Buenos Aires' cafes notables are historic establishments protected by law that preserve the porteno cafe tradition: marble tables, white-jacketed waiters, patterned tile floors, bevelled mirrors and an atmosphere that transports you to early 20th-century Buenos Aires. The City of Buenos Aires has declared over 80 establishments as "cafes notables" or "bares notables," recognising their historical, architectural and cultural value. Sitting in one of these cafes with a cortado and watching life pass by the windows is one of the most authentic experiences in the city.
Cafe Tortoni — The most famous in Buenos Aires
Founded: 1858 | Address: Av. de Mayo 825, Microcentro | Price: coffee USD 2-4
Cafe Tortoni is Buenos Aires' oldest and most famous cafe, founded in 1858 by a French immigrant who named it after the Cafe Tortoni in Paris. Borges, Gardel, Alfonsina Storni and Quinquela Martin frequented its tables. The interior features stained glass, marble columns, bronze busts and billiard tables at the back. On Sundays there is a tango show in the basement (USD 10-15). Note: there is always a queue at the door, but it moves quickly.
La Biela — The Recoleta cafe
Founded: 1850 | Address: Av. Quintana 596, Recoleta | Price: coffee USD 3-5
Facing the 200-year-old rubber tree on Plaza Francia, La Biela is Recoleta's elegant cafe. The terrace overlooking the Recoleta Cemetery and the Basilica del Pilar is perfect for a post-visit coffee. Excellent medialunas.
El Federal — Authentic San Telmo
Founded: 1864 | Address: Carlos Calvo 599, San Telmo | Price: coffee USD 2-3
El Federal is the oldest cafe in San Telmo and one of the best preserved in Buenos Aires. Antique bottles, wooden shelves, a 19th-century wall clock and original tile floor that creaks with every step. More authentic and less touristy than Tortoni.
Las Violetas — Art Nouveau in Almagro
Founded: 1884 | Address: Av. Rivadavia 3899, Almagro | Price: coffee USD 2-4, afternoon tea USD 5-8
Las Violetas is the most beautiful cafe in Buenos Aires: Belgian leaded stained-glass windows, marble columns, soaring ceilings with gilded mouldings and an atmosphere resembling a Parisian salon. The speciality is afternoon tea with pastries, tea sandwiches and scones (USD 8-12 per person). Off the usual tourist circuit but worth the subway ride (Line A, Castro Barros station).
Los 36 Billares — Pool and coffee in the centre
Founded: 1894 | Address: Av. de Mayo 1265 | Price: coffee USD 2-3, pool USD 3-5/hour
A bar with 36 billiard tables in the heart of Avenida de Mayo. Painted ceiling frescoes, leather stools and the sound of pool balls clicking. A unique spot for coffee while watching the regulars (many have been playing there for decades).
Cafe de los Angelitos — Tango and coffee
Founded: 1890 | Address: Av. Rivadavia 2100, Congreso | Price: coffee USD 3-5, tango dinner show USD 50-80
One of the cafes most linked to tango history. Gardel and the great tango singers passed through its tables. Today it also functions as a tango dinner show, combining cafe tradition with a world-class performance.
El Gato Negro — Spices and coffee
Founded: 1927 | Address: Av. Corrientes 1669, Microcentro | Price: coffee USD 2-3
Spice shop and cafe in one corner. Shelves full of jars of spices, teas, single-origin coffees and herbs create a unique aroma. Coffee quality is above the porteno average. Ideal for a break while exploring Avenida Corrientes.
