Top 5 Bars in Buenos Aires

The bar scene in Buenos Aires has evolved away from the bubble-like draw of Palermo to feature a more diverse spread across the city. Journalist, Vicky Baker, updates her list to reveal 5 great drinking spots in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The Harrison Speakeasy, Palermo

Word is out on this ultra-exclusive, prohibition-themed bar. People now know where it is (behind Nicky NY sushi restaurant); the problem is how to get in. The owners still try to keep the riff-raff out by making it password-only. To get in you need to befriend a member, or you could try having a sushi dinner and charming the waiter. But as there are no guarantees you’ll need a fallback plan. If you’re into the trend of disguised bars, try its sister venue, Frank’s (get the password via Facebook and enter through a telephone booth) or Victoria Brown (and enter through a coffee shop).

Florería Atlántico, Recoleta

When wandering the upmarket Recoleta neighbourhood you may be confused to see a florist’s open at 2am. The store is a front. Hidden in the basement is an ultra-stylish bar, co-owned by the city’s leading cocktail expert, Renato “Tato” Giovannoni. Try his gin – Principe de los Apóstoles – which is enhanced by a touch of yerba mate (Argentina’s signature herbal tea).

Lo de Roberto, Almagro

Stepping into this small and scruffy tango bar, its walls crammed with framed photos of old crooners, feels like visiting a bygone era. Some time after 11.30pm, Osvaldo Peredo, the eighty-something owner, will rise to his feet and sing evocative lyrics from the bar floor. Groups of friends huddle around tables, sharing chairs and spilling out on to the pavement between acts. It’s a very special place – and nowhere offers a more local porteño experience.

Café San Bernardo, Villa Crespo

This is a typical old neighbourhood bar by day, where you might find an elderly patron sipping cortado coffee with an eye on the television showing last night’s football highlights. But, by night, it springs to life with raucous chatter and the clattering of paddle bats. As dozens of table-tennis tables are rolled out, a laid-back, beer-swilling crowd rolls in. Grab a plastic pint glass and expect to be here for the long haul. There’s table football and pool, too.

Sky Bar, Microcentro

Take the lift up to the 13th floor of the chic Hotel Pulitzer to find one of the few bars in the city with a view. Thursday is “after office” night, meaning it draws a crowd from early evening (which is 9pm in these parts), and so is a good place to come if you want a taste of the city’s famous party atmosphere without sacrificing too much sleep. Buenos Aires isn’t stunning from above – more of a mishmash of flat concrete roofs – but it certainly looks special during a purple-hued sunset. Get here early to grab one of the stools facing out over the city.

The full article was published in The Guardian (Top 10 Bars in Buenos Aires click here) on Thursday 11 December 2014.

How to do it:
Journey Latin America has an eight-day city break to Buenos Aires from £1,187pp, including transfers, B&B accommodation and flights from London