Are you a digital nomad, an adventurous traveller or an expat navigating the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires in search of the ultimate cocktail experience? Look no further. The bustling Argentine capital is not just about tango and steak; it’s a treasure trove of innovative cocktail bars waiting to be discovered.
ExpatPathways invites you on a journey to explore the ’10 Most Amazing Cocktail Bars in Buenos Aires’, each offering a unique fusion of flavours, ambience and creativity that promises to elevate your nocturnal adventures in the city.
From speakeasies hidden behind flower shops to bars celebrating the golden age of cocktails, Buenos Aires offers a nightlife scene rich in diversity and sophistication.
Whether you’re craving a classic Negroni or a local invention, these bars will challenge your taste buds and introduce you to the cosmopolitan spirit of Buenos Aires.
The Most Amazing Cocktail Bars in Buenos Aires
1. Verne Club
Location: Medrano 1475, Palermo.
Verne Club emerges as a distinctive cocktail bar in Buenos Aires, drawing its inspiration from the fantastical worlds of science fiction novelist Jules Verne. This venue transports its patrons between past and future, mirroring the narratives found in Verne’s literature.
It boasts an eclectic mix of French, English, and American influences, creating the ambiance of a hotel lobby set to the rhythm of jazz. Verne Club’s cocktail menu stands out for its creativity and excellence, offering unconventional choices alongside well-crafted traditional drinks.
The food menu is equally thoughtful, featuring a range of options from charcuterie boards and prawns to unique hot dogs and must-try mushroom gyozas.
The interior exudes an intimate atmosphere, particularly on quiet Mondays, enhancing the overall experience of exclusivity and coziness.
Patrons of Verne Club rave about its engaging atmosphere, hidden behind a modest façade, which recalls the old-world charm of nineteenth-century explorers’ and hunters’ clubs. The cocktail list is praised for its breadth and variety, catering to all tastes with both classic concoctions and innovative new offerings.
The quality of the drinks, deemed “author’s cocktails” due to their originality and craftsmanship, offers good value for money. Verne Club stands as a marvelous choice for those seeking top-notch drinks and food in a uniquely inviting setting.
2. Presidente
Location: Av. Presidente Quintana 188, Recoleta.
Presidente, nestled in the heart of Recoleta, brings the golden age of cocktails into the present with its elegant ambiance and sophisticated offerings. Created by renowned Buenos Aires bartender Seba Garcia, Presidente elevates the cocktail experience with high-end creations and timeless classics.
The beautifully decorated main bar area leads adventurous drinkers to the “library,” a secret space for patrons looking for something truly unique, alongside an inventive food menu crafted by Martín Avalos.
The bar’s classic decor, exceptional service, and creative twists on traditional cocktails, such as the LatinAmericano, alongside a selection of inventive dishes like ceviche and Mollejas, make it a standout.
Recognized among the top 100 cocktail bars worldwide, Presidente boasts a romantically dim ambiance with a classic chic touch, excellent service, and designer glassware that adds to the sophistication of its author’s drinks. This bar is a testament to elegance and innovation in Buenos Aires’ cocktail scene.
3. Boticario
Location: Honduras 5207, Palermo.
Boticario offers a distinct cocktail lounge experience that pays homage to its origins as a pharmacy, creating a unique atmosphere with its old-school pharmacy theme, complete with flasks and scientific ingredients.
The bar’s 3D menu, exceptional service, and relaxed vibes invite patrons to explore new flavors, recommending a tour through the entire drink menu for a full experience.
Boticario’s technique, creativity, and precision elevate it to the level of famed bars globally. Its intimate setting, themed decoration, and “Ensayos de la Bótica” – a rotating selection of innovative cocktails – reflect a deep commitment to originality and quality.
The bar’s mystical allure, enhanced by its thematic decor and author’s cocktails, invites curiosity and rewards those who engage with the bartenders to learn about the intricacies of their craft, making Boticario a must-visit destination for cocktail enthusiasts.
4. Oh No! Lulu
Location: Araoz 1019, Villa Crespo.
Oh No! Lulu stands out as Buenos Aires’ first Tiki bar, a place where fantasy meets island vibes, spiced cocktails, and delicious cuisine within an ambiance that perfectly balances sophistication and kitsch.
Located in the Villa Crespo area, previously uncharted by the city’s nightlife, Oh No! Lulu offers a unique setting that immediately transports guests from a nondescript entrance to a beachside bar oasis. The Hawaiian theme is evident in every detail, from the design and drinkware to the menu, creating an immersive experience.
The bar’s popularity makes it challenging to secure a spot, but the effort is rewarded with original, exotic-flavored cocktails served in thematic, playful glasses.
The food, including standout dishes like the Flor de Cebolla, grilled Halloumi, and Lomi Lomi Salmon, enhances the experience, though the drinks, with recommendations like the Monkey Julep, are the stars of the show.
5. Florería Atlántico
Location: Arroyo 872, Recoleta.
Florería Atlántico, a hidden gem nestled in the basement of a flower shop in Recoleta, offers an immersive speakeasy bar and restaurant experience reminiscent of the early 20th century.
This establishment pays homage to Buenos Aires’ immigrant heritage and its port city roots, with a drink menu categorized by countries reflecting the primary spirit of each cocktail. It has been recognized as one of The World´s 50 Best Bars since 2016, showcasing its global acclaim.
The ambience, enhanced by the unique entrance through a disguised refrigerator door, is intimate yet lively, allowing for comfortable conversation.
Florería Atlántico excels in both its innovative drink selections, which include seasonal cocktails, classics, and mate options, and its culinary offerings, such as tapas, grilled meats, and fish dishes. The crab and shrimp empanada, tiger shrimp, and adventurous drink choices come highly recommended, making it a must-visit for an iconic cocktail experience in Argentina and beyond.
6. Chintonería
Location: Echeverría 1677, Belgrano.
Chintonería dazzles with its vibrant orange theme and compact, yet impressively designed space in the bustling Pasaje Echeverría near Buenos Aires’ Chinatown.
As the brainchild of Argentine cocktail innovator Pablo Piñata, it’s renowned as “the smallest bar in Buenos Aires,” boasting a circular bar with swivel stools that invite intimacy and interaction.
This gin-centric haven offers an exquisite menu of gin-based signature cocktails, like the Chan Day and the Negronico, alongside a dedicated G&T menu and an assortment of classic concoctions.
Despite its size, Chintonería impresses with its high-quality, gin-focused author’s cocktails, exceptional service, and a picturesque design that stands out in its location.
The bar’s approach to serving drinks—in glassware if you’re seated, or disposable cups if standing—adds a quirky touch to the experience, emphasizing flavor over glamour in a setting where every square meter is maximized for enjoyment.
7. Gran Bar Danzon
Location: Libertad 1161, Centro.
Gran Bar Danzon offers a sophisticated dining and drinking experience, marked by an extensive wine selection with over 200 labels and a cocktail menu that blends classic and original creations.
The ambiance, from the moment one steps in, signals a high-quality environment with pleasing aromas, lighting, and music at just the right volume. The attentive service complements an ambitious culinary proposition, featuring dishes that range from sushi and steak to duck confit and salmon risotto, all presented with an eye for detail.
Patrons feel at home in the beautifully decorated space, where the sushi is fresh, the cocktails are exceptional, and the wine list impressively varied.
Gran Bar Danzon’s dedication to providing a comprehensive gastronomic evening is evident in its meticulous service, diverse wine options, and a menu that marries regional ingredients with international flair, making it an ideal venue for those seeking a complete dining experience that aligns with the high standards set by Buenos Aires’ culinary scene.
8. Tres Monos
Location: Guatemala 4899, Palermo.
Tres Monos, a standout bar in Palermo, quickly earned its place among the top 100 bars worldwide according to The World’s 50 Best Bars ranking, remarkable for an establishment that opened its doors in 2019.
Renowned for simplifying the bar experience to its core essentials—exceptional cocktails and service in a small, relaxed setting—Tres Monos eschews thematic gimmicks and exclusive entry requirements for authenticity.
The cocktail menu, which changes quarterly to reflect the seasons, offers fresh and inventive takes on classic drinks, alongside the option for guests to order their favorite staples. With a laid-back 90s hip-hop and punk ambiance, the bar allows for easy conversation despite the lively background music.
The food menu, though basic, complements an array of noteworthy cocktails, with the bar’s own sakes and whiskey receiving particular praise for their contribution to the innovative drinks on offer.
9. Alambique Bar
Location: Honduras 4413, Palermo.
Alambique Bar presents a fusion of Andean and Caribbean culinary influences, setting a high bar for both cocktails and dining in Palermo.
Esteemed for its exceptional service and innovative mixology, the bar delights guests with a visually appealing presentation, reasonable prices, and a vibrant ambiance enhanced by well-chosen music levels.
Highlights from the menu include Rabas, tasting platters, Gambas al ajillo, and Tequeños, offering generous portions that invite sharing among friends. Alambique stands out for its author’s cocktails and a menu that creatively blends Venezuelan, Peruvian, and Argentinean ingredients, ensuring a warm and intimate setting for enjoying drinks with friends.
10. Nicky Harrison
Location: Malabia 1764, Palermo.
Nicky Harrison, nestled in the heart of Palermo Soho, is Buenos Aires’ most iconic speakeasy, where excellent cuisine, top-notch drinks, and an aura of mystery coexist.
On the surface, it appears as a classic restaurant blending Japanese and Peruvian gastronomy, but it houses a secret bar reminiscent of 1920s New York, securing its spot among Argentina’s top 50 bars.
Inspired by the story of Nicky Harrison, who established a hidden speakeasy during the Prohibition era, entrance to the bar is granted only after dining in the restaurant. This secret spot offers a journey back to the jazz-filled atmosphere of the 1920s, with a cocktail menu that includes both classic and innovative creations.
The restaurant itself impresses with its classy ambiance and seafood-centric author’s cuisine, making a visit to Nicky Harrison an essential Buenos Aires experience, celebrated for its Wagyu nigiris, outstanding Peruvian ceviche, and an immersive, decor-perfect setting.
(Featured Image Source: Chris F/pexels.com)
