Historic Cafés in Buenos Aires

Dating back to 1884, this legendary cafe was built sparing no effort or expenses. Magnificent stained glass, fine boiserie, Italian marble and furniture brought from Paris are part of the attractions of this classic confectionery, which makes it a true gem in the heart of Buenos Aires. The Argentine poet Alfonsina Storni was one of her favourite clients. It is said that writer Roberto Arlt and famous jockey Irineo Leguisamo frequented her salons a lot. Former president Carlos Pellegrini was also one of Las Violetas’ regular customers.  

After undergoing some changes, the City Legislature declared it a site of cultural interest and in 2001, when it was reopened. The impeccable pieces of Carrara marble in the bar and the tables, the sumptuous original bronze chandeliers, have maintained their traditional character

Las Violetas has an extensive menu, but the hallmark of this place is its abundant and delicious snacks: the reason why you’ll find long lines of people queuing every afternoon.

It was declared a Historic Place of the City in 1998 by the Legislature of the City of Buenos Aires and, in the year 2017, The Violets was chosen as the best Notable Coffee in the City.

Thanks to its historic tradition, stunning architecture and its super friendly staff, Las Violetas was ranked as the best Historic Café in the City.

Tortoni is the oldest historic café in the City of Buenos Aires.  It was the preferred haunt of  Argentine personalities such as Carlos Gardel, writer Jorge Luis Borges and Julio Cortázar.

Located in the city, you will usually have to line up to enjoy this fascinating cafe. Tortoni was founded in 1858 and constitutes one of the main  attractions for those who are visiting Buenos Aires

The name was chosen by its founder, Monsieur Jean Touan, as a tribute to the Tortoni cafe in  Paris.

An important part of the history of Buenos Aires is present on its marble tables and walls, and most prominent clients like Luigi Pirandello, Federico García Lorca and Alfonsina Storni add appeal for history buffs.

The historic Tortoni bar is one of the few places in Buenos Aires where you can still order the classical meringue ice cream today. Those who prefer an Argentine classic will choose the exquisite chocolate and fritters. Cheese platters, meats and sandwiches are other must-try along with abundant breakfasts and snacks.

Café Tortoni is an icon in the City of Buenos Aires, declared as a Tourist and Cultural Interest by the Buenos Aires Legislature.

36 Billares opened its doors in 1984 and claims to be one of the oldest and most emblematic cafés in the city.

Located on the ground floor and a basement in the Montserrat neighbourhood, as its name suggests stands out for its billiards, pool and snooker tables.

36 Billiards is also a club that offers billiards classes, both for adults and children. You can also find other types of board games such as dice, cards, chess, and backgammon.

This iconic place, where Federico García Lorca, Abelardo Arias and Miguel Ángel Bavio Esquiú were regulars, was restored after closing its doors in 2013, preserving the façade and the porteño profile of a historic café.

More than 40 varieties of pizzas and empanadas are big favourites of the 36 Billares menu. You can enjoy pasta and savour the classic desserts: the famous “English soup” and typical Balcarce cake, and ricotta pie.

This café has been part of the history of Old Palermo for the last hundred years. Montecarlo, located on the corner of Paraguay and Ravignani, has been home to artists, painters, writers and musicians who made this remarkable bar a place for love stories, poems, portraits and even the springing up of transforming ideas.

In 1922, a family of Galician immigrants made their dream come true by funding this legendary tearoom and bar. Nowadays, Montecarlo is a popular spot managed by chef Paula Comparatore and the architect José Fernández, who continue the tradition of bringing together and inspiring the Palermo neighbourhood. They produce the famous bread pudding, following the recipe of its previous owner, Gerardo Lorenzo and the founder family.  Montecarlo is also known for its unique huge cups, almost half a litre of aromatic coffee makes this place a must-visit.

Not only was Ernesto “Che” Guevara one of the famous visitors, but Montecarlo has been a gathering place for Argentinian artists like China Zorrilla, Julio Chávez, journalist Jorge Lanata and hundreds of personalities. Since 2015, it has been part of the historic cafés of Buenos Aires.

La Biela is located in an iconic corner of the Recoleta neighbourhood, metres away from the cemetery and the Iglesia del Pilar. This historic café has a large history from its origin in 1942 in what used to be the Vasco Michelena grocery store. Plates of regional cheeses and cold meat are hard-to-beat classics.

La Biela historical waiters are witnesses to hundreds of anecdotes of their visitors.

The coffee shop has received intellectuals such as Jorge Luis Borges, Ernesto Sábato, Adolfo Bioy Casares and Silvina Ocampo, as well as motor racing lovers: Froilán González, Charly Menditeguy, Rolo Alzaga, Eduardo Copello and Gastón Perkins. La Biela has also been visited by the King and Queen of Spain, Juan Carlos and Sofia, Joan Manuel Serrat, Joaquin Sabina, Facundo Cabral, Perez Celis and Francis Ford Coppola, among others.

This traditional and historic café is a gathering spot for locals, who come together to share stories, savour delicious dishes and enjoy a coffee in the historic lounge or on the magnificent terrace under the trees, overlooking the Iglesia del Pilar.

 La Biela, in addition to being part of the list of historic café for its history and beauty, is usually the meeting point to start or finish tourist tours around Recoleta and Palermo.

“La London”, as it is known by all Porteños, is one of the historic cafés in Buenos Aires. It is located at the corner of Perú and Avenida de Mayo, on the ground floor of a building built by Edwin Merry for the Ortíz Basualdo family in the late 1800s. Around 1910, it was sold to the firm Gath & Chávez and became a large department store.

It wasn’t until the mid-1950s that the London City Cafe began operating as we know it today. The history of the second half of the 20th century took place in front of its windows. In addition, the famous Argentine writer Julio Cortázar has a special place in the room, since the bar was featured in his first novel ¨Los Premios¨.

Since its opening on September 28 1954, London City has offered a beautiful environment to enjoy good coffee in a lovely and warm atmosphere.

This historic café is one of the classics of downtown Buenos Aires. Located on the ground floor of the building on the corner of Lavalle and Callao Avenue, originally the residence of the Lezama family.

Los Galgos café began its activity in 1930, at the hands of a Spanish immigrant, more precisely Asturian, who installed the Los Galgos warehouse and a drinks counter. In 1948, another Spaniard, Mr. José Ramos, started managing the bar, keeping its original name.

This notable bar was frequented by many tango artists such as Discépolo, Pugliese, De Caro and Troilo, which made it a legendary place in Buenos Aires. However, after decades since its opening, the doors of Los Galgos closed for a while, only to reopen and restart the story under the management of gastronomic Julián Díaz and designer and illustrator Flor Capella, in 2015.

Not only was it restored with original materials, but an effort was made to create a new space with a renewed spirit respecting its mystique. The first floor is a tranquil and comfortable space, ideal for working.

There is something unique about  Los Galgos: it is an excellent place to enjoy a drink, and every creation carries a story behind it.

This notable bar is a classic on Florida Street. Many people have visited the place, including personalities like Jorge Luis Borges and Diego Maradona.

The place is legendary since it was the meeting point for famous members of the so-called Happening Porteño of the 60s (or the Flower Power Criollo). The daring artistic manifestations of this period have taken place here. “El Florida”, has always been the bar where the artists from the Galería del Este or the Di Tella Institute would converge to have a drink and talk.

Habitue visitors affirm that everything remains as it was in 1962 when the Florida Garden was inaugurated. That’s why, along with Café Tortoni and Los Galgos, the place is considered one of the best-preserved notable bars in Buenos Aires.

Florida is also one of the most emblematic patisseries in the city known for its traditional recipes and high quality-products. Their unbeatable classic is Cheesecake, which should not be confused with a cheesecake or a ricotta cake. The preparation is a well-kept secret.

Additionally, at the Florida Garden, you can find a guest book in which customers leave their comments. This historical archive has signatures and notes from celebrities who have visited the place since its opening in the 1960s.