Notable Cafés of Buenos Aires: Where Flavor Meets History

With decorations that evoke the past and recipes that have stood the test of time, visiting these cafés is an unmissable experience for those looking to discover the essence of Buenos Aires. Here are some options to enjoy the best experience of notable porteño cafés.

The History Behind Notable Cafés

The "Bares y Cafés Notables" (Notable Bars and Cafés) is an official category created to recognize establishments that have played a fundamental role in the city's cultural identity. Some of these venues have welcomed historical figures such as Carlos Gardel, Jorge Luis Borges, and Alfonsina Storni, while others have been the epicenter of artistic and literary movements.

Exploring these cafés is more than just an outing: it’s a way to travel back in time and connect with Buenos Aires' past. Here are some of the most emblematic ones that you must visit.

10 Notable Cafés You Must Know

1. Café Tortoni

It is the most famous café in Buenos Aires and the oldest, founded in 1858. It has been frequented by writers such as Jorge Luis Borges and Julio Cortázar, and it also hosts tango performances in its basement, where live shows recreate the bohemian atmosphere of the past.

Its décor remains intact, with marble tables, wooden chairs, and colorful stained-glass windows that transport you to another era. Additionally, it offers one of the most comprehensive coffee menus in the city, with classic options and house specialties.

Reservations are recommended in advance through its website, as there is usually high demand to visit it.

How to get to Café Tortoni?

• Address: Avenida de Mayo 825.



Located in the heart of downtown Buenos Aires, Café Tortoni is on the iconic Avenida de Mayo, just a few meters from Plaza de Mayo and the Barolo Palace.

To get there by bus, several lines pass through the area, such as 8, 9, 10, 17, 24, 29, 39, 56, 59, 67, 86, 91, 100, and 103, among others. By car, it is easily accessible from Avenida 9 de Julio or Avenida de Mayo.

It is two blocks from the Piedras station (Line A subway) and four blocks from Diagonal Norte station (Line C), making it an easily accessible point for those who prefer public transport.

2. Las Violetas

Since 1884, this café has dazzled visitors with its French-style architecture and stained-glass windows, which have witnessed countless gatherings and historical encounters. It is famous for its abundant and exquisite afternoon tea, featuring delicate pastries, traditional sandwiches, and its iconic strawberry and cream cake.

Its spacious hall with high ceilings and crystal chandeliers makes the coffee experience here unique, ideal for those looking for a trip back in time with top-notch service.

How to get to Café Las Violetas?

• Address: Avenida Rivadavia 3899, Buenos Aires.

Located in the Almagro neighborhood, at the intersection of Avenida Rivadavia and Medrano, Café Las Violetas is a porteño icon with easy access by bus lines 2, 5, 8, 15, 26, 36, 49, 55, 65, 86, 88, 96, 103, 104, 132, and 181, among others. By car, it can be reached from Avenida Rivadavia, Avenida Díaz Vélez, or Avenida Corrientes.

For those who prefer the subway, Castro Barros station (Line A) is just a few meters from the entrance, allowing a quick connection from downtown and other neighborhoods

3. Bar Británico

Located in front of Parque Lezama, this café is a classic of San Telmo. Its history is linked to British World War II veterans, who used to gather here in the 1940s.

In recent years, it was saved from closure thanks to the mobilization of local residents, and today it remains a landmark for coffee and vermouth lovers. The décor of Bar Británico preserves the original wooden furniture, and the walls feature photographs that tell its century-old story.

How to get to Bar Británico?

• Address: Avenida Brasil 399.

Its strategic location at the corner of Brasil and Defensa makes it easily accessible for those visiting the city's historic district. By bus, several lines pass through the area, including 4, 8, 10, 17, 22, 24, 29, 33, 39, 53, 54, 61, 62, 64, 86, 93, 102, 129, 152, and 195, among others. By car, it can be reached via Avenida Paseo Colón, Autopista 25 de Mayo (taking the Av. San Juan exit), or Avenida Caseros.

The San Juan station on Line C is about six blocks from the bar, while the Constitución station on Line C and the Train Terminal are about eight blocks away, allowing for quick connections from different parts of the city.

4. El Estaño 1880

Located in La Boca, this café retains its port-town essence and is frequently used by filmmakers for period movies. Founded in 1880, El Estaño was originally a general store where dock workers would gather for a drink after long workdays.

Today, its original tin bar remains intact, and its menu features classics such as the "picada porteña" and the Milanesa with French fries. Additionally, its live tango nights make it an unmissable spot for lovers of music and Buenos Aires culture.

How to get to El Estaño 1880?

• Address: Aristóbulo del Valle 1100.

It is located just a few blocks from Caminito and La Bombonera. By bus, several lines pass through the area, including 20, 25, 29, 33, 46, 53, 64, 86, 152, and 168, among others. By car, it can be accessed via Avenida Almirante Brown, Avenida Patricios, or the Buenos Aires-La Plata Highway, taking the Brasil Avenue exit and continuing towards La Boca.

For those who prefer public transport, the Hipólito Yrigoyen train station (Roca Line) is about a 15-minute walk away.

5. Bar El Federal

With over 150 years of history, it is a must-visit in San Telmo. It stands out for its antique furniture, its famous "picadas," and the decoration featuring vintage objects such as soda siphons and old grocery store scales.

Originally, El Federal was a general store that later became a café-bar, maintaining the essence of old Buenos Aires. Among its specialties are the Spanish tortilla and the knife-cut beef empanada.

How to get to Bar El Federal?

• Address: Carlos Calvo 599.

Located at the corner of Carlos Calvo and Perú, it is in the heart of the historic district, surrounded by cobblestone streets and colonial mansions. By bus, several lines pass through the area, including 4, 8, 10, 17, 22, 24, 28, 29, 86, 93, 126, 129, 143, and 152, among others.

By car, it can be accessed via Avenida 9 de Julio, Avenida Paseo Colón, or Avenida Independencia. The nearest subway station is Independencia (Lines C and E), just four blocks from the bar.

6. Café de los Angelitos

A café that breathes tango. This historic bar has been renovated to offer a sophisticated atmosphere without losing its traditional essence. Its history dates back to 1890 when it was frequented by the city's tough guys and streetwise locals.

Today, it is an ideal place to enjoy a coffee with croissants in the afternoon or a world-class tango show at night. For those who want to learn to dance, there are also classes and beginner-friendly milongas.

Café de los Angelitos, like many other notable bars and cafés, is often very busy, so reservations are recommended.

How to get to Café de los Angelitos?

• Address: Avenida Rivadavia 2100.

It is located at the intersection of Avenida Rivadavia and Rincón, just a few blocks from Plaza del Congreso. By bus, several lines pass through the area, including 5, 7, 8, 12, 23, 24, 26, 37, 50, 56, 64, 86, 88, 90, 96, 98, 103, 105, 115, 132, and 151, among others. By car, it is easily accessible from Avenida Entre Ríos, Avenida Callao, or Avenida Belgrano.

The nearest subway station is Congreso (Line A), just one block from the café, providing quick connections to the city center and other neighborhoods.

7. Confitería La Ideal

Recently restored, this café preserves its Belle Époque architecture and offers a luxurious gastronomic experience. Founded in 1912 and located just meters from the Obelisco and Avenida Corrientes, La Ideal is an icon of Buenos Aires refinement, featuring marble details, beveled mirrors, and an impressive stained-glass dome.

Its menu highlights artisanal pastries and classic country bread sandwiches. Additionally, in the evenings, it offers dinner with live tango shows, and reservations are available for the exclusive Té Ideal experience.

How to get to Confitería La Ideal?

• Address: Suipacha 384.



By bus, several lines pass through the area, including 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 17, 22, 24, 26, 29, 39, 50, 56, 59, 60, 67, 70, 75, 86, 100, 129, and 146, among others. By car, it is easily accessible from Avenida Corrientes, Avenida 9 de Julio, or Avenida Leandro N. Alem.

The nearest subway stations are Florida (Line B), Lavalle (Line C), and Diagonal Norte (Line D), all located a few blocks from the café.

8. Don Victoriano (El Gato Negro)

A paradise for tea and spice lovers, located in the heart of San Nicolás. On its first floor, a café maintains its original décor, with carved wooden shelves filled with jars of teas, coffees, and exotic spices.

Founded in 1927, Don Victoriano is the perfect place for those seeking unique flavors and captivating aromas. Its tea selection is one of the most extensive in the city.

How to get to Don Victoriano (El Gato Negro)?

• Address: Avenida Corrientes 1669.



It is located a few blocks from Teatro San Martín and the Obelisco. By bus, several lines pass through the area, including 5, 6, 7, 9, 12, 24, 26, 29, 37, 39, 50, 59, 60, 67, 75, 99, 100, 102, 105, 109, 115, 124, and 132, among others.

By car, it is easily accessible from Avenida Callao, Avenida Córdoba, or Avenida 9 de Julio. The nearest subway station is Callao (Line B), just one block from the café; it is also five blocks from Uruguay (Line B) and Tribunales (Line D).

9. El Preferido de Palermo

Located in the Palermo neighborhood, it combines its past as a general store with a high-level gastronomic proposal. It has been awarded a Green Michelin Star for its commitment to sustainability. Its dishes blend tradition with modernity, featuring highlights like the soft tortilla babé and revuelto gramajo.

Its warm atmosphere and personalized service make it an ideal choice for fine dining enthusiasts.

How to get to El Preferido de Palermo?

• Address: Jorge Luis Borges 2108.



El Preferido de Palermo is on the corner of Borges and Guatemala, just meters from Plaza Serrano and surrounded by bars and designer shops.

By bus, several lines pass through the area, including 34, 39, 55, 57, 93, 108, 111, 140, and 151, among others. By car, it is accessible from Avenida Santa Fe, Avenida Juan B. Justo, or Avenida Córdoba.

The nearest subway station is Plaza Italia (Line D), located about six blocks from the restaurant.

10. Montecarlo

This classic Buenos Aires bar was a meeting point for historical figures like Che Guevara. It stands out for its cozy atmosphere and its bread pudding, considered one of the best in the city. Its décor preserves the essence of mid-20th-century bars, with black-and-white photographs and polished wooden tables.

Despite temporarily closing during the pandemic, Montecarlo reopened under new management and remains a reference point for Palermo locals.

How to get to Bar Montecarlo?

• Address: Paraguay 5499.

It is at the intersection of Paraguay and Humboldt, a few blocks from the Mercado de Pulgas and Avenida Juan B. Justo. By bus, several lines pass through the area, including 34, 39, 57, 93, 108, 111, 140, 151, and 166, among others. By car, it can be accessed via Avenida Juan B. Justo, Avenida Santa Fe, or Avenida Córdoba.

The nearest subway station is Ministro Carranza (Line D), about seven blocks from the bar. It can also be reached via the Mitre train, getting off at Carranza station and walking about ten minutes.

Bonus Track

11. Bar Plaza Dorrego

Located in the heart of San Telmo, Bar Plaza Dorrego is one of the oldest and most emblematic cafés in Buenos Aires. This establishment has witnessed countless gatherings and literary discussions.

Its interior retains its vintage charm, with checkered floors, wooden shelves filled with antique bottles, and tables engraved with messages over the years.

The nostalgic and authentic atmosphere of the bar makes it an ideal place to immerse yourself in Buenos Aires' history while enjoying a drink and watching the hustle and bustle of the plaza.

How to get to Bar Plaza Dorrego?

• Address: Defensa 1098.



It enjoys a prime location facing the iconic Plaza Dorrego, surrounded by colonial houses, antique fairs, and tango venues.

By bus, several lines pass through the area, including 4, 8, 10, 17, 22, 24, 29, 86, 93, 126, and 129, among others. By car, it is accessible via Avenida Paseo Colón, Avenida San Juan, or Avenida Independencia.

The nearest subway station is San Juan (Line C), about five blocks from the bar. It can also be reached from Independencia station by combining Lines C and E and walking approximately six blocks.

Experience the Notable Cafés

Each of these cafés has its own history and charm, offering a unique experience that blends tradition, culture, and flavor. If you visit Buenos Aires, don’t hesitate to explore these places that are part of the city's historical heritage.