Secret Bars of Buenos Aires: Explore the Hidden Underground 🍸
Our premium insider's guide explores the hidden bars of BA.
Bars with secret passwords hidden behind the back doors of boutiques, lounges set inside refurbished warehouses, and even places visible to the naked eye, Buenos Aires is a hot topic when it comes to speakeasies and the craft cocktail movement. Run by passionate bartenders dedicated to the art of mixology, many of these spots take on an old-school New York style.
Historically, Argentines have been die-hard wine drinkers (which is easy to understand when you consider the standard of the nation’s wine). Beer has long been a favorite, as has the standard nightclub drink, fernet, and Coke. However, there’s much more to enjoy. Porteños have always had a cultural connection with Italy, and their drinks do, too. Amari (bitters), Campari, and sweet vermouth are omnipresent. Mixologists adopt native herbs as well as locally distilled liquor. Among the most common additions are yerba mate, pisco, and Cynar (a bittersweet artichoke liqueur). Moreover, you can enjoy the country’s world-famous Malbec in more ways than you could possibly imagine.
Whether you want to sip the innovative creations of Argentina’s most-revered mixologists, or simply like to mingle with Buenos Aires’ cool crowd, here’s a rundown of speakeasy style bars to set you on your way.
Boca Arriba-Boca Abajo (Maipú 872, Microcentro).
From the outside, this locale looks like nothing more than a modern laundromat. But in the basement, is an ultra-cool speakeasy/restaurant. A veritable Pandora’s box born in the pandemic, the exclusive wine bar/restaurant has an ever-changing food menu. During the last week of the month, reservations for the following month are taken and usually filled quickly due to limited opening days. Each month also sees new guests bartenders, chefs, and sommeliers working their magic on guests.
Opening Hours: Monday - Tuesday 8pm - 12am. Wedensday-Saturday 7:30-12:30am. Sundays closed.
The Harrison Speakeasy (Malabia 1764, Palermo Soho).
Past an irrelevant door at the rear of Nicky New York Sushi is one of the most revered speakeasies in B.A. It’s the creation of the owners of Franks (see below) and emulates a 1920s-style Prohibition-era bar. The bartenders turn out in dapper attire, always happy to talk you through what you’re about to drink. The Union Pacific (vodka, bitters, Earl Grey tea, ginger syrup, and lemon peel) is a tantalizing combination. You might need to use your best networking skills to get the password.
Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 8pm to 3am.
The Hole Bar - Alcatraz Speakeasy Hidden Bar (Armenia 1743, Palermo Soho).
Penitentiary and a journey back to 1930s San Francisco is the theme of this off-beat Palermo spot. Customers have to wait for the guard to open the door before being led to the main room by police officers (costumed, of course). Once here, bartenders dressed in the iconic orange Alcatraz overalls are waiting to mix and serve drinks. Most drink names are inspired by notorious criminals such as Al Capone and Robert Stroud. Hungry inmates can fuel up on sushi and finger food options.
Opening hours: Monday-Wednesday 8pm to 2.30am, Thursday 8pm to 3am, Friday to Saturday 8pm to 4am
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