Looking for the perfect place to unwind in Buenos Aires? Whether you’re a digital nomad looking for a cosy corner to reflect on your adventures, a traveller looking to immerse yourself in the local nightlife, or an expat looking to find your new favourite hangout, Buenos Aires offers a vibrant array of bars to suit every taste and occasion.
ExpatPathways has scoured the city’s bustling streets and hidden alleyways to bring you ‘The 10 Best Bars in Buenos Aires’, a curated list that promises to guide you to the ultimate drinking destinations.
From speakeasies that take you back in time to trendy establishments serving innovative cocktails and delicious tapas, join us as we explore the heart of Argentina’s nightlife and ensure your evenings are nothing short of unforgettable.
The Best Bars in Buenos Aires
1. Backroom Bar
Location: Jorge Luis Borges 1975, Palermo.
Backroom Bar in Buenos Aires is a hidden gem, known for its neighborhood-friendly vibe, immaculate space, and unpretentious atmosphere, making it the perfect locale for a post-dinner drink.
Praised for its top-tier bar staff and welcoming owners, this bar not only offers the best drinks in BA but also hosts fantastic jazz shows and serves phenomenal food.
The cocktail selection is exquisite, complemented by efficient service and a unique setting within a bookstore, where patrons can enjoy their beverages amidst literary treasures.
The culinary offerings, from ojo de bife to delicately prepared desserts, are lauded for their quality and taste, matched by impeccable cleanliness and attentive service.
With live music performances several days a week, Backroom Bar stands out as a very special place for drinks, offering a complete menu, quality dining experience, and a cozy ambiance that encourages reservations due to its popularity.
2. Florería Atlántico
Location: Arroyo 872, Recoleta.
Florería Atlántico, a speakeasy located in the basement of a flower shop in Recoleta, provides an immersive bar and restaurant experience that transports visitors back to the early 20th century, celebrating Buenos Aires’ immigrant heritage and port city origins.
Recognized among The World’s 50 Best Bars since 2016, this establishment offers a drink menu inspired by the diverse cultures that have influenced the city, with cocktails categorized by their country of origin.
The entrance, hidden behind a refrigerator door, leads to an intimate yet vibrant space ideal for enjoying innovative drinks and gourmet tapas, grilled meats, and fish dishes.
Recommendations include the crab and shrimp empanada, tiger shrimp, and adventurous cocktail selections, with the venue’s unique ambiance, excellent food and drink, and top-notch service making it a must-visit for those seeking an iconic cocktail experience in Buenos Aires and beyond.
3. Nicky Harrison
Location: Malabia 1764, Palermo.
Nicky Harrison emerges as Buenos Aires’ quintessential speakeasy, nestled in the vibrant Palermo Soho, a venue where exquisite cuisine, exceptional drinks, and an enveloping air of secrecy blend harmoniously.
On the exterior, it presents itself as a sophisticated restaurant marrying Japanese and Peruvian culinary arts, yet it conceals a secret bar channeling the spirit of a 1920s New York speakeasy, recognized among the top 50 bars in Argentina.
The narrative of Nicky Harrison, a pioneer of the concealed speakeasy during Prohibition, inspires the bar’s clandestine allure, accessible exclusively to patrons who dine in the restaurant. This hidden gem invites guests into a bygone era adorned with jazz, offering a cocktail repertoire that spans timeless classics and contemporary innovations.
The restaurant’s refined atmosphere and seafood-focused author cuisine, highlighted by Wagyu nigiris and Peruvian ceviche, render Nicky Harrison a must-visit for an authentic Buenos Aires escapade, complete with tarot readings at the entrance and a captivating journey to its speakeasy quarters, promising a night of jazz shows and meticulously crafted cocktails.
4. Bar 878
Location: Thames 878, Villa Crespo.
Bar 878 stands as a celebrated beacon in Villa Crespo, transitioning from its origins as a speakeasy to a widely acknowledged destination without forsaking its enigmatic charm, concealed behind a nondescript wooden door marked only by its address.
This bar, known for its lofty ceilings, exposed brick aesthetics, and masterfully concocted cocktails by mixologists donned in vintage attire, retains the ambience that initially defined its allure.
While no longer a guarded secret, Bar 878 continues to deliver an unparalleled drinking experience, boasting a comprehensive menu of signature cocktails and gourmet bites, perfect for a relaxed outing with friends or an intimate date.
The establishment’s serene vibe is complemented by well-curated music, making it an ideal spot for those eager to explore unique drink creations like the Cynar Julep, crispy chicken, and buñuelos.
Bar 878, with its dedication to exceptional service and innovative cocktail offerings, is a gem in Buenos Aires’ nightlife, meriting a spot on every visitor’s itinerary for a memorable cocktail experience.
5. Desarmadero Bar
Location: Gorriti 4295, Palermo.
Desarmadero Bar has quickly established itself as a cornerstone of Buenos Aires’ craft beer scene since opening its doors in 2017. Located in the bustling area of Palermo, this bar boasts an impressive 41 taps offering a diverse array of beer styles from the country’s finest brewers.
The culinary offerings are just as notable, with a menu that includes warm tapas, hearty sandwiches, and mouthwatering burgers, catering to a wide range of tastes.
The industrial ambiance, coupled with good music, creates an ideal setting for evenings out, whether for couples or groups of friends.
Patrons laud the variety of drinks, delicious gastronomy, and the cordial service, emphasizing the bar’s cozy yet compact size, which is expanded with additional seating across the street and on the sidewalk.
With events that surpass expectations and a mousse de chocolate that leaves guests in awe, Desarmadero Bar stands out for its quality, atmosphere, and the excellence of its offerings, making it a top recommendation for beer enthusiasts in Buenos Aires.
6. BierLife
Location: Humberto 1º 670, San Telmo.
BierLife, set in an old San Telmo house, offers a warm and friendly atmosphere with its inner patio leading to various nooks and crannies filled with mismatched wooden furniture.
This unassuming venue becomes especially lively during events like St. Patrick’s Day or beer festivals, with patrons advised to buy drink tokens in advance to avoid long lines.
Boasting a significant selection of tasty beers and a welcoming ambiance segmented for different preferences—from those seeking a quiet spot to those wanting to be closer to the music—BierLife is celebrated as one of the city’s best breweries.
With over 50 taps, excellent food, and top-notch service, the brewery is an ideal spot for large groups, though reservations are recommended to ensure seating in one of its several patios.
7. The Oldest Bar
Location: Juan B. Ambrosetti 31, Caballito.
The Oldest Bar, exuding a vintage charm with its wooden furnishings and retro advertising posters, offers an excellent spot in Caballito for enjoying fine drinks and great food with friends.
The ambiance is perfectly balanced, allowing for both music enjoyment and conversation, with a menu that caters to both sharing and hearty individual meals. Service is quick and efficient, complementing the generous and diverse drink selection.
This bar, transformed from a historic house, welcomes pets in both its indoor and outdoor seating areas and has become a staple in the neighborhood for casual hangouts.
With a varied menu that includes everything from snacks and hearty dishes to vegan options and delectable desserts, The Oldest excels in providing a friendly atmosphere, exceptional service, and a culinary experience that includes standout dishes like the Great Maraca hamburger, making it a beloved choice for locals and visitors alike.
8. Dársena Bar
Location: José A. Cabrera 4354, Palermo.
Dársena Bar, ingeniously crafted from six shipping containers and assorted recycled materials, stands as a testament to Palermo’s innovative spirit.
The venue’s modern design, complemented by a wide array of drinks and a tempting food menu, offers a unique dining and drinking experience.
Recommendations include the chipancho and falafel, set against a backdrop of excellent music and well-maintained facilities.
With its casual yet trendy atmosphere, Dársena Bar has become a favorite for those seeking great drinks, like the impeccable Mojito, and good food, with portions generous enough to satisfy.
The fried ravioli, served as a shared dish with dipping sauces, and a variety of burgers and cheesy fries underscore the bar’s culinary appeal.
Its relaxed vibe makes it a prime spot for a night out with friends, where the innovative use of space and materials draws a chill crowd looking for quality and comfort in one of Buenos Aires’ most eclectic bars.
9. Verne Club
Location: Avenida Medrano 1475, Palermo.
Verne Club, inspired by the imaginative tales of Jules Verne, is a cocktail haven that captivates its visitors with a blend of French, English, and American décor, evoking the essence of a bygone era set against the sounds of jazz.
This Buenos Aires bar offers an extraordinary menu of creative and classic cocktails, complemented by a selection of gourmet bites that range from charcuterie boards to mushroom gyozas.
The intimate atmosphere, especially noted on quieter nights, enhances the feeling of stepping into a different world, where every detail, from the modest exterior to the intricate interior, suggests a narrative steeped in the adventurous spirit of the 19th century.
With its friendly and attentive staff, Verne Club is recommended for both romantic dates and relaxed gatherings, where the unique cocktails and diverse food menu promise an immersive experience.
Praised for its magical ambiance, excellent cuisine, and sublime drinks, Verne Club stands out as a magical place to engage all five senses in Buenos Aires’ nightlife.
10. Victoria Brown Bar
Location: Costa Rica 4827, Palermo.
Victoria Brown Bar transitions from a cozy café by day to a mysterious speakeasy by night, revealing its true character behind a bouncer-guarded door post-8 p.m. in Palermo.
The eclectic décor, a mix of New York chic and Tim Burton’s whimsicality, sets the stage for an unforgettable experience in a setting reminiscent of a Victorian-era factory turned hip SoHo loft.
The bar offers an array of drinks and dining options, with grilled flank steak and osso buco croquettes among the recommended dishes. While the portions might not be large compared to the prices, the ambiance, with its tranquil and dimly lit environment, makes it an ideal spot for outings with friends or romantic evenings.
The thematic Victorian décor and the exceptional service elevate the experience, making Victoria Brown Bar a hidden gem on a quiet street in Palermo, where the allure of mystery behind its doors invites guests into a uniquely atmospheric nightspot.
(Featured Image Source: Chan Walrus/pexels.com)
