Blog Archives
New Bar in Town: The Shanghai Dragon
(Photo by theharv58)
The Shanghai Dragon is one of the newest additions to the Palermo Scene and it has a promising future. The bar is owned by the man in charge of the popular British pub Gibraltar in San Telmo and the Hindu Bangalore in Palermo.
As The Shanghai’s name obviously suggests, it is inspired by China. The menu features Asian food and delicious drought beer, a trademark in all three bars that keeps the happy bar-goers happy.
Other similarities with its older siblings are its tasteful decor and music, although The Shanghai is the biggest of the three.
The ultra cool ambiance and the artisanal beer Happy Hour from 5pm-10pm every day makes it well worth checking out!
Aráoz 1199, Palermo
Barman Fede Cuco at Fierro Hotel
Local celebrity bartender Fede Cuco has embarked on a special adventure. Known as the Cantinero Viajero (Travelling Bartender), he has taken upon paying visits to different bars around the city with a suitcase full of elixirs. This weekend he will be traveling to Fierro Hotel’s Hernán Gipponi Restaurant where he will prepare some of his unique recipes.
The menu will consist of five one-of-a-kind cocktails including a homemade Rob Roy matured in an oak barrel! He will also remind us of the wonders of an old time classic, the Chicago Fizz. Other delectable drinks to be served include C&C Fizz, Multiple Choice Crusta, and Black & Tan.
Don’t miss this chance to share the stories of your trip with this unique traveler who will be at Fierro Hotel on Friday the 4th, and Saturday the 5th of May from 7pm onwards. Soler 5862, Palermo. 3220-6800.
This Week in Buenos Aires
Tuesday
(Photo by -h.c)
The Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes in Recoleta is presenting a new exhibit ¨Claridad, la vanguardia en lucha¨, showcasing Argentine art from the 20´s-40´s depicting different social and political aspects that the country was going through at the time. Av. Del Libertador 1473, Recoleta.
From 1pm-5pm there will be a Reiki marathon at the stunning Japanese gardens in Palermo. Av. Figueroa Alcorta and Av. Casares.
If you’re looking for a laugh don’t miss the Grin Go! Stand Up comedy Show starting at 9pm at the Absinth Resto Bar. Bartolomé Mitre 1695, Downtown. 4371-6486. Be sure to make a reservation by emailing gringo@comicosdepie.com.ar.
Wednesday
(Photo by pyramis)
The IV International Buenos Aires Circus Festival will host a variety of stunning circus acts from the 3-14th of May starting at midday. Find the full program here.
Later on stop by Centro Cultural Konex for a unique experience in the dark. Dialogo en la Oscuridad is an international exhibit where the senses are rediscovered. The public is guided in absolute darkness through different scenarios and learns to perceive every day life in a different way. Open Tue-Sun 5pm-10pm. Sarmiento 3131, Abasto. 4864 3200.
Thursday
(Photo by Humberto Terenziani)
The city will be abuzz with literary activity until the 7th of May at the annual international book fair. Tickets cost 20 pesos from Mon-Thur and 26 pesos on the weekend. Find the full program of activities here.
For a unique evening, book your place at Fierro Hotel’s Thursday wine tasting and sample some great Argentine wines, chosen by the president of the Argentine Sommelier Association Andres Rosberg and in-house Sommelier Martin Bruno. Tastings cost 25 USD per person and are limited to 7 people. Soler 5862, Palermo. 3220-6800.
Friday
(Photo by Alaskan Dude)
Take a free tour of Buenos Aires with Jonathan, an Englishman in love with the city. Tours start every day at 11am at the center of Plaza Italia by the Garibaldi Horse monument and cover the areas of Almagro, Congress and the Plaza de Mayo using local transport to get around. More information here.
Don´t miss the chance to take part of the nocturnal tour of the ecological reserve behind Puerto Madero. Remember to book your place in advance! Av. Tristán Achával Rodríguez 1550, Puerto Madero 4893-1588/ 4893 -1597 interno 108. reserva_cs@buenosaires.gov.ar
Celebrity barman Fede Cuco will be preparing innovative concoctions at Fierro Hotel on Friday and Saturday. Don’t miss the chance to try a Multiple Choice Crusta, Chicago Fizz, Barrel Aged Rob Roy and C&C. Soler 5862, Palermo. 3220-6800.
Saturday and Sunday
Professional photographer Jocelyn Mandryk (who took Fierro’s latest photographs) and her associate Becky Hayes have taken tourist photography to a whole new level on their Saturday Foto Ruta tours. What they propose is to get to know the city from another point of view, taking their travelers through off the beaten path locations and setting creative guidelines for the photographs so that they can explore the local colors and characters through the lens from a new perspective, finding what they normally wouldn’t on a typical tourist location. The Foto Ruta tour runs every Saturday from 2pm-6pm and costs 100 pesos. Upcoming locations are listed on the Foto Ruta webpage.
Celebrity barman Fede Cuco will be preparing innovative concoctions at Fierro Hotel on Friday and Saturday. Don’t miss the chance to try a Multiple Choice Crusta, Chicago Fizz, Barrel Aged Rob Roy and C&C. Soler 5862, Palermo. 3220-6800.
Electro fans will be joyously dancing on Saturday to the unique beats of Justice, John Digweed and the likes at the UMF electronic music festival taking place on Saturday and Costanera Sur. Tickets here.
Every Sunday until the 13th of May from 1pm-4pm there will be live tango music and milongas at the traditional Bar El Estaño 1880. Aristóbulo Del Valle 1100, La Boca
Beer Hotspots in the City
(Photo by jACK TWO. Nice Maradona detail on the left!)
Beer is not exactly what Argentina is known for, however on a hot summer day, a cold brew on a nice terrace is mandatory. If Quilmes doesn’t quite do it for you, then we suggest you try some of the following bars where draught, imported, and artisan beers can be found.
Gibraltar and Bangalore: If you’re looking for great draught beer, an even better environment, decent music, some curry and some spice, you will love both The Gibraltar in San Telmo and it’s sister Bangalore in Palermo! Go early if you want a table and enjoy either dinner or drinks in these all-time favorite pubs.
Geno Beer Bar: This beer bar in Palermo offers over 40 imported beers from around the world in a nice ambiance. They also serve deli sandwiches and a unique beer soup!
To try some Argentine artisan beer, Antares is the leading option. Antares is well known as they commercialize their beers around the country, and they host special activities including drinking games and the chance to watch the beer making process at their Buenos Aires venues. You can also taste some great Otro Mundo Argentine artisan beer at the Fierro hotel garden.
Other options in the city include the Dutch Van Koning in Cañitas which has a very good beer selection, and Irish pubs such as The Shamrock and Kilkenny, amongst others.
Christmas Eve Parties in Buenos Aires
In Buenos Aires, the real Christmas Eve celebrations begin once midnight has passed after eating, toasting, lighting fireworks and opening presents. That’s when the city comes alive with Porteño style late night partying until the break of dawn. So where to go to join the fun? Read on-
Niceto Club: Offering live music and cutting edge theme based parties this is definitely a Buenos Aires funhouse. For Christmas this year they will be hosting two parties; the Magic Christmas Party, featuring trance music by DJ Javier Brussola, and the Januca party celebrating the Jewish “party of lights.” Niceto Vega 5510, Palermo. 4779 9396 / info@nicetoclub.com
Clubland at Pacha: One of the biggest clubs in town, Pacha is famous for its Saturday night house and techno dance floor which hosts international and local DJs. This weekend will be no exception as the city’s most fervent partiers gather to celebrate Christmas. Av. Rafael Obligado 6151, Costanera. 4788-4280. info@pachabuenosaires.com
Crobar: This popular club in Palermo offers two dance floors, a VIP lounge and some great house and electronic music. This year they will be pumping up Christmas with DJs Aldo Haydar and Facundo Lacogneta. Marcelo Freire and Paseo de la Infanta, Palermo. 4788-1500. info@crobar.com.ar
Club Araoz: This Palermo centered club will be playing dance, hip-hop, regeton, rock and pop tunes to celebrate Christmas with its happy clubbers. Araoz 2424, Palermo. 4832-9751. info@clubaraoz.com.ar
Rumi: Rumi is a Belgrano centered nightclub with a great atmosphere and a glitzy crowd. This Saturday they will host their annual Christmas bash where dance music will be the star. Figueroa Alcorta 6442, Belgrano. 4782-1398.
Boris Club de Jazz: Lovers of live music should definitely head to Boris to celebrate Christmas with 0km who will be playing funk, rock, pop and soul covers. Gorriti 5568, Palermo. 4777-0012. info@borisclub.com.ar.
Maluco Beleza: No one knows how to party better than Brazilians, and at Maluco Beleza that’s the way to party. If samba gets your feet going then this is where you will want to tap your toes this Christmas. Sarmiento 1728, Downtown. 4732-1737. info@malucobeleza.com.ar
La Viruta Tango: Dancing kicks off from 12.30pm onwards at this tango hotspot where previous dinner with reservation will also be served for the occasion. Armenia 1366, Palermo. 4779-0030.
Bars will also be open from 1am onwards (approximately).
Top 5 Places to Taste Wine in Buenos Aires
Duhau Vinoteca and Cheese Room: The Hyatt’s wine and cheese room where you can taste local and foreign wines and a wide selection of premium cheeses served with fresh baked breads, chutneys and dried fruits is the perfect way to flavor savor and relax. Open Sun- Wed 6.00 pm – 12.00 am and Thu- Sat 6.00 pm – 1.00 am. Av. Alvear 1661,Recoleta. 5171-1234
Gran Bar Danzón: This trendy lounge bar offers a wonderful variety of wines and is usually full of people vouching for its quality and great atmosphere. Their wine happy hours, Mon-Fri from 7pm-9pm and Sat-Sun from 8pm-10pm present exciting new wines in the market and are a great way to try something new. Libertad 1161, Downtown. 4811-1108.
La Cava de El Querandí: Set in a gorgeous restored 1800´s house, this wine bar, with an adjacent restaurant and tango show, offers unique wine tasting options that explore different regions and varieties of Argentine wine. Peru 322, San Telmo. 5199-1771
Algodón Mansión: Located in an classy petit hotel from the early 1900s, the posh Chez Nous restaurant features a fantastic Wine and Cognac Bar, as well as an elegant Cigar Lounge which accommodates private parties for up to 16 people. 3530-4444 Montevideo 1647 – Recoleta
Fierro Hotel Buenos Aires:The hotel’s intimate wine cellar showcases some of the country’s most interesting wines, with a selection curated by Andrés Rosberg, President of the Argentine Sommelier Association. Wine tastings are held every Thursday and include complimentary snacks from the Hernan Gipponi Restaurant upstairs, private dinners may be arranged for up to eight people. Soler 5862, Palermo. 3220 6800
Live Music Venues in the City
(Photo by Frank Gruber)
On your walks through the city you are bound to come across two things: One is the mouth watering smell of asados coming from backyards, terraces and neighborhood parrillas, and the other is the sound of lingering music, floating through the open windows of homes and cars. The asado bit is probably expected but the musical tendencies of the locals may be overlooked. Nevertheless, Buenos Aires is a highly musical city, and it’s not just tango but classical music, jazz, rock, pop and many other genres that Argentines both listen to and execute. Below are a few venues and concert halls to check out where both fantastic local musicians and international acts present thir music to the warm and welcoming crowds that await them.
Classical Music
Operas, ballets, concertists and top-notch orchestras are regularly featured at the stunning Colón Theatre, which was inaugurated in 1908 and is considered to be one of the top 5 concert venues in the world. A definite must on your visit! More information on their program here.
The Isaac Fernandez Blanco Hispanic Art Museums also hosts classical concerts regularly with a special emphasis on historic musical pieces, especially of the Baroque period. More information on their program here.
The Buenos Aires University of Law in Recoleta hosts free concerts by local orchestras, choirs and instrumental players on Saturday afternoons all year round. More information on their program here.
Tango
El Viejo Almacen at the corner of Independencia and Balcarce in San Telmo has received renown tangueros such as “Polaco” Goyeneche, Aníbal Troilo, Osvaldo Pugliese and Horacio Salgán. Now a days the old colonial house stages a tango show featuring some of the city’s best tango singers and dancers. More information here.
The Carlos Gardel Museum in Abasto hosts live concerts every Monday at 6.30pm and the first Sunday of every month. Additionally you get the chance to learn more about the local tango legend. More information here.
Gardel and other tango passionate frequented El Bar de Roberto in the Almagro neighborhood, which was bought by a Spaniard from Asturias in the 1930s. Now a days it still keeps the same bottles adorning the walls and spontaneous live tango sessions to charm the usually crowded venue. Tue-Sat 10.30pm. Bulnes 331, Almagro. 4862-0415
Jazz
Boris Club de Jazz is set in the heart of Palermo Hollywood.. Combining auteur cuisine with art and live jazz music, by both national and international acts, it is a recommended place for jazz enthusiasts and an overall good time. More information on their program here.
Notorious is a jazz venue, restaurant, bar and record store all in one where you can listen to live music every day of the week. Their program features jazz, swing and samba by both national and international acts. More information on their program here.
Thelonius Club has a great vibe that makes it a great bar just to go for drinks the plus is that they also have top jazz performers play on their intimate stage. More information on their program here.
Rock/Pop/Ethnic
Club Niceto offers live music and cutting edge theme based parties which makes it the ultimate Buenos Aires funhouse. More information on their program here (and don’t miss their Thursday night club 69 parties for a walk on the wild side!).
La Trastienda in San Telmo is a small intimate theatre with great acoustics where local and international talents play jazz, reggae, blues, ethnic and rock amongst others. More information on upcoming events here.
There are of course many more places including bars, theatres, cultural centers and stadiums which stage live music. A more extenisve list of upcoming concerts and musical events in the city with links to buy tickets in advance is available here.
Buenos Aires Nightlife: Bar-Pub-Electro Club
(Photo by brokekid)
One of our favorite nightspots in the city, The Shamrock or Basement Club, in the heart of Recoleta, might appear to be the perfect place for a pint at first glance. However, and although ‘pinting’ is most definitely allowed, this is no ordinary pub as down the stairs, in the, you guessed it, basement, is a perfect sized electro club where some of the city’s best DJs make sure everyone dances to the break of dawn. The early opening hours, the great crowd of locals and tourists alike, the Thursday happy hour, and the blasting beats make The Shamrock one of our top picks for great party nights!
Rodriguez Peña 1220, Recoleta
4812-3584
Open from 6pm on weekdays and 8 pm Saturdays. Closed Sundays.
Bars of Buenos Aires: Congo
(Photo by viaje al fin de la noche)
Congo Bar is one of the hottest nightspots in the Palermo scene and there is good reason for it. Trendy locals line up at the door well into the night, as is usual in the city, to trade the entrance fee for Congo currency which can then be exchanged for the first drink of the night. Once inside, the brown and beige leather interior serves as a backdrop for the beautiful men and women who either mill around the bar, are seated at one of the hard to get tables or are enjoying one of the famous “Bossa Nova” drinks in the garden, the Congo jewel. Dinner is also served in this Palermo gem, and occasionally weekday parrilladas (barbeques) are organized. Definitely the place to go to if your looking for an “it” place with stylish and enthusiastic crowds.
Honduras 5329, Palermo
4833-5857
Start the Night at Magdalena’s Party
This new laid back hot spot in Palermo brings foreigners and locals together for food, drinks, music by different DJs and a great atmosphere to satisfy all your pre party needs. Open late from Tuesdays to Sundays they have theme nights such as Tuesday tacos, Vegan Wednesdays, pre-Lost Thursdays (where you can get free passes to Lost nightclub) and parties on Fridays and Saturdays. They also offer wine and whisky tastings and brunch… what more do you need!?
http://www.magdalenasparty.com
Thames 1795 , Palermo
4833.9127
