36 Billares

Frommer's Review

This restaurant is actually more than 100 years old, having opened in 1894, but it was reborn in 2005 into a more exciting version of itself. Originally a restaurant that was part of a gambling and gaming hall (billares is Spanish for billiards), management revamped and added new food and nightly entertainment, ranging from tango to flamenco. It was done for tourists to be sure, but in reality, the majority of people who come are old-time Porteños who even sing along to the music. Some of the best nights are Thursdays, at 9pm, when tango singers Gonzalo Lozada and Mirta Godoy give a wonderful and spontaneous tango show. Locals sometimes get up to sing or make requests, and the dancers twirl into the audience, sometimes grabbing patrons to join in. As a historic bar, however, you'll find a rich and beautiful interior of oak paneling with marquetry details, and a Movado clock from the 1920s. Below ground, the billiards and games hall remains, equipped with some of the oldest equipment around that's still being used. The menu is reasonably priced, with large portions. Try the Lomo de la Avenida, a steak with Patagonian mushrooms, or any of the chicken or pasta dishes. There is no additional charge for the show -- it's all part of the experience of eating here. Monday is the only night with no show.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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