Buenos Aires Trip Report – First Time in Argentina (5 Days)

[floridarob]

First Impressions
This was my first time in Argentina, and I came in with an open mind. Immigration at Ezeiza took about 45 minutes, and the agents weren’t exactly friendly—a tone I’d notice again during my stay, as hospitality in general felt less service-oriented than in other places I’ve been. Still, Buenos Aires had an undeniable energy, and while I wasn’t drawn to most guys I saw, a few definitely caught my attention.

Where I Stayed
I booked the DoubleTree. It felt expensive for what it was—an older property that could use some renovations, and staff that weren’t particularly warm. On the plus side, the bed and linens were comfortable, so I slept well, which matters most on a busy trip.

Money & Weather
The weather was chilly but pleasant—not too cold. What wasn’t so pleasant was trying to get money: no ATM would work for me. I had to Western Union myself money twice. The casas de cambio were very strict, only taking perfect $100 USD bills, otherwise the rate was terrible. Western Union ended up being the best option, even if inconvenient.

Food & Restaurants
Luckily, I had a Cuban friend (who used to live in Buenos Aires) show me around. Two standout steak restaurants were Parrilla Peña and Santos Manjares—both excellent. My first attempt was at an Italian-style steakhouse where I mistakenly ordered a bife de chorizo thinking it was filet. It was actually more like a strip steak and came out tough. Lesson learned: order the lomo de bife (tenderloin) instead—much better cut and very tender.

Nightlife & Gay Scene
The gay scene had a fun variety. My boyfriend and I checked out a few bars that were more like sex clubs with drinks—okay, but nothing to write home about. One ongoing theme: way too many bottoms, and the tops were like roosters in a henhouse.

We hit Zoom Bar, Boys Bar, and Contramano (which felt like a throwback to 80s cruising culture). Our last night we went to Glam Disco for their MA.CHO night, which reminded me a little of DJ Station in Bangkok—energetic, crowded, and good music.

My boyfriend went solo to Full Sauna one night—he said it was packed with about 500 people. It’s an old place that could use some remodeling, but he had fun anyway.

Highlight: Hard Rock Cafe #90
A personal milestone—this trip included my 90th Hard Rock Cafe visit worldwide at the Puerto Madero location. The staff there treated me like a star which  made the night unforgettable. Management covered the food and drinks for the three of us, we took pictures with the entire staff, and they even gave me a signed HRC shirt. It was hands down the highlight of my time in Buenos Aires.

Other Notes
I checked Skokka out, a site with escorts—most guys were asking $100–150 USD. Knowing I had Rio coming up next, I passed. If I didn’t have Rio on the horizon, I might’ve considered, but it wasn’t worth it this time.

Overall
Buenos Aires was a mix of highs and lows: chilly but nice weather, frustrating money logistics, solid steak dinners, and nightlife that ranged from nostalgic to fun. While I wouldn’t call it the most welcoming city I’ve visited, the highlight at Hard Rock Cafe and a few nights out definitely made the trip memorable. And my boyfriend—being a top—certainly had no problem finding his share of fun. 😉

Next stop was Iguazu Falls, no sex, but was available on Skokka and Grindr...definitely more a tourists stop for us with AMAZING water falls and Hard Rocks # 91 and 92 🤷‍♂️

[Latbear4blk]

Contramano! I hooked up so many times there when I was in my 30s! Back then it was full of escorts and seekers for sugar daddies that I would hooked up with for free, as I was relatively young and hot. Since I switched my biological clock to DC culture, I have not been able to enjoy Buenos Aires gay night. When it starts, I am already deeply slept. However, the local times are perfect for a self-declared vampire as you.

I am appalled that you did not like bife de chorizo, which is my favorite meat cut. I guess you chose a terrible restaurant, it is usually good and tender even at mediocre establishments.

[floridarob]

1 hour ago, Latbear4blk said:

I am appalled that you did not like bife de chorizo

I don't like the strip cut...and this was especially tough at La Parrolaccia 

[Latbear4blk]

Sólo con la foto se me hizo agua la boca.

[floridarob]

You would've needed a chainsaw to cut thru it....

[Mavica]

2 hours ago, floridarob said:

You would've needed a chainsaw to cut thru it....

After which you call your Cardiologist.

[floridarob]

These, on the other hand were AMAZING....600g and 500g respectively 🐷


 

[Keithambrose]

9 hours ago, Mavica said:

After which you call your Cardiologist.

Once, in Chicago, I fancied a steak. The qaiter asked if I wanted the 12oz, 20oz, or 32oz! I asked if anybody finished the 32oz, he said no! Not sure if they had a resident  cardiologist!

[floridarob]

Which did you get... I'm sure the 32oz was bone in 🧐

[Keithambrose]

1 hour ago, floridarob said:

Which did you get... I'm sure the 32oz was bone in 🧐

12, and i couldn't finish  it!

[Latbear4blk]

I never tried 32, but 20oz are not a challenge for me. 

[floridarob]

We're still talking Ounces and not CM or Inches, right?

[davet]

Argentine bife de chorizo any time! The best beef in the world, beef that tastes like beef. Especially at a parrilla al carbon or a las lenas. South Americans are macho and like their beef chewy (and often well-done, another topic), but if your BdC was chain-saw quality, something went very wrong at the ranch or in the kitchen.

There was a restaurant in Amarillo that used to advertise up and down I-40. If you could finish their FIVE-POUND steak (that's 80 oz. for the arithmetically disinclined), it was free. The ambulance, however, would be about $2,000.

Money & cash - This has been an issue on every trip to Argentina. My first was during the hyperinflation of 1989 and before the prevalence of ATMs so you can imagine. As I currently understand it, cash is still king (though the parallel exchange rates have gotten closer), and like everywhere where cash is king, you must bring flawless U.S. currency.

Contramano - the first in a life of many, many good-time money boys. Oh the direction we take from some unsuspecting early step ...

 

[davet]

On 9/10/2025 at 1:07 PM, floridarob said:

Highlight: Hard Rock Cafe #90
A personal milestone—this trip included my 90th Hard Rock Cafe visit worldwide at the Puerto Madero location.

Glad they treated you nicely, but your life mission would earn maximum sneerage where I am in California, the sneering capital of the world.

[Latbear4blk]

2 hours ago, davet said:

Argentine bife de chorizo any time! The best beef in the world, beef that tastes like beef. Especially at a parrilla al carbon or a las lenas. South Americans are macho and like their beef chewy (and often well-done, another topic), but if your BdC was chain-saw quality, something went very wrong at the ranch or in the kitchen.

There was a restaurant in Amarillo that used to advertise up and down I-40. If you could finish their FIVE-POUND steak (that's 80 oz. for the arithmetically disinclined), it was free. The ambulance, however, would be about $2,000.

Money & cash - This has been an issue on every trip to Argentina. My first was during the hyperinflation of 1989 and before the prevalence of ATMs so you can imagine. As I currently understand it, cash is still king (though the parallel exchange rates have gotten closer), and like everywhere where cash is king, you must bring flawless U.S. currency.

Contramano - the first in a life of many, many good-time money boys. Oh the direction we take from some unsuspecting early step ...

 

At the moment (I am in Argentina, where a few days may deliver radical changes), cash is still more convenient but not because of the gap between official and blue exchange rates. Actually, there were some crazy moments during the last weeks when the official was more favorable for foreigners than the blue rate. The issue is the exorbitant fee ATMs charge you, about 24 bucks for each withdrawal, and that if you are lucky and can access your foreign accounts. To make it worse, the withdrawals limit is extremely low, so you end getting no more than 100 bucks and paying 24 for them. If you did not bring cash, your second option is Western Union.

Always avoid ATMs until further notice. In the near future, access to foreign accounts may improve, but who knows. 

[Latbear4blk]

2 hours ago, davet said:

Glad they treated you nicely, but your life mission would earn maximum sneerage where I am in California, the sneering capital of the world.

Perhaps @floridarob should step up the challenge. What about number of cocks sucked in a Hard Rock Cafe bathroom?

[floridarob]

2 hours ago, Latbear4blk said:

What about number of cocks sucked in a Hard Rock Cafe bathroom?

I'm not a tearoom whore.....