Best of Arístides

As the saying goes, “When in Rome...,” and in Mendoza, this means slipping into an immodestly cut bikini bottom to blend in with the locals. Get rid of those American tan lines with some of the most adorable bikinis in the southern hemisphere. Two young Mendocenean sisters design and stamp the bathing suits themselves, making each one slightly unique. You can mix and match tops and bottoms for size and cut. The only question is, do you have enough courage to wear it back at home? With your flattering new tan lines, you just might.

El Palenque is a classic where locals and tourists can both be found sipping wine from “pinguino” carafes—vessels historically used by Argentine gauchos nicknamed for their distinct penguin shape. El Palenque is fashioned after an old-time “pulperia” or tavern where neighbors would come together to drink house wine, eat bar food and catch up on the daily gossip. Order the melt in your mouth fried calamari (rabas) while you sit outside and people watch. Aristides 287; +54 261 429 1814

Antares is an artisanal beer company started by three friends from Mar de Plata, Argentina, in the 90s. They first learned about homebrewing from a Californian on a post-college trip to Florida. A few years later the three started brewing artisanal beer together, and today they’re the leading craft beer producers in Argentina with bars all over the country. Named after the most brilliant star in the Scorpio constellation, Antares was used as a guide by seamen for centuries. You’ll find German Kolsch, Scotch Ale, English Porter, Babylonian Honey Beer, Irish Cream Stout, Barley Wine and Antares’ Imperial Stout on the menu. Salud! Arístides Villanueva 153; +54 261 423 8327

Parapithecus Evolution Bar (named after an extinct primate) is a two-story bar and nightclub with bar food and live music on select nights. The upstairs has an outdoor section overlooking Aristides when you need to come up for some air. This place rocks til the early morning. Arístides Villanueva 265; +54 261 201 2482