Far better than hook in my opinion
For all the reasons mentioned this the best deal and far more relaxing place than Hook. The best part of this place is the bartender is my old friend Monica. If you treat her well she will make sure you get cold drinks, snacks etc. Met the owners who seemed quite reasonable as well. The owners have nothing to do with the ladies who wander through but they treat everyone with respect which is what I look for in a bar. Everyone welcome as long you respect the others in the bar. If I lived in BA this would quickly become my "local" bar. Tell Monica Pete sent you! Drinks are far better and half the price of hook. You only buy a lady a regular drink if you want to; no pressure.
Pete.
977 Marcelo T Alvear (and Newport)
Newport was really busy tonight, but I only saw one chica that caught my eye and then she left early (lots of tattoos and big tits); tats aren't my thing, but I make exceptions when they exude the right aura. On her way out she looked straight at me but kept walking; a chica that won't even stop to say "Hola" is usually looking for a big payday.
Anyway, on to 977 Marcelo T Alvear. I saw some really pretty chicas I'd never seen there before; one was on her way out as I came in. I must have looked impressed because on her way out she stopped to tell me she'd be back soon if I wanted to wait. I actually thought about it; she was that pretty.
And then there's Monica, the bartend. I love giving business to 977 if for no other reason than Monica. She's the real gem, iMHO.
Why this place exists......MHO
I will answer this question in simple tourist version:
1. Monica.
2. Gabi.
3. NO BS. Frankly helpful and zero pressure. You can spend the whole night there and just drink some beers and talk.
4. You can bring in a date if you want: its a bar.
5. The girls are not all the hottest and some are horrible but many are above average and "sweet." Some will chat for hours, share drinks, and TLN for less than a dance at Hook.
6. They play good music and will adjust to the client's wishes.
7. It is a hangout for all walks of life. I have met cops, judges, construction guys, business owners, chefs, etc. Here and all put their pants on the same way and will talk.
8. Many international travelers especially pilots hang out here and make for interesting conversation.
9. I have met about 2 great, 5 average, and 1 absolutely horrible friends there.
10. I have actually been "given" a free drink when someone was rude without any request.
Not saying it is amazing but it has become my go to place to hangout. It is the "Cheers" of BA in my book.
PETE.
[QUOTE=Local;447932]I learned about this place only through the reports here in AP.
I visited twice in the past 10 days.
I don't understand why the place exists or survives, and I don't understand why very respected members of this forum visit the place.
I am not trying to start any fight here. I respect all opinions and don't think mine have any privilege over other's.
I just would like an explanation.
- The place has a terrible layout: the bar itself is next to the kitchen/deposit and the bathrooms, and has only 5 stools, in a corridor.
- The rest of the space is crowded with heavy wood tables and heavy wood chairs, which are most often use in restaurants serving traditional North Argentina food (empanadas, etc.). Not the furniture for a bar.
- There is no light, not even colour light.
- There is no space between the tables/chairs for the chicas (or patrons) to roam about.
- There is no dancing of course (and, God forbids, there is no pole), which is understandable given the current regulatory situation, but how come nobody was able to come up with some sort of entertainment.
- The chica quality seemed really low to me.
I understand Monica is well liked by many experienced members. Is there more to it that I am missing?
Thanks in advance for your clarifications.[/QUOTE]
Thank you for your answers
Thanks to Daddy Rulz, Dickhead and Peter Sideburn for your answers. I learned something here. PS's post was most eloquent.
Have to agree about the bartender.
[QUOTE=HappyGoLucky;447609]
And then there's Monica, the bartend. I love giving business to 977 if for no other reason than Monica. She's the real gem, iMHO.[/QUOTE]I didn't catch the name of the bartender, but I'm guessing the bartender tonight was the so called Monica. A brunette, I think upper 30's, showing me some nice cleavage, she is really cool. When making my drink the bottle of rum was near empty, so she finished off the bottle in my glass. Then she asked me if I wanted more rum. I said yes, before you know it I had way too much rum in my glass. But I wasn't complaining, she offered and I said yes. No pressure here, no extra cost for ladies drinks, no bar fines, if you buy a drink for a girl she gets a real drink, etc. And nobody tried to cheat or overcharge, or give me the wrong change. I appreciate an honestly run place. I guess your only negotiations is the price with the lady that you want to go with, but the bar has nothing to do with that. You just have to remember the place doesn't have a nice crowd until rather late. I only went on Thursday, and it wasn't decent until about 12:30AM. I didn't stay much longer after that. If you can get some of these girls phone numbers they would surely see you before they go to work.
Little action in a war zone.
Visited 977 after learning that Hook and Ness were closed. About 12 patrons and 3 ladies.