THE HARRISON SPEAKEASY
Palermo Soho
C1414DMJ, Malabia 1764, Buenos Aires
The “closed door” concept is popular in Buenos Aires and they have many “speakeasy” themed bars. To gain entrance to this bar you need to have friends that have a membership card or have dinner at Nicky’s NY sushi bar and when you finish dinner ask to visit the wine cellar. You’ll be sent through a door in the rear of the place that looks like a vault. Once inside, it’s a great bar scene and it really feels like you’re in a New York bar in the 1920s, with the big wooden bar and the sparkling crystal chandeliers.
ISABEL BAR
Uriarte 1664, Buenos Aires, 54-11 4834-6969
NEIGHBORHOOD: Palermo Soho
Open since 2010, this trendy bar became famous as the place to spot models. Drinks are purchased with Isabelitas, 25-peso poker chips purchased upon entering the club. The bar has a funky classic décor with an outside patio.
LA CATEDRAL
Sarmiento 4006, Buenos Aires, 54 11 4342-4794
NEIGHBORHOOD: Almagro
This underground club is a mixture of post-punk/neo-goth and circus/music hall. Great tango experience for watching and learning the dance. Cover charge.
LA TRASTIENDA CLUB
Balcarce 460, Buenos Aires, 54 11 4342-7650
NEIGHBORHOOD: San Telmo
Translated as The Hidden, this club is located in the historic district in a building that was once an old general store. This place is a landmark in the cultural scene of the city. Here all styles of music are performed including Pop, Rock, Reggae, Electronic, World, Tango, Jazz and Folklore.
LA VIRUTA
Armenia 1366, Buenos Aires, +54 11 4832-4105
NEIGHBORHOOD: Palermo Soho
One of the most popular dance venues in Buenos Aires that is also know for the dance classes scheduled every day and night. If you pay once, you can attend as many classes as you want during that day. Tango rules here and the slippery dance floor is ideal. Tables are available if you just want to drink and watch (which is where I personally fit in). Live music. This place gets packed around 3 a.m. and is open until dawn. (How these people do it, I don’t know. You and old, they’re all up late.)
TEATRO COLÓN
Cerrito 628, Buenos Aires, 54 11 4378-7100
NEIGHBORHOOD: Capital Federal
Open since 1908, this is the main opera house in the city and the third best opera house in the world (according to National Geographic). After a refurbishment the venue reopened in 2010.
TORQUATO TASSO
Defensa 1575, Buenos Aires, 54 4307 6506
NEIGHBORHOOD: Capital Federal
This is one of the city’s best live-music venues and especially a great place to hear live tango music. Popular bands that regularly play here include: Orchestra Típica Leopoldo Federico, Sexteto Mayor and La Chicana. Cover charge.
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