Notorious
Notorious doubles as a jazz bar and record shop, sitting on the edge of Recoleta's commercial strip. The ground floor sells vinyl and CDs spanning jazz, tango, and world music. Upstairs, a cozy performance space hosts live jazz acts several nights a week. The room seats maybe 60 people, which means every show feels intimate. Musicians play close enough to touch. The bar serves wine, whiskey, and simple cocktails. Nothing fancy, but the drinks aren't why you're here. The schedule favors local Argentine jazz musicians, with occasional international guests. It's one of the few places in Buenos Aires where jazz gets the respect and attention it deserves.
What to Expect
An intimate jazz experience in a room that takes the music seriously. The audience listens. Conversations drop to whispers when the band starts. It's a throwback to the kind of jazz club where the art matters more than the scene. Genuine and unpretentious.
Quiet, focused, and musically rich. One of Buenos Aires' hidden gems.
Live jazz, with occasional tango and world music performances
Smart casual. The audience tends to dress neatly out of respect for the performers.
Jazz lovers and music enthusiasts who want a real listening experience, not background entertainment.
Cash and cards accepted
Price Range
Cover ARS 3,000-6,000 for shows, drinks ARS 3,000-5,000
≈ €3-5 / $3-6
Hours
Record shop: Mon-Sat 10 AM to 8 PM. Live shows: usually 9 PM, check schedule
Insider Tip
Book a table for weekend shows. The room is small and popular acts sell out. Browse the record collection before the show. The staff knows their music and will point you toward something good.
Full Review
Notorious doubles as a jazz club and record store, a combination that gives it a character distinct from everything else in Recoleta. The main room is intimate, seating maybe 40 people around small tables facing a low stage. The walls are lined with jazz records and CDs available for purchase. The lighting is low and warm, built for listening rather than socializing.
Live jazz performances happen several nights a week, featuring both Argentine musicians and occasional international acts. The musical standard is high, and the acoustics in the small room create an immediacy that larger venues can't replicate. Between sets, recorded jazz fills the gaps. The drink menu is simple: wine, beer, and basic cocktails. Food is limited to light snacks.
Notorious appeals to a specific audience: jazz enthusiasts who want to listen rather than talk over the music. It's not a place for large groups or loud socializing. For what it is, it's one of the best jazz rooms in Buenos Aires, and the record store element adds a layer of credibility that pure performance venues lack.
Check the performance schedule before visiting, as the lineup varies significantly in both style and quality. Arrive early on nights with popular acts because the room fills quickly and standing room is minimal. The record collection is curated and worth browsing.
The Neighborhood
Notorious occupies a quiet block of Recoleta between the main commercial streets and the residential areas. It's a short walk from the livelier bar scene around Rodriguez Peña but exists in its own musical world.
Getting There
Walk from Callao metro station on the D line, about 7 minutes. The address on Avenida Alvear is in the heart of Recoleta's gallery district. Taxis from any central neighborhood are quick and affordable.
Address
Av. Callao 966
Where to stay in Buenos Aires
Compare hotels near the nightlife districts. Free cancellation on most properties.
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