They used to be… and now they are: 11 places that evolved over time

Time Out

3 days ago

Buenos Aires is full of historic spots that have completely reinvented themselves. What was once a factory, a mechanic's workshop, or even a convent, is now a trendy bar or a restaurant breaking through with its culinary proposal. The city is constantly changing, and these places that once served completely different purposes have now become key points in the porteño scene.
In this list, we show you 12 places that 'used to be one thing and today are something totally different.' From a workshop turned pizzeria to a factory transformed into a nightclub, these venues adapted to the new times without losing their essence. If you've ever passed by one without imagining what it is today, it's time to rediscover them and be surprised by their new look.
Acuario, a Bar in the Former Antonio Bonet House of Studies for Artists
Amid curved lines and glasses of wine, Acuario Bar (Paraguay 900) quickly became a modern classic. In the heart of Microcentro, this wine bar operates in the historic Antonio Bonet House of Studies for Artists, built in 1938 and recognized for its modernist and avant-garde design, which it still preserves.
Mateo, the owner, is passionate about wine and decided to keep the space's essence, transforming it into a meeting point where history and good taste intersect. Acuario Bar maintains the elegance and original character of Bonet's Atelier, now inviting guests to enjoy a thoughtfully curated wine list. It's proof that historic spaces can reinvent themselves without losing their soul.
Albur, a Concert Restaurant in a Legendary Buenos Aires Theater
In the 1920s, the prestigious theater 'El 35' hosted figures like Rodolfo Bebán and Antonio Gasalla. Today, this historic stage is reborn as Albur (Av. Callao 435), a space where history and modernity meet in the city's heart.
The building retains its original charm: French marble, rosettes, moldings, and an oak scissor elevator from Slavonia that still works. The more-than-century-old black-and-white checkerboard floors witnessed the theater's golden eras when renowned artists left their mark.
In 2022, after years of abandonment, restoration began under architect and scenographer Alberto Negrín, who returned the building to its former glory. The name Albur was suggested by Sandra Mihanovich, inspired by Eladia Blázquez's song 'El corazón al sur.'
Between the history in every corner and the modern touch of its new chapter, Albur keeps alive the essence of what this iconic theater once was.
Garito Loyola, the Cool Pizzeria Located in a Former Mechanic Workshop
Among tools and sourdough pizzas, Garito Loyola (Loyola 1184), one of the best pizzerias in Buenos Aires, found its essence. In the middle of Villa Crespo, this former mechanic workshop was transformed into a pizzeria that blends industrial style with traditional stone-baked pizza.
The space preserves its 'mechanic' spirit, giving it a unique personality: tiled walls still bear inscriptions like 'mechanical service,' and the décor details—vintage signs and old tools—perfectly nod to its past.
The workshop's repurposing was designed to keep the original spirit, but with a modern twist. The central bar, comfortable chairs, and thoughtful lighting create a relaxed, super stylish atmosphere.
Garito Loyola offers more than good pizza: it's a place with history that managed to transform without losing its essence.
Ávito, a Former Convent Turned Trendy Bistro
From prayers and silence to coffee and gatherings. What was once the Nuestra Señora de la Misericordia convent in Villa Devoto is now Ávito (Pareja 3670), a bistro and café that combines history and modernity in a cozy setting.
The building, over 120 years old, retains original details such as century-old Savona tiles from Liguria, while the renovation added a modern touch with large windows, high ceilings, and an elegant blend of white walls and black woodwork.
You might also like: Villa Devoto, a gastronomic hub
The project is led by Córdoba-born chef Julio Figueroa, who opened his first Buenos Aires location after a successful career in Córdoba.
The combination of history and design makes this bistro much more than a restaurant: it's a space that honors its past while looking to the future.
A Restaurant Shines in a Former Pharmacy in La Paternal
In the old Química Estrella drugstore building now stands Stern (Avenida de los Constituyentes 2985), a restaurant that breathes new life into the Espacios Estrella complex, right in the heart of La Paternal.
One standout feature of Stern is its open kitchen: diners can watch the chefs at work preparing each dish. There are several seating options—upstairs or outside, overlooking the complex's central plaza.
Stern blends history and modernity in a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for enjoying good food in a place rich with history.
From Luxury Tailoring Shop to Vintage Bar with Modern Touches
Among luxury fabrics and signature cocktails, what was once The Brighton, an exclusive tailoring shop operating from 1908 to 1976, is now The New Brighton (Sarmiento 645), a bar and restaurant preserving the charm and elegance of a bygone era.
You might also like: The best bars in Buenos Aires
The tailor shop was famous for top-notch service; in 1935, Edward, Prince of Wales (who later abdicated to marry Wallis Simpson), gifted two sculptures bearing the three feathers of the Welsh emblem, still visible in the dining room.
Between 1978 and 2002, the space housed Clark's, the restaurant where legendary chef Gato Dumas made his mark on Buenos Aires cuisine. After a nine-month restoration, the place regained its Belle Époque style with colorful stained glass, cedar-paneled walls imported from England, and a grand wooden bar reminiscent of classic Irish pubs.
Today, The New Brighton is more than a bar: it's a time travel experience where history and good taste meet in every detail.
Ness, a Hotspot in a Former Mechanic Workshop
Among the smoke from the coals and the echo of tools from another time, Ness (Grecia 3691) found its essence. On a corner in Núñez where a mechanic workshop once operated, this restaurant now champions open-fire cooking.
Esteban Cigliutti and Leo Lanussol (creator of the iconic restaurant Proper) transformed the vast 300-square-meter space into an elegant, minimalist environment where fire is the star: no gas or electricity is used—everything is cooked over wood fire.
From the upper floor, a hanging corridor offers views of the grill and refractory brick oven in action, turning dining into a real show.
Deseo, a Top Nightclub in a Former Textile Factory
In the heart of Villa Ortúzar, where a textile factory once stood, Deseo (Chorroarín 1040) now occupies 2,000 square meters and is shaking up Buenos Aires' cultural scene. The project is led by sisters Martina and Luciana Arzt alongside Julia Sbriller, who transformed this industrial hub into a space for dance, music, and artistic experimentation.
The architecture was designed by Sergio Lacroix, known for his work with artists like Babasónicos and Hernán Cattáneo. The architect and founders created a neutral, versatile space adaptable to the diverse artistic events that fill it with rhythm and creativity every week.
Deseo blends music, art, and architecture in an environment that invites letting go. Facing a tree-lined boulevard, it has established itself as a nightlife landmark, known for the quality of its events and eclectic artistic proposal.
A Gastronomic Spot with History in the Ecoparque
With eagle moldings, iron lamps, and a vintage vibe, Águila Pabellón (Av. Sarmiento 2725) feels like a time travel with a modern twist.
Located in the Ecoparque, this restaurant operates in the old Pabellón El Águila café, an Art Nouveau building designed by Virgilio Cestari, carefully restored to preserve its historic essence while remaining fresh.
The restoration was meticulous: original floors were recovered, walls removed, and installations updated to restore the building's original character. The ambiance balances old and new perfectly, with nods to the Ecoparque's history. The terrace offers views of the tree-lined garden and the historic Pabellón de los Loros, adding a special touch.
Águila Pabellón not only honors its past but elevates it with a gastronomic offering recognized by the prestigious Michelin Guide.
Eléctrica Pizza, a Corner Where Past and Present Coexist Perfectly
With its peeling façade, old signs, and walls still shouting 'mechanic workshop,' Eléctrica Pizza (Julián Álvarez 1295) is a spot where past and present coexist perfectly.
Located at the corner of Cabrera and Julián Álvarez, right on the border between Palermo and Villa Crespo, this pizzeria occupies what was once an automotive electrical workshop.
Far from hiding its origins, it celebrates the industrial aesthetic: worn walls with original inscriptions, battery and electricity signs, and barrels turned into tables that invite you to eat standing with a beer in hand. All this combined with low lighting and music creates an authentic vibe that feels as cool as it is cozy.
Kayú, a 'Sensible Cantina' in a Former Carpentry Workshop
In the heart of Villa Crespo, where every corner has its own story, Kayú (Bonpland 928) was born as a 'sensible cantina' focused on vegetarian and gluten-free cuisine. But before becoming a gathering spot for food lovers, this space was something else: a carpentry workshop.
It all began in 2022, when its owner Pier acquired the place and made it his woodworking refuge. For a year and a half, between saws and sandpaper, Kayú was a workshop with a creative soul. But transformations are part of life, and the time came to change: the workshop moved, and the place gave way to something new.