Entertainment in Northwest Argentina
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Paseo del Buen Pastor
Paseo del Buen Pastor is a cultural center/performance space, which was built in 1901 as a combined chapel/monastery/women’s prison. In mid-2007 it was re-inaugurated to showcase work by Córdoba’s young and emerging artists. There are a couple of hip cafe-bars in the central patio area where you can kick back with an Appletini or two. The attached chapel (which has been desanctified) hosts regular live-music performances – stop by for a program, or check Thursday’s edition of the local newspaper La Voz del Interior for details.
reviewed
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La Sala del Rey
Cuarteto music (a Córdoba invention) is predictably big here and played live in many venues. Unfortunately, it’s also the gangsta rap of Argentine folk music and tends to attract undesirable crowds. La Sala del Rey is a respectable venue and the best place to catch a cuarteto show, on Sunday, when the hugely popular band La Barra often plays.
reviewed
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El Sha
Tiled arches, dim lighting, cozy booths, white beanbag chairs and electronica give this mosque-like bar a very chilled feel that's great for lounging. When you're all lounged out, hop around Nueva Córdoba - take a walk down Calle Rondeau between Avs H Yrigoyen and Chacabuco after midnight and choose from dozens of bars.
reviewed
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Fashion
If you’re in Chilecito on a Saturday night, you’ll want to check out castle-like Fashion, the town’s best discoteca. It’s on the way to Samay Huasi about 1km out of town, and a lot of fun. Girls get in a little cheaper, and you may even win a motorbike or similar in the prize draw.
reviewed
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D
Cuernavaca
Start on Córdoba's drink of choice, Fernet (a strong, medicinal-tasting herbed liquor from Italy), almost always mixed with Coke. Large, loud and fun, Cuernavaca is the place to go on Wednesday night, when it's so crowded you'll barely be able to move. For breathing room, stop by other nights.
reviewed
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Harris
On a busy corner, this is a popular hangout for smartly-dressed tucumanos. The interior is padded seats and elegant dark wood; outside, the tables and chairs are at the very top of the Coca-Cola range. Excellent mixed drinks and good coffee; the food is also more than passable.
reviewed
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Costumbres Argentinas
Though the address seems like a contradiction in terms, this unusual, popular and welcoming bar has an arty bohemian vibe and sometimes puts on live music. There’s a big two-level beer garden out the back, which is the place to be on summer nights. Simple food is also available.
reviewed
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Plaza de Almas
This intimate and engaging multilevel place is popular with bohemian young tucumanos and is one of the best of Tucumán’s many combination cafe-bar-restaurant-cultural centers. The short but interesting menu offers a range of kebabs and salads, among other choices.
reviewed
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Caravati
The most inviting of Plaza 25 de Mayo’s terraces, this is a little removed from the traffic noise. Named after the Italian architect who designed the cathedral and much of central Catamarca, it occupies part of the handsome social club edifice next to that building.
reviewed
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Patio del Tango
On Friday nights, the city hosts the Patio del Tango on the outdoor Patio Mayor of the historic Cabildo (weather permitting), kicking off with two-hour tango lessons. Times vary, so it’s best to stop by the Casa Cabildo Tourist Information Office.
reviewed
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Cineclub Municipal Hugo del Carril
For a great night (or day) at the movies, pop into this municipal film house, which screens everything from art flicks to Latin American award winners and local films. Stop by for a program. There’s also live music and theatrical performances here.
reviewed
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Av Las Heras
Across the river on Av Las Heras between Roque Sáenz Peña and Juan B Justo (the area known locally as Abasto) are the discos and nightclubs. Go for a walk along here and you'll probably pick up free passes to some, if not all, of them.
reviewed
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Künstner
A blessed relief it is to step off this noisy, fume-filled street into the gentle aromas of malt and hops. Four tasty beers are brewed in this convivial spot, which also serves fine cheap food such as milanesas, pasta and pizza.
reviewed
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La Vieja Estación
The best established of the Balcarce peñas, with a stage, wooden tables and three live shows per night. Tasty empanadas and locro (a stew of maize, beans, beef, pork and sausage), and a wide range of other choices.
reviewed
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Gimnasia y Esgrima de Jujuy
Gimnasia y Esgrima de Jujuy better known as 'El Lobo' (the Wolf) is one of few provincial teams to regularly feature in the top division of Argentine football. Their stadium (General Savio s/n) is on the southern approaches to town.
reviewed
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El Barranco
In the busy Albasto scene, this live-music venue cum disco is a good place to start, if only for the fact that it gets a crowd before 1am. Fridays are Latin dance parties; on Saturdays there are live bands.
reviewed
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Aisito
Head across the railway tracks from the bus terminal and turn right at the river to reach this unsigned bar. Locals gather in the attractive interior to bash out local music until rather late. A real find.
reviewed
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Plaza de Almas
Offering an eclectic mix of artesanía shops, a bar, lounge, cafe and restaurant, this Tucumán classic has seamlessly moved into Salta. The most atmospheric place for a drink near the plaza.
reviewed
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Filipo
Glasses gleaming on the gantry, outdoor tables and bow-tied waiters make this a great cafe. The espresso is superlative, and the apple licuados (blended fruit drinks) deserve a prize.
reviewed
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El Fogón
Jujuy’s folkloric peñas (folk music clubs) tend to be a cab ride away and open weekend nights only. One of the best is El Fogón on the southeastern edge of town.
reviewed
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Macondo
After all the folklórica music on this street, the indie ’90s–’00s mix in this trendy bar might come as a relief. Popular with locals and tourists, it keeps it lively until late.
reviewed
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Chato’s Wine Bar
Run by a cordial English-speaking boss, this unpretentious place is Cafayate’s only true wine bar and a great place to try fairly priced local drops by the glass and have a chat.
reviewed
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Casa de Cultura
This cultural center near the plaza has regular live events. It runs the whole gamut here: you’re as likely to catch a Houdini-style magician as a classical ballet performance.
reviewed
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Marcos Vizoso Libros
This spruce and bright little place is both café and bookstore. While the selection isn't huge on either count, the coffee is good, and we like the way they're thinking.
reviewed
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Richmond Bar
This mirrored-ceiling bar is a good place for a quiet drink; or if you like your entertainment livelier, things heat up on Saturday nights when there is tango from 23:00.
reviewed
