Buenos Aires Almagro

Club de Amigos de la Vaca Profana, Lavalle 3683 (☎4867 0934; www.vacaprofana.com.ar). Two floors of tables face the stage in this alternative venue, which looks like a black box theater and whose motto is “De cerca nadie está normal” (“around here, nothing is normal”). Mainly shows live music events, usually folk or neo-ethnic, beginning 8:30-10pm, but also stages small theater productions and readings. Drinks AR$7-22. Pizzas AR$25-30. Picadas AR$35-62. Cover AR$12-25, sometimes free. Cash only.

La Catedral, Sarmiento 4006 (☎15 5325 1630). Bilingual instructors conduct daily tango classes—and one weekly folk dancing class—in a small, funky hall. Sporadic, energetic milongas draw a younger, diverse crowd. Admission AR$5-10.
Bien Bohemio, Sanchez de Loria 745 (☎4957 1895; www.bienbohemiobar.com.ar). S Loria. Just a few blocks from the border with Boedo, this small, lovely tango hall hosts milongas as well as tango and theater classes, poetry readings, and a tango show on Sa night; check out the website for current offerings. Open daily from 5pm.

El Camarín de las Musas, Mario Bravo 956-60 (☎4862 0655). S Carlos Gardel. Part theater, part gallery, part restaurant, this small off-Corrientes venue is popular for its cutting-edge theater and dance and free art exhibitions. Buy tickets (AR$15-30) at the restaurant (entrees AR$20-25). Open daily 11am-10pm. AmEx/MC/V.
Teatro Anfitrion, Venezuela 3340 (☎4931 2124; www.anfitrionteatro.com.ar). S Loria. A group of young actors, authors, and directors stages small alternative productions in this small, modern theater. There’s also a bar downstairs. Tickets usually AR$15-25.
Actor’s Studio, Díaz Vélez 3842 (☎4958 8268; www.actors-studio.org). S Castro Barros. Puts on alternative theatrical productions, ranging from local works to Chekhov interpretations. Box office usually open 3hr. before showtime. Tickets free-AR$30.