Guemes is a fun, quirky neighborhood in Cordoba, and DADA mini is a perfect little example of what…read morethe area has to offer: design boutiques with cute clothes and gifts, low-key bars, and a young hipsterish crowd.
I didn't really get the "paseo" or "galeria" concept until I saw it in real life, but they're like a small strip mall, usually including several separate stores and a main bar or restaurant, all facing onto a long, narrow inner courtyard. DADA mini has this structure -- so there are a row of little shops on the left, a bar at the back, and courtyard bar seating in the central space. The shops tend to close up earlier, maybe 8 or 9 pm, just as the bars and restaurants get going.
The shops are small enough for just a couple of customers at one time, or you can stand outside and window-shop. There was a fun store with Mexican folk art and clothing, a gift shop with art prints, and other design-y boutiques.
There's a bar with indoor seating at the very back, and even if you don't want to sit there, you should poke your head in and check it out, because the decor is cool: lots of colorful lights, art, and interesting furniture. Otherwise, just sit down at one of the courtyard tables and a server will come to you. They have a good selection of cocktails, including the omnipresent Fernet and Coke, but I loved my Aperol Spritz (Aperol, sparkling wine, and orange bitters). They also have snacks, bar food (hot dogs, pizza, etc.), coffee, and dessert. Some people were getting a giant shareable fishbowl-sized cocktail, which looked boozy and awesome!
Service was friendly, if a bit slow; our two drinks seemed to take a fairly long time to come. Our server didn't speak English but was patient with our bad Spanish. By 9 pm, the place had filled up and it made for excellent people-watching, but don't forget to check out the cool murals painted on the side wall opposite the stores, too.
A cool, friendly place to enjoy a drink and soak up Guemes' hip atmosphere while you make leisurely dinner plans for the evening!
