Magdalena’s Party: New Kids on the Block

Magdalena’s Party in Palermo Soho is a little over a month old, but it is already finding its way into the hearts of Argentines and expats alike. Due to it’s azure exterior and lack of signage people have begun calling it the “blue bar”.

With five owners: siblings from Canada, a guy from the US and two Argentines, the bar has an eclectic feel – a harmony of different ideas that combine to make a cool-comfortable atmosphere.

Inside there are cozy chairs in the corner by a candle-filled fireplace, communal tables and lots of standing room. Not a place for a romantic date – a great place to meet people. The bar flyers even have a notes section on the back, perfect for jotting down personal information from the cutie you just met at the bar.

The hanging light-bulb chandelier at the entrance creates a swanky ambiance that wards off frat party enthusiasts and their beer bongs. The crowd here is more post-university, looking for a good time away from bad classic rock and gravel floors. Let’s call it mature but not afraid to party – the owners are known to pass around free shots to a full crowd.  Live DJs can make for busy weekend nights. Rather than all packing inside, people spill out into the street – creating their own block party.

If you’d like something to make Wednesdays go down easier, Magdalena’s Party has just the thing to kick the midweek blues – weekly wine and whiskey tastings liven up the greyest of hump days. For $50 you sit at one of the communal tables and get a true education in vino or booze. The price includes a big picada to share, and generous pours to taste. The sommeliers change consistently, bringing new wine and spirits every week. Make sure to call in for a reservation, as there is limited seating. There are two rounds of tastings – the first at 9pm followed by a 10.30pm.

For the wine tasting, expect three to four wines, and experts who will provide you with enough anecdotes to impress your friends. Sitting with eight other participants talking about the vino and getting to know each other, makes it feel more like a dinner party than a tasting. If you stop there, it’s a classy night out that won’t give you a Thursday hangover.

If you’re looking for a cool night buzz, the whiskey tasting may be more up your alley. Depending on the night, you could try whiskeys from different regions in Ireland and Scotland, or compare other countries’ versions like US bourbon or Canadian rye. You’ll learn when to order “on the rocks” (served with ice) or with water and it turns out chocolate pairs nicely with a good whiskey.

After the tastings you’ll have made some new friends, and should stick around for a unique nightcap. The Magdalena’s Party (organic blueberries, ginger and lemon, shaken with Absolut Kurant vodka and lychee liqour) is their most expensive cocktail at $30. Sound too good to be true? Wait until you read their 8-12pm happy hour special – specific certain cocktails are two for one at $25.

Coming soon is a full food menu which is expected to boast fried-fish tacos, tangy sandwiches and a weekend brunch complete with spicy Bloody Marys. Good prices, a trendy vibe and the promise of taco Tuesdays around the bend – Magdalena’s Party offers something exciting to get you there every night of the week.

This week, Magdalena’s Party are introducing rum into their menu, and will host a wine, whiskey and rum tasting, bringing a Latin vibe to the night.