Guide to Identify a Traditional Buenos Aires Café
If the place is old. If it has lots of wood, posters, and photos. If the waiters have a shirt or waistcoat on. If the menu has butter medialunas. Learn about the romantic culture of Buenos Aires cafés
You are sitting at an old wooden table on Avenida de Mayo. Your chair has probably been the seat of iconic figures, such as Jorge Luis Borges, Federico García Lorca, Alfonsina Storni, and even Carlos Gardel. A smart-looking waiter delicately places the tray on the tablecloth. The unmistakable aroma of a just-served cup of coffee is captivating. The luscious flavour of buttered medialunas invades guests’ taste buds. Those two wonders combined create a magical experience for the palate. There’s no room for doubts: you are in a traditional Buenos Aires café in all its glory.
They Display a Unique Decoration
Thousands of mirrors, paintings, and photos decorate the place, probably depicting or showing famous people who visited those cafés. Old tills and antique soda water bottles may also be found, embellishing the place.
All of Them Have Some Football Club Crests
It is a classic in Buenos Aires cafés, bars, and restaurants —few countries are as passionate about this sport as Argentina. And this is as well reflected in the setting: flags hanging down, portraits, and football shirts from all national teams and, of course, the Argentinian National Team.
They Have Wooden Facades
Inside, you will be able to see a lot of wood. On tables, chairs, walls, and even on the counter. It was very characteristic of the time, and all traditional cafés are packed with this premium material.
Waiters Wear Shirts, Waistcoats, and Bows
Elegance as in the old times. Always refined and with immaculate uniforms, they usually have a badge on with their name. Juggling masters, they are experts at loading trays with hundreds of coffee cups without spilling a single drop at astonishing speed.
They Will also Remember Your Order by Heart without Writing It down
Argentinian waiters have a privileged memory and do not need a pencil and paper record. Some even remember the names of regular customers, and will tell you what they usually order without asking.
The Menu Includes Typical Argentinian Delights
From the most classic delights, such as coffee with milk, inverted cortado, or cappuccino, to savoury treats, like warm butter medialunas, churros stuffed with dulce de leche, or a tostado (ham and cheese toasted sandwich)… Gastronomy, once again, shines in the country with the End of the World, and everyone must try it in the great Historic Cafés.
Every 26th October, we celebrate the Buenos Aires Cafés Day, honouring Café Tortoni, the oldest in the capital. Founded in 1858, it is located just below the Academia Nacional de Tango. Between 1926 and 1943, the famous Peña del Tortoni folk party, organised by the well-known painter Benito Quinquela Martín, took place in its basement. It was the stage for countless debates, reading sessions, singing, and exchange of ideas among some of the most distinguished people in the world.
Among the most significant, you’ll also find Café de los Angelitos, Margot, 36 Billares, and Las Violetas, which were once meeting points for hundreds of musicians, politicians, writers, and artists of all kinds. By crossing their doors, you can go back in time and picture the dozens of anecdotes, secrets, and stories hidden in their walls. The ideal place to get to the heart of Argentinian traditions, and share talks and meetings with a good coffee in hand.
Ten Hints to Identify Them
They Present an Ancient Architectural Design
The architecture dates back to the last century. You can still see the original mosaics, the majestic arches, the pale colours of the signs, the ironwork, the strong columns, and the huge chandeliers hanging from those high ceilings.
They Are Located in Some of the Most Emblematic Neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires
San Telmo, Monserrat, La Boca, or Recoleta: with its cobblestone streets exuding culture, entire blocks full of jacarandas, historic buildings, and corners still reflecting the golden age of Buenos Aires.
They Get the Honorary Distinction of Bar Notable of the City of Buenos Aires
They surely have a sign just next to the entrance door with a Bar Notable (Historic Café) identification. Distributed in more than 25 neighbourhoods across the capital, there are almost 100 bars and cafés that have earned this special mention. The reason? They are much more than just a place for having breakfast or tea time: they are part of the country’s identity.
They Are Related to Historical Cultural Activities
Some were the venues for compelling reading clubs with famous writers, such as Cortázar; others witnessed clandestine political meetings. Even one of them saw Gardel sign his record contract, and many more artists followed.