Buenos Aires Palermo Soho

Antares, Armenia 1447 (☎4833 9611; www.cervezaantares.com), between Cabrera and Gorriti. Noisy, full, kind of dark, but never smoky, Antares is the place to be for those interested in chilling over a pint of something other than Quilmes—they brew their own beer here. Occasionally hosts live music. Tapas , like tortilla española, AR$10 for one, AR$35 for the table. Salads AR$21-24. Entrees AR$24-36. Specialty pints AR$11-13. Mixed drinks AR$19-24. Open daily 7:30pm-4am. AmEx/MC/V.
CRÓNICO, Jorge Luis Borges 1646 (☎4833 0708). S Plaza Italia. It’s right on Plaza Serrano, but this bar is about as anti-Palermo (a.k.a. not chic) as you can get. A young, sometimes rough-around-the-edges crowd cracks peanuts at a sea of tables in the dimly lit interior, while the rock and reggaeton blasting in the background enliven the atmosphere. A great place to wind down after a long night of clubbing—it’s open well into the wee hours of the morning on weekends. Beer AR$7-9. Shots AR$7-15. Mixed drinks AR$14. Food AR$9-27. Open M-Th and Su 10am-6am, F-Sa 10am-8:30am. AmEx/MC/V.
Malasartes, Honduras 4999 (☎4831 0743; www.malasartes.com.ar), on Plaza Serrano. This bar for “bad types” makes a seamless transition from day to night; they never close, and locals nosh on mani (peanuts) and nurse beers until the early morning. Sandwiches AR$12-26. Salads AR$15. Entrees AR$35. Chopp lager AR$9. Wines by the bottle AR$15-60. Open M-F 8am-2am, Sa 8am-5:30am, Su 9am-5:30am. Cash only.
Congo, Honduras 5329 (☎4833 5857). S Palermo. This medium-sized bar is one of Palermo’s most popular and lasting nightlife spots. The atmosphere inside can either be chic and relaxed or packed and lively, depending on the night, but undoubtedly the best thing about the bar is its sprawling garden out back. Come early if you want one of the booths among the greenery. Open Tu-Sa 8pm-4am.
Kim y Novak Bar!, Güemes 4900 (☎4773 7521), at the intersection with Godoy Cruz. House music plays loudly in the basement of this gay-friendly bar/club named for a 1950s pin-up girl, so stay upstairs for conversation or to watch leopard-legging-clad pole dancers. Sometimes quiet on weekday nights, such as W, but chill enough not to be awkward. Heineken AR$7. Open W-Sa 11pm-5am. Cash only.
Mundo Bizarro, Serrano 1222 (☎4773 1967; www.mundobizarrobar.com). Everything seems off-kilter at this cocktail lounge, and we’re sure it’s not just the drinks talking—it’s probably the cartoon pop art on the walls that would make even Wonder Woman feel welcome. The drinks are pricey, but they mix a mean martini. Mixed drinks AR$18-25. Open M-W and Su 8pm-2:30am, Th-Sa 8pm-5:50am. Cash only.
Bar Taller, Serrano 1595 (☎4831 5501). S Plaza Italia. This Plaza Serrano bar is a great place to hang out over a beer (AR$7-16) or a shockingly large shot (AR$7-18) amidst random machine parts ( taller is Spanish for workshop). Sandwiches AR$4-18. Salads AR$9-18. Entrees AR$12.50-29. Mixed drinks AR$14-22. Open M-Th and Su 9am-2am, F-Sa 9am-5am. Cash only.
Post, Thames 1885 (☎15 5830 6465; www.poststreetbar.com.ar). S Plaza Italia. Another anti-Palermo establishment, this dim, grungy bar attracts a younger, relaxed crowd with rock and alternative music and drinks named after famous stars and songs; try the Eric Clapton (gin, grenadine, vodka, curaçao; AR$15). Art gallery on the second floor. Beer AR$5-12. Wine AR$10. Mixed drinks AR$12-15. Pizzetas AR$6-9. Sandwiches AR$8-14. Other snacks AR$7-35. Open daily 9am-3 or 4am. Cash only.
Sugar, Costa Rica 4619. S Scalabrini Ortiz. Hordes of hostel-based tourists and some locals pack this small bar pretty much every night. There’s almost no chance of grabbing a table, so be prepared to fight for your own space in the crowd and rock out to American favorites. Happy hour 9pm-midnight: Quilmes AR$5. Beer AR$10. Mixed drinks AR$5. Cocktails AR$12-28. Wine by the bottle AR$15. Open Tu-Sa 9pm-late.
Bulnes Class, Bulnes 1250 (☎4861 7492; www.bulnesclass.com.ar). S Medrano. With its white leather couches, neon lighting, and photography adorning the walls, Bulnes Class is as sophisticated and cosmopolitan as the name implies. The place is large enough to meet people, but still intimate enough for conversation. Beer AR$10-12. Mixed drinks AR$15-25. Open F and Sa 11pm-late. Cash only.

Clubs

Podestá Súper Club, Armenia 1740 (☎4832 2776; www.elpodesta.com.ar). S Plaza Italia. This eclectic club can get packed to a breaking point on weekends with tourist and local 20-somethings. Downstairs, the crowd dances to 80s, 90s, and modern hits, while upstairs, a more sedate group relaxes on couches to electronica or grabs a seat at the bar. Beer AR$9. Mixed drinks AR$15-25. Happy hour 11pm-1am: 2-for-1 on certain cocktails. Cover women AR$20, men AR$30. Open F-Sa 11pm-late. Cash only.
El Especial, Av. Córdoba 4391 (www.fotolog.com/especialvideobar), at the intersection with Julián Álvarez. S Medrano. Animal House, meet Argentina. This BA underground scene in an unmarked apartment house is crowded with friendly partygoers with Monty Python on in the background. Think exotic frat party. Electronica plays in the first room, while rock and pop liven up the VIP lounge. Given its recent opening, don’t be surprised if things change. Beer AR$8-12. Mixed drinks AR$13-20. Cover women AR$10, men AR$15; includes 1L of beer. Open F 10:30pm-late, Sa 11pm-late. Cash only.
Kika, Honduras 5339 (☎4137 5311; www.kikaclub.com.ar), at the intersection with Godoy Cruz. S Palermo or Plaza Italia. This huge club is especially popular on Sa, when well-groomed Argentines file in to groove to pop hits that range from Backstreet Boys to Billy Idol. In the back room, the music moves into more indie and eclectic genres. 21+. Cover Th AR$20, F-Sa women AR$30, AR$50 for men. Open Th-Sa 11pm-7am.
Club Araóz, Araóz 2424 (☎4832 9751; www.clubaraoz.com.ar), at the intersection with Santa Fe. S Scalabrini Ortiz. This smallish club runs a popular Th night hip-hop spot, officially called “Lost,” which begins with a performance by break dancers at midnight. Big-name DJs take over other nights. Th hip-hop. F-Sa rock/pop. Su 80s. Cover AR$20-50, includes a Bud. Open Th and Su midnight-5am, F-Sa 1-7am. Cash only.