BsAs4u Review: El Viejo Almacén

Porteños certainly know their Tango, after all, the infamous dance was born in this city. Though there is no shortage of Tango shows in Buenos Aires, you may be hard-pressed to find a historic and traditional tango show that isn’t packed to the brim with tourists. At El Viejo Almacén, you will likely hear some English and Portuguese at your neighbouring tables, but even though a fair few people frequent the show, the general consensus is that it is authentic enough for locals and Tango enthusiasts to enjoy.

Besides the show itself, El Viejo Almacén’s authenticity stems from its location: the building was erected in the late 18th century, housed injured soldiers in the 19th century and started gaining its Tango reputation around 1969. It is located in the historic neighbourhood of San Telmo, which most consider to be the heart of Buenos Aires, as it’s the oldest part of the city, an area of ​​classic Tango and passionate bohemians.

The old tango house of El Viejo Almacén / source

The Dining Experience

On the evening of the El Viejo Almacén tango show, you won’t have to worry about hailing a cab or getting lost, as your transfer service will pick you up at your hotel and take you to straight to the building.  After arriving, you will enjoy your 3-course meal and have the option of trying the famous ‘bife de chorizo,’ the waiter’s recommendation and supposedly the best in the capital! There are various other options on the menu, though we felt that in such a traditional place, we ought to be traditional in our meal choices too. There is plenty of wine on offer too, both red and white, as well as beer and fizzy drinks.

After the dinner, you will be escorted to the old building where the old “tangueria” is located.  There you can see its intimate setting for yourself and be treated to a more detailed account of the building’s history. The saloon has a first floor and an upper balcony for the VIP service. The first floor offers an intimate setting but the balcony also offers a great view and a good place to snap photos during the show. The El Viejo Almacén tango artists make their best to interact with the customers, encouraging the public to sing along to Tango ‘classics’.

The “newer” building where dinner is served / source

El Viejo Almacen today, the exterior of the tangueria / source

El Viejo Almacén Tango Show

With your complimentary glass of champagne or wine in hand, you can sit back and enjoy the varying acts of the tango show. El Viejo Almacén is divided into two acts: it begins with a more traditional Tango show and Milonga dance, then the second act is more bohemian, covering the sensuality of Argentine Tango with elements of contemporary dance and Neo-Tango. During the interval, a folklore group of Andean music will play classic songs from the north of Argentina, giving you a better idea of the cultural richness of this country.

The El Viejo Almacén dancers on stage

Picking an enjoyable Tango show will depend on your personal tastes, such as whether you are a fan of extravagant, Broadway-style shows or traditional and quaint performances. El Viejo Almacén tango show would fall into the latter category, but don’t mistake this for meaning the show is dull. On the contrary, the singers and dancers keep the momentum high, constantly alternating between slow seductive routines, high energy dances and solo performances by the singers and live musicians.

Whichever your preference, you can take a look at a list of Tango shows in Buenos Aires to find one that tailors to your style or search in our website for more tours and activities in Buenos Aires.

By: Alyse DiNapoli in cooperation with BsAs4U team
For: BsAs4u

Comments

comments