Guide to identify a traditional Buenos Aires café

If the place is old, with lots of wood, posters and photos, if the waiters are wearing shirts and waistcoats, if the menu offers medialunas: then you are in a real Argentine café!

Don Victoriano / El Gato Negro Café (Credit: INPROTUR)

You are sitting at an old wooden table on the 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. An elegant-looking waiter gently places the tray on the tablecloth. The unmistakable aroma of a freshly served cup of coffee is captivating. The succulent taste of “medialunas” (Argentine butter croissants) invades your taste buds. These two wonders combined create a magical experience for the palate. There is no room for doubt: you are in a traditional Buenos Aires café in all its glory.

Every October 26th is celebrated: Buenos Aires Coffee Day; in honour of 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 popular Peña del Tortoni party, organised by the famous painter Benito Quinquela Martín, was held in its basement. It was the scene of countless debates, readings, songs and debates of ideas between some of the most prominent people in the world.

Among the most important are the Café de los Angelitos, Margot, 36 Billares and Las Violetas, which were once the meeting points for hundreds of musicians, politicians, writers and artists of all kinds. Walking through their doors, you can go back in time and imagine the dozens of anecdotes, secrets and stories hidden within their walls. It’s the ideal place to get to the heart of Argentine traditions, and share discussions and encounters while enjoying an excellent coffee.

Here are ten tips for identifying them:

Los Angelitos Café (Credit: INPROTUR)

They have an old 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 sturdy columns and the huge chandeliers hanging from the high ceilings.

They are located in some of the most emblematic neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires

San Telmo, Monserrat, La Boca or Recoleta: with cobbled streets that breathe culture, entire neighbourhoods filled with fern trees, historic buildings and corners that still reflect the golden age of Buenos Aires.

They have received the honorary distinction of “Bar Notable of the City of Buenos Aires”

They probably have a sign right next to the entrance door with a plaque that says Bar Notable (Historical Café). Spread over more than 25 districts of the capital, there are almost 100 bars and cafés that have received this special mention. The reason? They are more than just a place to have breakfast or a coffee: they are part of the country’s identity.

They are linked to historical cultural activities

Some were the site of irresistible book clubs with famous writers, such as Cortázar; others were the scene of clandestine political meetings. One of them even saw Gardel sign his record contract, and many other artists followed.

They display a unique decoration

Thousands of mirrors, paintings and photos decorate the place, probably representing or showing famous people who frequented these cafés. You can also find old crates and bottles of soda water embellishing the place.

They all have football club crests

It’s a classic in Buenos Aires cafés, bars and restaurants: few countries are as passionate about the sport as Argentina. And this is also reflected in the décor: hanging flags, portraits and football shirts of all the national teams and, of course, the Argentine national team.

La Perla Café (Credit: INPROTUR)

They have wooden facades

Very characteristic of the period, inside you can see a lot of wood: on the tables, chairs, walls, and even on the counter.

The waiters wear shirts, waistcoats and bow ties

The elegance of another era, always refined and with immaculate uniforms, they usually wear a badge with their name. Master jugglers, they are experts at loading trays with hundreds of cups of coffee without spilling a single drop at an astonishing speed.

They will also remember your order by heart without writing it down

Argentine waiters have an amazing memory and don’t need to write down customers’ orders. Some even remember the names of regular customers and will tell you what they usually order without even asking.

The menu includes typical Argentine specialities

From the most classic delights, such as café au lait, inverted cortado or cappuccino, to savoury treats, such as medialunas with hot butter, churros stuffed with dulce de leche or tostado (grilled ham and cheese sandwich)… Gastronomy, once again, shines in the country at the end of the world, and must be savoured in the great historical cafés.

Source: Visit Argentina