Are you a digital nomad, an adventurous traveler, or an expat seeking to uncover the vibrant vermouth scene of Buenos Aires?
As you navigate the bustling streets of this South American gem, ExpatPathways invites you to explore our curated guide to the 10 Best Bars to Enjoy a Vermouth in Buenos Aires.
Whether you’re winding down from a day of work or gearing up for an evening of exploration, these bars offer more than just a drink; they provide a cultural immersion into the heart of Argentinean lifestyle.
Join us as we unveil each unique venue, rich in flavor and steeped in tradition, and discover why Buenos Aires is the ultimate destination for vermouth lovers around the world.
The Best Bars to Enjoy a Vermouth in Buenos Aires
1. El Banderín
Location: Guardia Vieja 3601, Almagro.
El Banderín, nestled in the neighborhood of Almagro, epitomizes the traditional Buenos Aires bar with its walls adorned with football memorabilia and tango history.
Originally opened in 1923 by Spanish immigrant Justo Riesco and his wife María, the bar, first known as “El Asturiano”, has evolved into a staple of the local scene.
Renowned for its hearty fare, El Banderín offers a selection of classic drinks including vermouth, and a variety of plates such as the signature “Luis” milanesa topped with mozzarella, ham, bell pepper, and fried egg.
Its ambience, marked by the historical decor and frequent homage to the quintessential café culture of Buenos Aires, makes it a notable spot among the city’s cafés.
Whether opting for a sandwich, a “picada” (an assortment of snacks), or a nostalgic drink, visitors are enveloped in the bar’s rich heritage and the communal spirit of a true neighborhood gathering place.
2. Varela Varelita
Location: Av. Scalabrini Ortiz 2102, Palermo.
Varela Varelita, located in the bustling area of Palermo, stands as an oasis amidst the urban rush, just a few blocks from the birthplace of a renowned Argentine author.
The bar, named after the original owner’s family, exudes a timeless charm with its red shutters and swinging wooden doors, transporting patrons to an era of nostalgic Buenos Aires cafés.
The bar has a literary streak as well, having been a favorite haunt of writer Héctor Libertella, whose legacy still permeates the place.
Known for its quality service and competitive prices, Varela Varelita is a favored spot for enjoying classic vermouth served with a siphon, alongside beloved local dishes like milanesa and lomito sandwiches.
The café’s vintage feel, combined with its dedication to preserving the simple pleasure of a good drink and a warm meal, continues to draw both old patrons and new admirers, securing its status as a landmark in the city’s vibrant bar scene.
3. Café San Juan
Location: Chile 474, San Telmo.
Café San Juan offers a culinary journey that marries authentic Argentinian flavors with a touch of Spanish cuisine, located in the bustling San Telmo Market, making it an ideal spot for those exploring nearby museums and cultural sites.
The café features an inviting atmosphere with classic black-and-white chequerboard flooring and vibrant red seating, complemented by an air-conditioned interior and a lively terrace.
Known for its house vermouth on tap and generous dishes, Café San Juan is celebrated for its premium ingredients and skilled preparation. Favorites include daily fresh fish, garlic prawns, and homemade desserts like chocolate terrine.
The attentive and quick service enhances the dining experience, ensuring that each dish, from the fried polenta starter to the beef milanesa and vegetarian lasagna, is memorable and well-priced.
4. La Fuerza Bar
Location: Av. Dorrego 1409, Villa Crespo.
La Fuerza Bar, located in the heart of Buenos Aires, is a prime destination for vermouth enthusiasts, offering a variety of house-made vermouths, including unique local versions like the Vermú de los Andes, crafted in Mendoza.
The bar provides a modern and inviting space for social gatherings, where patrons can enjoy vermouth in traditional ways, such as mixed with soda or tonic, or in creative cocktails like the Chacarita Spritz and Supertónico.
The popular Rojo y Sidra and Blanco y Ginger Ale are must-try mixes. La Fuerza’s commitment to quality and local identity is evident in each glass, making it a standout venue for those looking to experience a truly Argentine vermouth with a twist of innovation.
The bar’s atmosphere is complemented by excellent service, ensuring a welcoming experience for both vermouth novices and aficionados alike.
5. Roma del Abasto
Location: Anchorena 806, Balvanera.
Roma del Abasto captures the essence of Buenos Aires through its culinary offerings, boasting pizzas made from agroecological flour with a 48-hour cold fermentation process and topped with high-quality local ingredients.
Located in the culturally rich neighborhood of Balvanera, near the bustling Abasto market, this bar is a modern tribute to the area’s Italian heritage.
Roma del Abasto is not just about pizzas; their empanadas, large and freshly baked, are a testament to their commitment to traditional Argentine snacks.
The bar, maintaining its historical ties with Spanish origins, serves a variety of beverages including locally-sourced wines from Mendoza and vermouth from La Fuerza, enhancing the dining experience with a perfect blend of old-world charm and contemporary quality.
The atmosphere is a harmonious mix of antique aesthetics and modern service, making it an ideal spot for an afternoon vermouth accompanied by exceptional pizza and empanadas.
6. Los Galgos
Location: Av. Callao 501, Centro.
Los Galgos stands as a venerable institution in Buenos Aires, steeped in history since its inception in 1930 and revitalized in 2015 to preserve its traditional allure while embracing contemporary culinary trends.
Located at the historic intersection of Lavalle and Callao, the bar offers a unique atmosphere characterized by wooden chairs, porcelain galgos (greyhounds), and an elegant swan-shaped tap.
Los Galgos is renowned for its meticulous service and a menu that includes specialties such as special sandwiches on French bread, and triple ham and cheese toasties, complemented by classic Argentine vermouths and a selection of beers and wines.
The café’s storied past is enlivened by its association with notable figures from Buenos Aires’ cultural scene, making it a preferred spot for both locals and tourists seeking a taste of the city’s authentic café culture.
The attention to quality in both food and service at Los Galgos makes it a memorable place for a meal or a casual drink in the heart of the city.
7. La Capitana
Location: Guardia Vieja 4446, Almagro.
La Capitana is a thematic bodegón and vermutería deeply rooted in Buenos Aires’ culinary and cultural traditions, located in the Almagro neighborhood. It proudly reflects Argentine history with a special nod to Eva Perón through both its decor and gastronomic offerings.
Classic dishes such as braised meat-filled potato pie, milanesas, and empanadas feature prominently on the menu, paired beautifully with an impressive selection of vermuts and aperitifs like Cinzano, Martini, and Carpano.
Special promotions, like “La Hora de Perón” which offers 2-for-1 on classic vermouths, highlight the bar’s commitment to fostering a communal spirit.
Patrons frequently commend the generous portion sizes, perfect preparation of dishes like the tender milanesa “La Capitana”, and the distinctive atmosphere that combines great food with excellent service and a vivid thematic identity, making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists.
8. Arrabal
Location: Santos Dumont 4056, Chacarita.
Arrabal in Chacarita presents itself as a modern cantina blending local flavors with global culinary touches, ideal for those who enjoy tapas and cocktails.
The menu boasts sophisticated dishes such as sweetbreads on smoked curry potato cream alongside simpler, yet delightful, offerings like spinach, kale, and carrot fritters.
The venue is known for its “La Hora Vermutera”, providing a special on Cinzano vermouth with a weekly rotating tapa. Arrabal’s diverse drink options include crafted cocktails, sangria by the jug, and penguin-shaped vermouth pitchers.
The space, which includes a dining hall, sidewalk area, bar, and patio, offers a versatile setting for various dining experiences.
Patrons often praise the exceptional food quality, the inviting atmosphere, and the attentive service, making it a highly recommended spot for an evening of sophisticated dining and relaxation.
9. Malasangre
Location: Av. Crámer 2704, Belgrano.
Malasangre, a standout vermutería in Belgrano, was born amid the pandemic and quickly established itself as a key spot for vermouth aficionados.
Founded by Eduardo Demaestri and Guillermo Sznajder, Malasangre offers a unique outdoor bar experience, surrounding its patrons with a high-end collection of vermouths and cocktail offerings.
With over 50 vermouth labels from around the globe and five exclusive Malasangre styles—Mítico, Torino, Rojo, Blanco, and Rubí—this venue transcends a typical bar scene.
Patrons are immersed in a spontaneous blend of gourmet tapas, artistic pop-ups, and a relaxing yet refined atmosphere where events unfold naturally without a fixed schedule.
The personalized attention, especially noted from bartender Nicolás, complements the creative dishes and meticulously crafted drinks, making Malasangre a must-visit for those seeking to rediscover or newly discover the art of vermouth.
10. Casa María Vermutería
Location: Honduras 6055, Palermo.
Casa María Vermutería occupies a charming corner in Palermo, blending Italian and Spanish tapas with an array of vermouths and classic cocktails, enriched by a daily musical backdrop.
This venue prides itself on personalized service and a vibrant atmosphere, aptly referred to as “La Vermú” by its patrons. The menu features standout drinks like “El Floral” and “El Refrescante,” which exemplify the innovative approach to traditional vermouth.
Casa María is more than just a bar; it’s a cultural hub that offers a relaxing ambiance, highlighted by soft lighting and soothing music.
The terrace provides a perfect setting for sipping vermouth or enjoying a light aperitif, while the diverse food options—from huevos estrellados to albóndigas de morcilla—ensure that every visit is both tantalizing and satisfying.
Whether you’re a vermouth connoisseur or a newcomer to the scene, Casa María offers a fresh and delightful experience in the heart of Buenos Aires.
(Featured Image Source: Sharon Frost/flickr.com)
