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Palermo is B.A.’s largest barrio and, befitting its size, offers the broadest range of nightlife. You can sample a veritable buffet of after-dark options here. Milongas and oh-so authentic folk music halls appeal to traditionalists, while wine and jazz fans will both find bars that cater to their tastes. Prefer to amp things up? Opt for an underground speakeasy or go over the top at an all-night dance club.
One of the very few cigar bars in Buenos Aires, Puro Bistró also has a killer cocktail list. Relax in a comfy armchair and enjoy the relative peace and quiet while gazing out onto the busy street beyond. It's a haven for drinkers and smokers in the heart of Palermo.
Part Moroccan boudoir with an impressive brass instrument collection, part cutesy patio with white wrought-iron garden furniture, the kitschy Rey de Copas is an interesting addition to Palermo's drinking scene. Some concoctions come served in metal yerba maté gourds.
Its impossibly cool atmosphere makes Río Café an obvious favorite with hipsters. Pick a front table to watch the world bustle through to the back patio, or simply pitch up outside. Wednesdays are rocking thanks to great cocktails and DJs whipping up ’80s mash-ups for a crowd that’s ready to party.
A cluster of milongas call this dance hall home, and the venue underwent a refurb in 2024 but lost a little of its historical tango sparkle. Regardless you can come for early evening classes at Milonga Sans Souci and A Puro Tango on weekends. The dance floor is usually packed by midnight, so get here early.
From the folks who brought Gibraltar and Bangalore to B.A. comes this hatrick establishment. Less dark and woody and certainly more spacious than its traditional siblings, the Dragon has the air of a modern London pub and serves up draft beer as well as a tasty Chinese menu.
The best porteño jazz bands (and occasional foreign imports) play at this upscale spot. Arrive early for a good seat, as it's a long, narrow bar and not all tables have good views; on weekends there are usually two shows per night.
There's nothing really special about this corner bar-restaurant except for its location at the epicenter of Palermo Hollywood, close to the TV studios and an array of great eateries. A funky mix of rock, rap, and electronic music pumps up the hard-core clubbers who stop to whet their whistles on large draft lagers before a night of debauchery. This place is always packed, so come early for a seat.
Steampunk is the name of the game at this Palermo bar named for England's venerable Queen Victoria. Pass through the storefront, enter the cute café of the same name, bang on the secret door, and discover one of 2014’s top new hot spots. A vast and sultry space awaits—the decor evokes the Industrial Age, but the elaborate drinks list is definitely up to date.
This is an intimate art deco venue for local jazz maestros and appreciative audiences. It's a great space and you can get up close and personal with the musicians, who draw from a deep well of talent and cover a lot of ground, from improv to standards and experimental.
The self-styled club and music warehouse on the cool northern edge of Palermo Hollywood offers up a large dance floor and plenty of European beats, as well as Britpop, indie nights, and digital cumbia. Fresh from a face-lift, Voodoo aims to strike a balance between trendy cocktails and move-inducing music.
A superb whiskey bar close to Plaza Italia, Wherever carries 160-plus brands of scotch, both blends and single malts. Elegant with a touch of British pub, it’s a fine place to settle in for a civilized evening.
