On the corner of Rodney and Jorge Newbery, in one of the quietest areas of Chacarita, there is a temple that has stood the test of time and changing trends. Bar Rodney is much more than just a notable bar: it’s a treasure trove of stories where the neighborhood general store meets national and international rock music, quietly standing as one of Buenos Aires’ best-kept secrets.
From a general store to the birthplace of the underground and rock scene in Chacarita
The history of Bar Rodney began in the 1930s, when the venue opened its doors as a general store with a liquor section where Chacarita residents would do their daily shopping or have a vermouth at the counter.
Over time, the venue retained its original architecture— checkerboard floor, wooden bar, and antique shelves—but its atmosphere changed radically: it became a haven for musicians, artists, and nightlife seekers in Buenos Aires.
Charly, Pappo, and even Rod Stewart: The spot where the great legends of music jammed
During the ’80s and ’90s, the Rodney became the unofficial stage for rock, and its walls—covered with paintings and instruments—witnessed historic nights of impromptu jam sessions. National figures such as Charly García, Pappo, and Diego Frenkel made the bar their second home, playing there among friends, and the bar’s fame became so international that during his visits to Buenos Aires, Rod Stewart himself stopped by for a drink, as did David Byrne and even film director Francis Ford Coppola.
The bar’s mystique was so great that even filmmaker Diego Rafecas shot a movie there named after the venue.
If you’re looking for a spot in Buenos Aires steeped in history where you can soak up the true spirit of rock, this corner of Chacarita is still waiting to be discovered.
📍400 Rodney (corner of Jorge Newbery), Chacarita, CABA
