The 10 Best Bars In Buenos Aires Argentina

Take a siesta in the afternoon to prepare, because Buenos Aires does not sleep and porteños often don’t start their nights out until midnight. From Palermo to San Telmo to Retiro and beyond, the city is full of top-quality watering holes. Read on for the 10 best bars in Buenos Aires.

Verne Club

Cocktail Bar, Pub Grub

This stylish cocktail bar, named for author Jules Verne, is just a couple of years old and already is one of the hottest bars in the city. Each cocktail is named for a Verne writing, and is impeccably crafted; perfect to enjoy amidst the bar’s low lighting, Chesterfield sofas, and background jazz music.

Leitmotiv

For a trendy evening with Buenos Aires’ best and brightest, head to Leitmotiv to see and be seen. The drinks are elegantly made and in the summertime, the rooftop terrace is packed with revelers dancing to live DJs.

Frank's

Bar, Pub Grub

Secrecy is the name of the game at this Palermo Hollywood speakeasy. Here’s the rundown: find out the password from the bar’s Facebook page, knock on the front door and give the password to the bouncer, and receive a four digit code from him in return. Type that code into a phone booth, which will then open to reveal the interior of this lively and fun-loving bar.

Victoria Brown

Bar, Coffee Shop, Coffee, Contemporary, Pub Grub, Cocktails, Wine, Beer

Though not a speakeasy, this Palermo Soho boîte is in fact hidden; a bakery by day, keep an eye out for the rear door of the café, which opens to a mural of Queen Victoria leading to a chic and intriguing bar.

Café San Bernardo

Bar, Pub Grub

For a casual and fun evening, head over to this neighborhood bar in Villa Crespo, which by night transforms into a lively den consisting of an energetic crowd, cheap beer, and competitive games of table tennis, table football, and pool.

BASA Basement Bar

Bar, Pub Grub, Vegetarian

Stop by for happy hour at 7 pm for discounted cocktails at this super-cool Retiro bar, or come by later on a weekend to catch live DJs doing R&B and funk. All that grooving make you hungry? Order up a rack of ribs; or for vegetarians, some falafel.

Harrison Speakeasy

Bar, Japanese, Sushi, Asian

There’s no guarantee of getting into this password-only Prohibition-themed bar, but that’s what makes it all the more exciting. Located behind the sushi restaurant Nicky NY, your best bet is making friends with an existing member of the speakeasy, or by charming the pants off your sushi waiter.

Señor Duncan

Bar, Argentina, South American

For an offbeat experience, ring the bell at this Almagro bar, housed in an old mansion chock-full of stained glass and other quirky decor. There’s always something interesting going on here, from live piano music to theater to an open-mic night to swing-dancing, so come prepared to be surprised, or take a peek at the Facebook page to see what’s going on.

Cerveceria Nacional

Bar, Beer, Pub Grub

Skip the Quilmes beer at this beer-centric bar, which offers over 100 types of artisan brews from 30+ microbrewery brands. Taste an assortment of artisanal beers, and don’t miss the homemade empanadas, which are renowned.

Festival

Bar, Pub, Pub Grub

From its industrial garage-door exterior to the interior decorated with recycled iron shutters, this Palermo bar is like no other. In hot weather, the roof can be retracted, and the party never ends; a cheeky sign behind the bar reads ‘happy hour, 4-5am’.

About the author

Madeleine Bazil

Maddy is in her second year reading English at the University of St Andrews. Born and bred in Washington, DC, she retains an affinity for political intrigue, urban green space, and Ethiopian cuisine despite newly appreciating the British traditions of queueing, apologising, and Wimbledon. Maddy's freelance writing has been published in media such as Matador Network and Thistle Magazine as well as in St Andrews-based publications. She'll travel anywhere, just give her a moment to lace up her Adidas.