Sloshed with Posh: PH
PH must stand for posh hot-spot because all the trendy chicos know this is the place to see and be seen. With over 50 cocktails, blue-note jazz and a plethora of attractive people. Owners Juan and Fausto opened the bar last year, recognising that the demands of Mendoza's visitors had changed and people wanted a more high-brow spot to sip on their martinis.
Superstar Wine Bar: The Vines of Mendoza
One way to educate yourself and try some exceptional wine while in Mendoza is to travel around to all the vineyards in the region. However, if time is limited or you want to save yourself the legwork then The Vines, as it's casually known, has hundreds of Mendoza wines in two stylish, tasting rooms (Park Hyatt Mendoza and Espejo 567). The best way to taste some of the region's wines is by taking a "flight," five glasses of different wines. The boutique flights give you the chance to try some younger wines and a few lesser known wineries. "Las Muestras" is a good flight to get to know all the typical and emblematic wines of Mendoza - from a light and tropical Torrontes to a tobacco-y Bonarda and, of course, a velvety Malbec. The flight entirely dedicated to the Malbec lets you see what Argentina does best and takes you through a full range of the grape's capabilities, ranging from cherries and amaretto to forest fruits and lingering smoke. If you are still plowing ahead, then move on to the complex flight of reserve wines. This would be a good time to take advantage of their gourmet cheese plates (to enjoy the pairing and probably help you sober up a little). The Vines is an easy place to spend an afternoon or evening wine tasting, enjoying the reason that you probably came to Mendoza: the great wine. Espejo 567. (261) 438 1031. www.vinesofmendoza.com
Dixed Mrinks: Las Terrazas,The Park Hyatt Mendoza hotel
Las Terrazas doesn't have the most extensive list of cocktails, but what cocktails it does have, it does well. The staff pride themselves in being able to make your favourite classic cocktail how you like it. Being an international hotel, this can be a tall demand with travelers from all parts of the world, but Las Terrazas is up to the challenge. With a handful of fresh ingredients, some great imported and local spirits, and a well trained staff - Las Terrazas is ready to make your Old Fashioned exactly as you like it. Chile 1124. (261) 441 1234. www.mendoza.park.hyatt.com
Disco Bar: Por Aca
Mendoza's nightclubs are notorious for hefty entrance fees and appallingly slow bar service. The fact that most are located outside the city center means tourists without wheels may find themselves with a long walk home at 5:00 a.m. "Por Aca" means "over here" and that's exactly where you'll find Mendoza's best discobar, located at the top of Aristides Villanueva within staggering distance of Mendoza's best bars and beer dispensaries. A large rambling house with colorful rooms and friendly staff transforms into a lively dance spot around midnight. Perfect for those who like to gyrate until very late and a promising pick-up joint as well if your vocabulary goes beyond "una cerveza por favor." Ave Arístides Villanueva 557.
Poor Man's Ber: Moe's, The Train, Petrol Stations
Those halcyon days when a litre of beer in Mendoza cost less than a peso have sadly passed. Now most bars charge a stiff 15 to 20 pesos to blow the froth off some barley pop. Somewhat painful if you are a serious drinker who fancies a skinful without emptying the wallet or at least have enough for a super pancho on the way home. Our advice is do what the locals do and follow those pilgrims of parsimony – students. Moe's Bar (Catamarca and San Juan) is half corner store, half raucous, hole-in-the-wall that never seems to close. Another good bar disguised as a candy store that charges shop prices for in-situ drinking is The Train (Juan B.Justo and Rodriquez). And then of course there is that favorite Argentine watering hole, the service station – a one stop shop for gas and gargle. Just be careful where you throw your match when stepping outside for a cigarette.
Drinking Bar and Live Music: Antares
Antares is a proper drinking bar with homemade brew and live music to boot. Originating in Mar de Plata, Antares concocts seven different beers, ranging everywhere from bitter British to dark, brooding Irish, to braces-slapping German beer. If you really can't decide between these fields of gold then order their tasting platter - seven mini glasses filled with their artisan beers. For live music, Antares pulls in a local band once a week which will certainly-at least after a couple beers-get you swaying to the right tune. Aristides Villanueva 153.
Dance moves in Mendoza Center: Iskra
If you don't want to spring for a $40 peso cab all the way to Chacras, this fashionable boliche is closer to town. It has a massive dance floor in the biggest of its three rooms and two bars. The music is a mix of rock and reggaeton with the occasional cuarteto song. The cover is $20 and ladies get in free. San Martin Sur 905.
Bumpin' Club: Scanner
This boliche is always full, and is popular for a reason. A huge Buddha statue watches over revelers as they enjoy live tunes (bands and DJ´s) and they serve an impressive variety of drinks. Try their perfectly-mixed caipirinha by the poolside. El Challao
The Hapiest Hour: Anna Bistro
Also voted as the most romantic restaurant in town Anna Bistro has surely created some love connections. The intimate atmosphere, flattering lighting, and two-for-one drink specials make it irresistible for a bit of happy hour romance. Go for a couple karma sutras - a fresh, spicy and boozy cocktail with hints of ginger whose aphrodisiac properties are sure to awaken the senses and maybe even the neighbors. Happy Hour is on most Fridays from 7pm-9pm. Check out when the Mendoza Expats Club has their happy hour there at www.mendozaexpats.org. Juan B Justo 161. (261) 425 1818. www.annabistro.com.
Tanga Milonga: Cafe Soul
A milonga is a place for Tango dancing and this resto-bar is ready to rumble. It has a simple set-up with a sound system and a no frills dance floor, but the ambiance fades away as couples glide and slide across the linoleum. Classes are available on Wednesdays from 21:00-22:30, are suitable for beginner to intermediate levels, and will cost you $15 pesos a person. On Saturdays the place is packed with sweaty, sultry bodies from 22:00-2:30. Wear clothes that are easy to move in and leave jealous significant others at home. San Juan 456
Nuevos Amigos: Believe Irish Pub
Undoubtedly the best bar to meet strangers in town. Believe Irish Pub is one of the few places you can take a high stool and banter with the staff and punters over a tall brew. Excellent pub grub, a plethora of TV sport screens, and a resident DJ means there is never a dull moment. Monday night is International Night with a healthy mix of locals and foreigners. As the drinks start flowing, conversation typically follows. Before the night is through, you may find you've exchanged Facebook contacts with half of the bar.
World Cup! June 11th-July 11th is the World Cup of football and with Believe's 24 TV's and three flat-screens the bar will be vibrating with fans. They turn on the tubes everyday starting at 11:30am. Colon 241. www.believeirishpub.com.ar
