Mendoza nightlife is substantially more subdued than Buenos Aires or Córdoba after hours, but a fair selection of bars and nightclubs will capture the attention of night owls. Thursday through Sunday are the biggest nights, when people get started around midnight. It's not La Boca, but there are some great spots to take in tango. On weekend evenings, locals gather at Plaza Pellegrini for a totally authentic, natural tango dancing session, which is not to be missed. Also check out the milonga shows at Teatro Las Sillas, San Juan 1436 (tel. 261/429-7742). There are a few tango bars in Mendoza, two of which are C'Gastón, Lavalle 35 (tel. 261/423-0986), and Abril Café, Las Heras 346 (tel. 261/420-4224).
Start the night at a local wine bar such as The Vines of Mendoza or at the stunning Décimo, Garibaldi 7, Piso 10 (tel. 261/434-0135), which is set on the 10th floor of the Gomez building, with the best views in town. The Park Hyatt Mendoza's Bar Uvas, Chile 1124 (tel. 261/441-1234), begins a bit earlier and offers a complete selection of Mendocine wines, a long list of cocktails, and live jazz and bossa nova groups playing most nights.
The city's best bars line Aristides Villanueva street in the center of town. Try Lupulo, A. Villanueva 471 (tel. 261/15-454-0960), for microbrewed beers; Por Acá, A. Villanueva 557 (no phone), for pizza and microbrewed beers; or El Abasto, A. Villanueva 308 (tel. 261/483-4232), for good old rock 'n' roll. Most of the serious nightclubs and discos are 10km (6 1/4 miles) out of town along Ruta Panamericana near Chacras de Coria. Cacano, on Aguinaga 1120 (tel. 261/496-2018), is a classic. La Cubana, on Ruta Panamericano (no phone), is another top disco in this area. Locals flock to La Reserva, Rivadavia 32 (tel. 261/420-3531), on weekend nights for the drag show at midnight. The Blah Blah Bar, Paseo Peatonal Alameda, Escalada 2301 Maipú (tel. 261/429-7253), is great for a late-night drink if you're not heading out to the discos. Hip nightclubs do swap places quickly as the hot spot of the moment, and many have unpublished phone numbers.
For you gamblers, the Regency Casino at the Park Hyatt, Chile 1124 (tel. 261/441-1234), is substantially better than the Casino Provincial, offering blackjack, roulette, poker, and slots. Table bets are $1 to $50 (55p-£28).
