In the heart of Buenos Aires’ upscale Palermo Soho, Tres Monos is redefining the craft cocktail experience. Ranked the best bar in South America and No. 7 in the world, it blends world-class hospitality with a rock-and-roll attitude and a classic rock soundtrack.
The Three Wise Monkeys
Founders Sebastian Atienza, Charly Aguinsky, and Gustavo Vocke built Tres Monos around the Japanese proverb “hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil”. It’s a philosophy that aligns with Confucian ideals of ethical living and positivity. This guiding principle shapes everything from their hospitality to their innovative approach behind the bar.
Crafting an Extraordinary Experience
At the 2023 World’s Best Bars ceremony, Tres Monos earned the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award. It’s a testament to their guest-first approach and when I visited, bartender Miranda Guerra brought that ethos to life.
Arriving early (10 PM on a Wednesday), I found myself deep in conversation with Miranda before the crowd rolled in. As she walked me through the details of their craft cocktails, I sipped on a perfectly balanced Flor de Caipi.
Beyond their impeccable technique, what sets Tres Monos apart is their commitment to innovation. Partnering with distilleries, breweries, and wineries, they produce their own spirits, liqueurs, sake, and wine, all feeding into a seasonally evolving cocktail menu. Every syrup, infusion, and bitter is made in-house, ensuring each drink is crafted to perfection.
A Bar That Bartenders Love
Miranda curated a tasting lineup featuring their house gin, whiskey, sake, sauvignon blanc, and three liqueurs, while Daniel, a bartender from El Limon, helped with translations—despite being there on his night off. It’s always a good sign when industry pros choose a spot to unwind.
Placing myself in Miranda’s hands, I ended the night with a dealer’s-choice: Tres Monos gin, Campari, jasmine, watermelon, and patchouli—a bold yet balanced creation. As I wandered back to my hotel, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I’d just experienced something special.
And I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.