There are few places outside Buenos Aires that capture the spirit of tango as well as Patio del Tango (Tango Patio) in Medellin, a restaurant and performance venue that thrums with the passionate energy of the Argentine dance. Medellin’s connection to tango is due largely to Carlos Gardel, arguably the most famous tango singer in history, who tragically died when a plane crashed in the city in 1935 and whose legacy is treasured here.
Evenings at Patio del Tango bring together dinner with music and dance performances. Dishes are Argentine-inspired, including ample cuts of red meat, while shows typically happen after dinner.
If you’re a lover of tango, plenty of Medellin tours combine an evening at Patio del Tango with sights that celebrate the local legacy of Carlos Gardel—including the Casa Museo Gardaliana, a tango museum dedicated to his life and work, and the San Pedro Cemetery Museum.
You need to call the restaurant directly to make a reservation—overcome the language barrier by visiting as part of a tour.
Performances typically consist of singers, guitarists, dancers, and quartets.
In addition to steaks, the restaurant is famous for its desserts—be sure to sample the flan and the tiramisu.
The closest metro station to Patio del Tango, in the Guayabal neighborhood, is Industriales on the blue line A; it’s a 15-minute walk to the restaurant from the station. All tours include door-to-door transport, so you won’t have to worry about getting lost.
Though the restaurant is open until late evening from Wednesday through Sunday, there are only tango shows on Friday and Saturday nights. Make sure you book in advance, as the restaurant fills up quickly.
Filled with grand mausoleums and elaborate headstones, San Pedro Cemetery Museum is a worthy addition to your Medellin itinerary. Less of a graveyard and more of an open-air museum filled with sculptures and marble monuments that celebrate rather than shy away from death, it’s home to the symbolic tombs of Carlos Gardel and author Jorge Isaacs.