El Calafate is a town in Patagonia, on the southern border of Lake Argentino and is an important tourist hub for those who love to explore Patagonia. There are flights to El Calafate from Bariloche, Buenos Aires, and Ushuaia. Please check carefully about the date and time of the flight. Tourist activities at El Calafate mostly start very early in the morning and finish in the afternoon, and usually by the end of the day, you will be exhausted and just want to have a nice dinner and a good sleep. But when you plan to have a resting day between your adventurous activities, go out and enjoy the city of El Calafate at night!
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1. Sip your drinks by the lake at Shackleton Lounge
Head out to Shackleton Lounge to first kick off the night and enjoy the sunset and panoramic view of Lake Argentino and the city of El Calafate. Shackleton Lounge is 3 km (1.8 miles) from the city centre and it offers delicious drinks and great food with a laid-back atmosphere and good music. Find your perfect spot with the VIP panoramic view, order their famous daiquiri, and you are ready to start your night in El Calafate. Take your time and enjoy!
Shackleton Lounge
Address: Avenida del Libertador 3287, El Calafate, Argentina
2. Indulge in the traditional Patagonian lamb dish of El Calafate
After long drinks as a starter, check out some restaurants that offer the typical food of El Calafate, the famous Patagonian lamb dish. Grilled Patagonian lamb is the typical dish that is offered at restaurants in El Calafate. It’s served with a bit of pumpkin puree and the portion is big, which two people will be able to finish. The meat is tasty and full of texture, all your senses will be spoiled with this delicious dish. Please remember that dinner in Argentina starts in the late hours. Argentinians have dinner around 9 pm, so check the opening hours of the restaurants and eat some snacks while you wait. Don’t forget to order a glass of Malbec, the famous Argentinian wine, to accompany your dinner.
La Tablita Restaurant
Address: Cnel. Rosales 26, El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Argentina
Website: La Tablita Restaurant
3. Play a game at the casinos
There are several casinos in El Calafate, but there is one casino building that stands by itself at the city centre, Casino Club El Calafate. Just like the dinner hour, the casino games start late too. So, after your delicious dinner, you can continue your night journey and try your luck at Casino Club. Pull the levers on the slot machines, try your luck at the roulette table, or try a game as an ice-cold blackjack player. Wear your James Bond suit, with a martini in hand, stirred not shaken, and enjoy your game.
Casino Club
Address: Avenida del Libertador General San Martín 1061, 9405 El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Argentina
Website: Casino Club
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4. Drink the ice at Yeti Ice Bar
When you’re visiting El Calafate must definitely visit the ice bar. Yeti Ice Bar is literally a bar made of ice, decorated with an icy like design, with cold temperatures. They will give you all the necessary equipment to prevent the cold like coats, gloves, and crampons. The vodka is served on ice glass and there is a Yeti statue for photos. Yeti Ice Bar is very cold due to the decoration, so it’s perfect for a couple of shots before you head out to another place.
Yeti Ice Bar
Address: Av. del Libertador Gral. San Martín 1359, 9405 El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Argentina
Facebook: Yeti Ice Bar
5. A night out with the locals at Don Diego de la Noche
If you want to experience how the local Argentinians spend their night in El Calafate, check out Don Diego de la Noche café bar. Don Diego de la Noche features live music such as guitar and folklórica (folk music). It also features a dance floor for the tango and other local dances. It’s a place where the locals hang out and it opens only during the tourist season, when El Calafate’s population swells in summer.
Don Diego de la Noche
Address: Av. del Libertador Gral. San Martín 1603, 9405 El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Argentina
6. Dance all night at La Tolderia Restobar
Argentinians start their days very early and end their days very late. If you still have some energy and want to experience a late night out with the locals, La Tolderia Restobar is the place. La Tolderia Restobar opens its doors for dancing and live music at night. It is an ideal place to socialize and meet young locals of El Calafate. You can always order empanadas, typical Argentinian food, if you feel a bit hungry in the middle of the night. You will experience a fun filled night out, with good music and dancing at La Tolderia Restobar. It’s the best spot to try if you’re feeling boisterous.
La Tolderia Restobar
Address: Av. del Libertador Gral. San Martín 1177, El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Argentina
Facebook: La Tolderia Restobar
7. Tango Sur
Tango, the famous dance of Argentina, is a must-see whenever you visit the country. And while you are in El Calafate, try to visit Tango Sur, the place to see and maybe try your tango dance skills. Tango Sur is a bar, museum, and restaurant with a dance floor. A place with a complete one-size-fits-all deal that leaves you amazed. Decorated with antique items such as old sewing machines, vintage vinyl records, and black and white photographs, the place has a nostalgic ambience. It is located at Calle 9 de Julio and a night at Tango Sur will give you an experience full of the sound of tango rhythms. Wear your beautiful, sexy dress and put that lipstick on. Tango Sur is the perfect spot for a memorable romantic date!
Tango Sur
Address: Calle 9 de Julio, El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Argentina
Eat, drink, and dance!
The best way to enjoy the night at El Calafate is to enjoy it like the locals. Long drinks with the best panoramic views of Lake Argentino, eating delicious Patagonian lamb with delicious wine, and great fun dancing all night, sounds like the perfect way to spend your evening in El Calafate!
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