Buenos Aires - Argentina - page 150

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Gran Bar Danzon A small, intimate bar , Danzon attracts a fashionable cr owd with
its small selection of international food and smar t, relaxing lounge music. An ex cellent
barman serves exquisite cocktails. Libertad 1161 at Santa F e. & 11/4811-1108. www.granbar
danzon.com.ar. Metro: San Martín.
The Kilkenny This tr endy cafe/bar is mor e like a r ock house than an I rish pub ,
although you will still be able to or der Guinness, Kilkenny, and H arp draft beers. I t's
packed with locals and foreigners, and you are as likely to find people in suits and ties as
in jeans and T-shirts. The Kilkenny offers happy hour fr om 6 to 8pm and liv e bands
every night after midnight; it stays open until 5am. Marcelo T. de Alv ear 399, at Rec on-
quista. & 11/4312-9179 or 11/4312-7291. Metro: San Martín.
Plaza Bar Nearly every Argentine president and his or her cabinet have come here, in
addition to visiting celebs such as the queen of S pain, the emper or of J apan, Luciano
Pavarotti, and David Copperfield. A vague mix of Art Deco and English country, the bar
features mahogany furniture and velvet upholstery, where guests sip mar tinis and other
high-end drinks. Tuxedo-clad waiters recommend a fine selection of whiskeys and bran-
dies. In 2005, Forbes magazine declared it among the world 's top nine hotel bars, based
on sev eral factors—the clientele, the bev erage selection, and the way the staff makes
everyone feel welcome, even if they come only once in a lifetime. This was at one time
the city 's most famous cigar bar , but the 2006 anti-smoking law put an end to that
decades-long tradition. Nevertheless, add it to your list of things to do. Inside the Marriott
Plaza Hotel, Calle Florida 1005, at Santa F e (overlooking Plaza San M artín). & 11/4318-3000.
Metro: San Martín.
Plaza Dorrego Bar Representative of a typical Porteño bar from the 19th century,
Plaza Dorrego displays por traits of Carlos G ardel, antique liquor bottles in cases along
the walls, and anonymous writings engraved in the wood. Stop by on Sunday, when the
crowd spills onto the str eet and y ou can catch the S an Telmo antiques mar ket on the
plaza in fr ont. Calle Defensa 1098, at Humber to Primo (overlooking Plaza Dorr ego). & 11/
4361-0141. Metro: Constitución.
Rey Castro A giant statue of Castr o greets you as you enter this club and r estau-
rant. They have an excellent Caribbean menu, and hot salsa and Latin dancing on two
levels. Monday to Thursday, come for the happy hour from 6 to 9:30pm, with an empha-
sis on mojitos and C uba Libres. Calle Peru 342, at M oreno. & 11/4342-9998. www.reycastro.
com. Metro: Moreno.
The Shamrock The city 's best-kno wn I rish pub is lacking in authenticity; y ou're
more likely to hear hot Latin rhythms than soft G aelic music here. That said, it remains
hugely popular with Argentines and for eign visitors alike, and it 's a gr eat spot to begin
the night. There is an enormous game room with pool tables and other attractions in the
basement. Rodríguez Peña 1220, at Juncal. & 11/4812-3584. Metro: Callao.
Sugar Owned b y two B rits and an American, this P alermo S oho spot has become
trendy with English-speaking expats who have decided to make Buenos Aires their home.
When major ne ws or athletic ev ents happen of inter est to the E nglish-speaking world,
this is where people gather to watch it. They have an inexpensive bar menu, focused on
inexpensive comfort food ranging from $5 to $10 (£3.40-£6.80). Nights and weekends,
come for their 5-peso-a-drink happy hour, from 8pm to midnight, and DJ-accompanied
mingling. Costa Rica 4619, at Armenia. & 11/15-6894-2002 (cell). www.sugarbuenosaires.com.
No metro access.

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