Buenos Aire's Cafe Tortoni

Buenos Aires is a world class city situated in the heart of Argentina. Although the country is known for its wine, gorgeous beaches and breathtaking scenery, it is most famous for its national dance, the tango. Throughout the capital city there are dozens of different tango clubs where professionals put on shows for locals and visitors alike. However, none is more respected and admired then Café Tortoni. The first café in Buenos Aires and the favorite watering hole for many of the capital's artists, mobsters and government in the early 1920s, Café Tortoni has quickly climbed towards the top of visitor's must see lists. So if you are planning a trip to Buenos Aires feel free to stop by the cafe (which is located on the famous Plaza de Mayo street), pull up a chair, sip on a glass of pinot, and enjoy the show.

Café Tortoni has limited service hours, and like most other restaurants and café's in the area it doesn't open until nearly noon. It stays open for the lunch rush and once the last guest leaves, it closes down until nearly eight, which is when it begins letting in individuals with tickets to the evening shows. Make sure to show up to the café before it opens, as there is a line to enter the establishment (the interior does have seating for a few hundred people, so it regardless of how long the line is it only takes a few minutes to find a seat).

The menu of Café Tortoni is of the standard variety and doesn't carry anything special but it's all tasty. The sandwiches are tasty and only run a few dollars each. Coffee is of the standard quality, which is surprisingly disappointing for coffee coinsures (head further north to Columbia and Central America for decent coffee). However, the wine list is exceptional and the personal pizzas rival those found across the Atlantic in Europe (there is actually a large contingent of Italian immigrants in Buenos Aires).

Purchase tickets early for one of two shows that take place in the evening. The smaller show, which takes place in the upper stage area takes place at 8:30. It is slightly cheaper but there are fewer performers in the show and a single musician that plays the piano. The later show at 9:00 takes place in the larger stage area in the basement. The stage is over twice the size, has a full band and half a dozen performers. Dinner is served during the show (although it is not included in the ticket price). Depending on the night you go and which stage you visit, the tango show runs for about an hour, leaving you plenty of time for additional festivities in the evening time.