Buenos Aires Microcentro

Not surprisingly for a business-oriented district, Microcentro doesn’t offer much in the way of a night scene. Most cafes and restaurants have some kind of bar seating, but there are few true nightspots and even fewer clubs. That said, people still seem to find a way to have fun at night in this barrio.

La Cigale, 25 de Mayo 222 (☎4312 8275). S LN Alem. An alternative, student haven in the midst of the business district, this large, modern bar glows with colorful lights. Occasional live music, and almost always a live DJ pounding out various forms of electronica. Tu nights, when French cocktails are the special, are especially popular. Happy hour M-F 6-10pm, Sa 8pm-midnight. Open M-F 6pm-late, Sa 8pm-late. AmEx/MC/V.
Downtown Mathias, Reconquista 701 (☎4312 9844). S LN Alem. This pub and restaurant is a bit too big to achieve the intimate feel of a real pub, but is nevertheless a great place to stop and relax over a drink. For an Argentine bar, it has a wide selection of beer, including, of course, Guinness. Live music on some Th, F, and Sa nights. Drinks AR$8-30. Food AR$18-35. Open M-F and Su 7am-3am, Sa 7am-6am. AmEx/MC/V.
Celta Bar, Sarmiento 1701 (☎4371 7338). S Callao. With its wooden tables, bright paintings, and unique light fixtures, this bar is better for a relaxing few glasses of wine than a raucous night out. It can seem a little far away from the action, but it is decidedly chill. On some weekend evenings the basement hosts a live rock band. Draws a crowd of all ages. Drinks AR$6-20. Open daily noon-2am. AmEx/MC/V.
DE Bar, Rivadavia 1132 (☎4381 6876). S Lima or Avenida de Mayo. This tiny bar painted in black with bright, green neon lights draws a mixed crowd, as well as groups of young people from the nearby hostels, which organize frequent drunky-time excursions to this locale. Open M-F 6pm-late, Sa-Su 8pm-late. Cash only.
Le Bar, Tucúman 422 (☎5219 0858), between Reconquista and San Martín. S Florida. A chic after-office bar in the heart of downtown Microcentro, Le Bar plays non-intrusive, trendy music and serves up delicious, modern fusion food. Tapas AR$8-10. Entrees AR$24-29. Drinks AR$14-25. 2-for-1 happy hour 6-10pm; requires you to get the same drink twice. Open M-F noon-2am, Sa 9pm-2am. AmEx/MC/V.

Clubs

Maluco Beleza, Sarmiento 1728 (☎4372 1737; www.malucobeleza.com.ar). S Callao. DJs mixing samba and reggae draw crowds to this Brazilian club, one of the most popular nightlife spots in the city. The exposed brick walls and neon lights create a more relaxing mood upstairs. Be sure to stop by on W nights, when Brazilian music and snacks are the name of the game. Open W and F-Su 1:30am-late. Cash only.

How To Booze Efficiently. Ordering drinks can always be a tricky process when the bar is crowded—this is especially the case in Buenos Aires. In most clubs, you should first head for the cashier to exchange your money for a drink card. Elbow, vigorously if necessary, your way over to the bartender with the card in hand to actually get served.

Bahrein, Lavalle 345 (www.bahreinba.com). S LN Alem. Located in an old mansion, this new, hip club is the ultimate one-stop nightlife emporium, with a main-floor (pricey) restaurant, a chill bar upstairs, and a dim, smoky club downstairs. Weekday crowds are mostly tourists, but that comes as no surprise. Music ranges from funk and hip-hop to house and techno, but the club is especially popular on Tu nights, when it’s all about drum n’ bass. Cover women AR$15, men AR$20. Open Tu-Sa 6pm-late.