Oasis of Tranquility (Thames 878)

Buenos Aires (Barrio Palermo Soho),
Thames 878 (google maps)

Thames 878 in the Barrio Palermo (Barrio is basically a district) began as a speakeasy but is quickly becoming one of the most popular drinking spots in Buenos Aires. When they opened a couple of years ago there was a definite secret to its location and the wonderful experience that awaited patrons within. There is neither a sign nor address on the outside of the building… just a bare fronted edifice with a representative standing out front – and often, as the night wears on, a uniformed cop, to protect the posh crowd entering or leaving.

 

Other than its lack of a sign it is pretty much just a really nice bar with an incredible selection of drinks. Outside the large door, with its average number plate, is a standard buzzer, but when the waitress opens the door for you the façade of a house opens up into large room with a high ceiling that is cleanly decorated; a textile factory turned bar complete with tables, chairs, sofas, music, people, and all. Because of its size the space gives a nice sense of tranquillity and space.

 

The patrons at Thames 878 are generally between their late 20s and late 40s.  Thames 878 is on the pricey side with cocktails ranging between AR$25 to over AR$50, depending on what you order (which is fairly typical in nicer local bars these days) – there’s bottle service available for groups. There’s a well thought out wine list, and a short but quite good selection of wines by the glass. For those who smoke, there’s a separate smoking room in the back, where cigars are available as well – it’s in some ways a nicer, more tranquil room, but you have to contend with smoke while you eat – entrance to that room is by invitation of the owners only, others get to smoke outside.

 

The food, in contrast to the drinks, is very reasonably priced, with appetizers running from AR$13 to AR$19 and main courses running in the AR$25 to AR$35 range. And the food, while neither elegant nor fancy, is remarkably good and nicely presented.

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