the singing gets going at 2 or 3 am, it's usually so packed there's no room to breathe, but the guitar-and-voice duos manage gritty, emotional versions of tango classics all the same.
Bulnes 331, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1176ABE, Argentina
Nightlife Details
Rate Includes: Thurs.–Sat. after midnight
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Palermo
This immense gay disco has three floors of high-energy action and shows. Friday and Saturday are fun and frivolous verging on hectic thanks to its one-fee, all-you-can-drink-entry. Thursday and Sunday are quieter, with greater emphasis on the music. Amerika remains the city's gay club to check out—and be checked out in.
Gascon 1040, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1181ACT, Argentina
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Once
Technically in the otherwise business-oriented barrio of Once (pronounced On-say), adjacent to Almagro, Angels sits just behind the magnificent Palacio de Aguas Corrientes building in easy reach of Recoleta and Centro. It has several dance floors that play electronica, pop, and Latin music. Expect strippers, transvesties, and plenty of gay fun.
Viamonte 2168, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1056ABH, Argentina
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Palermo Soho
Founded in the city of Mar del Plata in 1999, this is now a successful national brewer making dozens of brews. The spacious bar attracts a cosmopolitan group of drinkers who keep it packed from after-office until the wee hours. Service is friendly and efficient, the music is feel-good, and the bar snacks are tasty. Also check out other outposts in Las Cañitas at Arévalo 2876 and San Telmo at Bolivar 491.
Armenia 1447, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1414DKE, Argentina
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Centro
This sheik—er, chic and stylish—party palace is located in a former bank, and the Funky Room is where beautiful, tightly clothed youth groove to pop, rock, and funk, while the basement Excess Room has electronic beats and dizzying wall visuals. For a more sophisticated dinner-before-dancing vibe, head upstairs to the Yellow Room. This is a great spot to catch local DJs, though there are also big nights with international artists.
Lavalle 345, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1047AAG, Argentina
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Palermo Hollywood
A pub and curry house in Buenos Aires? You bet, and the Bangalore has it all—right down to a blazing log fire in winter. There's limited seating at the bar and in the tiny restaurant upstairs, and the place is often packed from early evening on, spilling out onto the street. Service is friendly, and there's a wide range of draft beers. Revelers spill out onto the street with their pints in the warmer months.
Humboldt 1416, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1414CTL, Argentina
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San Telmo
Once a bohemian haunt, this bar went international after serving as a major location for Wong Kar-Wai's cult indie film Happy Together. The move to the mainstream has led to glitzier dancing, as well as increasingly bad food and indifferent service. Still, the worn checkered floor and Old World bar make a charming backdrop.
Estados Unidos 299, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1101AAE, Argentina
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Centro
A new kid in Retiro, BASA comes from great stock given that its owners founded the legendary Gran Bar Danzon. Look down and be drawn in by the bright bottles of spirits. Try a Moscow Mule (ginger beer, made in-house, gives it an appropriate kick), or ask Ludovico, the London-trained head barman, for suggestions.
Basavilbaso 1328, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1006AAD, Argentina
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Montserrat
Lurking beneath Aldo's Vinoteca Restorán, this new musical hot spot is led by sommelier and owner Aldo Graziani. A huge jazz fan, he makes sure that the offbeats are well paired with fine wine and tasty bar food.
Moreno 364, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1091AAH, Argentina
