Mendoza's drinking culture is inseparable from its wine. The city has more wine bars per capita than almost anywhere in Argentina, and even the most basic pavement café will have a decent Malbec on offer at a reasonable price. Nightlife runs late — bars fill up around midnight and clubs rarely get going before 2am — but from Thursday through Saturday the city is genuinely lively. Calle Aristides Villanueva is the main strip, lined with bars and restaurants catering to all budgets.
Wine Bars
There are many wine bars in Mendoza, any one of which makes a good spot to start an evening. Decimo, at Garibaldo 7, Piso 10, offers sweeping views over the city from its tenth-floor location; prices are slightly steeper than elsewhere, but the panorama justifies it. Simple pavement cafes and bars can be found across the centre, all offering a good glass of wine at reasonable prices.
Tango
The Argentine love of tango is alive and well in Mendoza. Plaza Pellegrini, a small square in the centre, regularly draws locals to listen to music and dance in the evenings. For those who want to watch it done properly, Abril Café at Las Heras 346 is a good indoor option.
Nightclubs
Mendoza's clubs tend to cluster on the outskirts, particularly in the Chacras de Coria suburb. Regular combi vans and inexpensive taxis make getting there straightforward. Music ranges from rock and electronica to tango and cumbia, and the scene changes often — local listings are the most reliable guide to what's on.