Speakeasies: 11 hidden bars in Buenos Aires worth finding

A speakeasy in every sense of the word. Hidden behind the restaurant Nicky, it evokes the Prohibition era in the U.S., both in its wonderful décor full of details and antiques, and in its cocktail menu. Harrison is a journey back to clandestine times, when bartenders sometimes disguised alcohol by serving it in a teacup.

The cocktail menu is inspired by iconic figures, historical events, and typical flavors of the time. It takes classics and reinterprets them with creativity and boldness, thanks to Victoria Etchaide and her team, using modern ingredients and techniques. Al Estilo Al Capone, inspired by the South Side cocktail the mob boss favored, includes gin, sherry, dry vermouth, cherry liqueur, mint and tobacco bitters, and a cherry garnish.

The Hint camouflages alcohol in plain sight, with whiskey, white wine infused with yellow fruits, verjuice, lemon, and palo santo essence. Honoring Don Corleone, Don Vitto mixes vodka, tomato brine, lime, syrup, tomato powder with peperoncino, and basil oil.

Insider tip: the Stay Classic nods to the Coca-Cola boom and its original recipe. With Scotch whisky, brandy infused with cherries, maraschino, and homemade cola, it’s a nostalgic sparkling delight.

Where: Malabia 1764, Palermo.

Argentina’s most awarded bar lies underground, beneath a flower and wine shop on Arroyo Street—Buenos Aires’ most Parisian avenue. The décor subtly evokes a ship without being overly theatrical. Its captain, Tato Giovannoni, steers it to safe harbor with creativity and innovation, both in drinks (like Príncipe de los Apóstoles gin and Giovannoni vermouth) and cocktails.

Since opening in 2013, Florería Atlántico has reflected Argentina’s cultural melting pot. Each cocktail pays homage to immigrants, Indigenous peoples, and—through its latest menu, Human Geography, created with historian Felipe Pigna—to the populations of South America in prehistoric times. The drinks bring the past to life using native ingredients, some forgotten and rediscovered, along with ancestral techniques of fermentation, infusion, smoking, and grinding.

Insider tip: up for something disruptive? Try Yvy Maraey (“land without evil” in Guaraní), made with a soil distillate (yes, you read that right!), cashew liqueur, and sage soda. Fresh, minty, earthy—unique and delicious.

Where: Arroyo 872, Retiro.

Just head down the stairs and you’re in another world—impossible not to film or photograph. Past the turnstiles, subway car doors open to a station with an industrial, street-style yet chic vibe. Everything feels incredibly real, which is why Time Out Travel ranked it #8 on its list of must-visit bars in the world’s top cities. Beyond the mind-blowing décor, the cocktails, food, and atmosphere make it perfect for dancing. With live DJs, expect hip hop, R&B, and electronic beats.

Uptown’s cocktail menu is inspired by the Bronx identity, with ingredients reflecting its multicultural spirit. Each drink honors a New York personality: Tomato Soup, with whiskey, tomato jam, and strawberry juice, pays tribute to Andy Warhol, while Two Cosmo Please—with Absolut Elyx, cranberries, clarified strawberries, white wine, and Hesperidina—served in a copper pineapple, is a must for Sex and the City fans.

Insider tip: dancing kicks off after 10 pm.

Where: Arévalo 2030, Palermo.

Few know that Presidente, Seba García’s iconic bar, hides another bar within: La Biblioteca. This more intimate space has a completely different vibe from the main bar, with distinct décor, music, cocktails, and glassware. Sometimes used for private events, it’s not exactly a VIP.

In addition to house creations like Patagonia Fix (vodka, Patagonian elderflower lemonade, mint, and berries), the menu shines with classic-style cocktails. It’s the ideal spot for Martinis, Negronis, or the Presidente, made with aged rum, dry vermouth, orange liqueur, and grenadine.

Insider tip: music ranges from Cuban rhythms to jazz, depending on the moment.

Where: Av. Presidente Manuel Quintana 188, Recoleta.

Multiple plans in one: end the night dancing in a laid-back atmosphere, have dinner with friends on the terrace, or sing karaoke. Hidden behind hot-dog shop Cacho, La Uat stands out from classic cocktail bars with a fun space inspired by Buenos Aires’ 1970s–80s boîtes, full of neon lights and eclectic music all week long.

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The menu started with playful reinventions of 80s cocktails and now offers creations that mix nostalgia with humor, like Nananjú Fizz (Campari, bianco vermouth, orange, chamomile, and sparkling wine) or house favorite La Uatfak (Tres Monos gin, apple, pear, sandalwood, and lemon verbena).

Insider tip: you can book the karaoke by emailing lauatbar@gmail.com.

Where: Thames 1627, Palermo.

As its name suggests, this bar is tucked at the back of Piedra Pasillo, a Michelin-recommended restaurant, and is worth a visit for its avant-garde cocktails.

A steep staircase leads to a modern, minimalist, intimate space where a stone-carved wall displays illuminated bottles. Behind the bar, Santiago Migliano’s team creates delicate, surprising cocktails. Each bartender contributes two signature drinks and one mocktail. Highlights include Apfelstrudel Martini (vodka, roux, green apple, tonka bean), Kriptonita (gin, kiwi, celery), and Beta Vulgaris (cognac, beetroot, almond). Among the mocktails, Serotonina blends quince, citrus, minerals, and sparkling water.

Insider tip: they sometimes host special nights with guest bartenders and unique cocktails.

Where: Campos Salles 2145, Núñez.

Frank’s, Buenos Aires’ first speakeasy, set in 1920s Chicago style, was key to the city’s cocktail revival around 2010.

Partially renovated, the space still holds its charm in the bar’s antechamber, while the interior preserves its glamour with a carved wooden bar, chandeliers, elegant furniture, and bronze sculptures. The cocktail menu, led by Gonza Duarte, changes seasonally and includes house-made spirits. Examples include Pistachio Fizz (Speakeasy Frank’s gin, aged rum, pistachio, lemon juice, soda) and Ábrete Sésamo (bourbon infused with sesame, Campari, vermouth rosso, nigori sake).

Insider tip: they’ll soon reinstate the old password system for entry—watch their Instagram for clues!

Where: Arévalo 1445, Palermo.

Another speakeasy that marked the cocktail renaissance in Buenos Aires, Victoria Brown still impresses with its décor. Inspired by the post–Industrial Revolution Victorian era, it takes you back to times of factories and inventions, with a glowing marble bar, brick walls, a hanging clock, and countless other details.

Among signature drinks are the Queen Rose (Malbec wine, Lillet Rosé, lemongrass cordial, pink grapefruit juice, mint, cardamom) and Royal Flush (whiskey, butter toffee fat wash, Angostura bitters, syrup).

Insider tip: you can still enjoy opening-day cocktails like La Provence (gin, lavender flowers, citrus, honey, ginger) or Amour Sauvage (strawberry cachaça, Aperol, orange, honey, lemon).

Where: Costa Rica 4827, Palermo.

If you’re after an Instagrammable bar, The Hole is it. Inspired by Alcatraz prison in the 1920s, the immersive experience starts at the entrance, where posing with a numbered sign is a must. Every corner has detail—even the restrooms. Staff dress as guards and inmates, and you can even dine in a cell.

Cocktails reference famous prisoners: Chapeau de Al Capone (cognac, cocoa Campari, vermouth rosso, orange peel) and Giggling Nanny—the killer granny—(gin, berry syrup, pepper syrup, lemon juice, cucumber). The festive mood kicks in after 11 pm with danceable music.

Insider tip: book ahead if you plan to dine. If just drinking, entry includes one mandatory beverage.

Where: Armenia 1743, Palermo.

Hidden behind pizzeria La Guitarrita (in Palermo and Villa Crespo), La Calle is a favorite among younger crowds for dancing, with a relaxed vibe and fun, mostly Latin music.

The space mimics a street, full of graffiti, neon lights, and DJ booths styled as food carts or storefronts—perfect for groups of friends.

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The cocktail menu pays homage to iconic spots worldwide, like Piccadilly Circus (gin, grapefruit and lime juice, blueberry float, tonic) or Via del Corso (vodka, Aperol, tepache, sour mix, basil).

Insider tip: there’s even a cocktail inspired by Messi, served with a collectible card! El Messias mixes gin, Parfait Amour liqueur, raspberry–Malbec reduction, lime, and soda.

Where: Niceto Vega 4942, Palermo. Gurruchaga 732, Villa Crespo.

Another hidden bar, this one inside Gula pastry shop, perfect for fans of mystery and the esoteric. The ritual starts with the reservation—it’s members-only or invitation-based, but you can apply for membership with a short form.

El Purgatorio feels like an underground temple set for a ceremony. Brick walls, a candelabra-laden table, and the bar as an altar.

The experience continues by letting tarot guide your drink choice. The Judgment card, for example, comes as a cocktail with vodka, cardamom infusion, cucumber-mint Savage (a house spirit), pear cordial, wakatay, green-tea kombucha, and lemon verbena. The Death card is a blend of rum, Don Mix, falernum, lemon, and berry syrup.

Insider tip: membership requires filling out a short form here.

Where: El Salvador 4677, Palermo.