Coffee & Cafe Culture in Buenos Aires, Argentina

So many ideas!

• Visit Tres de Febrero Parque and Parque El Rosedal (Rose garden) (note: closed Mondays) or one of the other free parks

• Visit Jardin Japones (Japanese Garden)

• Feria de Artesanos (Artisanal Market) around Plaza Inmigrantes de Armenia (Plaza Armenia) and in Palermo Soho on Saturday and Sunday. There's also an artisanal market near Plaza Serrano in Palermo Soho as well, Friday–Sunday

• If you like street art, wander the streets, particularly in Palermo Soho

• San Telmo Markets, especially on Sundays for the local artisanal vendors (different from those in Palermo Soho!)

• Museums - There's an abundance of options for everyone

• See a tango show - Live performers and shows are found throughout San Telmo and Recoleta. Otherwise, there's a handful of venues and restaurants throughout the city that offer performances

• Better yet, take a tango lesson! La Viruta (in the basement of the Armenian Cultural Center at Armenia 1366 in Palermo Soho) is welcoming to newbies. The crowd is a blend of both local Portenos and visitors.

• Visit the Recoleta Cemetery

• Visit El Ateneo Grand Splendid Bookstore: Located in an old theater, stunning bookstore to explore, have a cafe and take a break

• Depending on the time of year, watch the Boca Juniors play at the Bombonera stadium

• Also depending on the time of the year, attend a polo match as the field is conveniently located in Las Canitas

• Explore Plaza Lavalle, see the Obelisk, wander through Plaza de Mayo, taking in the historical architecture along the way

• Visit Centro Cultural Kirchner for a variety of art exhibits and musical performances

Argentina is often synonymous with mate, a beloved local beverage steeped in tradition. However, there's another caffeinated drink that might be more familiar to visitors: coffee. While mate is a daily ritual for many Argentinians, coffee is a popular choice for those seeking a different caffeine fix. Buenos Aires boasts a surprising number of excellent coffee shops serving outstanding brews. Many of these spots have a vibrant atmosphere that makes them worth a visit. Locals often prefer to enjoy their drink at the coffee shop; takeaway or to-go coffee is not popular and don’t be surprised if you order to go and don’t get a lid. For a sweet treat, pair your cafe with a medialuna or an alfajor. For a savory treat, as I typically do, the chipa is perfect with a cafe americano, for a delightful light breakfast. Or, for a truly local experience, enjoy a cup of coffee and a snack during merienda, a late afternoon break that Argentinians cherish.

Here’s a selection of top coffee shops in the barrios (i.e. neighborhoods) where most visitors stay and find themselves exploring. Pro tip: Know before you go, many shops don’t have websites— Google Maps' hours are typically accurate— a lot of coffee shops are closed on either Monday or Sunday.

Interestingly enough, ‘quality specialty coffee shop chains’ are a thing! Without intention, the spots I share and recommend have a few locations found throughout the city. Also, my go-to is a cafe americano and occasionally an iced americano (when on the menu). Shops shared have solid specialty options including lattes and cappuccinos as well (based on friends’ reviews).

Lattente: With locations throughout the city (and also an NYC offshoot) this spot serves consistent quality brews and light bites. Added bonus, they do not have wifi, which means those who visit for a delicious coffee combined with my personal favorite, a chipa, are there to either engage in conversation with their companions or (like me) are there with a journal or book. Either way, there is something special about having a mindful moment with a cup of coffee where you're not necessarily tied into technology. The location on Thames (north of Nicaragua) in Palermo Soho is a gem and my favorite place to sit outside. This is a perfect spot for a cafe and light bites in the morning or merienda.

Cuervo Café: With locations in Palermo Soho, Palermo Hollywood, Chacarita and Belgrano, a popular spot with both locals and visitors alike. Consistent brews and probably my favorite chipas, the spaces as well have character, with both indoors and outdoor tables that fill quickly. The location in Palermo Soho is perfect for visiting before exploring Plaza Armenia, the weekend markets and more.

Surrey Hills: Located in both Palermo Soho and Las Cañitas, this Aussie shop is popular with the young local crowd as it serves up food and specialty brews all day. Also now in Miami and Mallorca.

Kaldi Café de Especialidad Palermo Soho: On the corner of Nicaragua and Armenia across from Plaza Inmigrantes de Armenia (aka Plaza Armenia), it is beautiful spot for a bite and brew. With an assortment of sweet and savory treats to enjoy with your specialty coffee, this is a terrific spot for a break while exploring Palermo Soho.

BLANCA Deco & Café: The location on Sinclair near Demaria in Palermo is a perfect place to stop before or after visiting the Tres de Febrero Park and Parque El Rosedal (Rose Garden). With excellent brews and bites, including a wide range of pastries, they also serve huevos (eggs) and other heartier fare. The bright interior is complemented by a spacious outdoor patio. On a hot day, the iced americano with their coconut milk is incredible!

Cofi Jaus Palermo: In Palermo Hollywood, near the Soho border (Av. Juan Bautista Justo). Perfect for when you want a light breakfast and delicious coffee. There are several other locations throughout the city.

Ritus Café: Palermo near Jardin Botanico Carlos Thays (located on Republica Arabe Siria) near Av. Santa Fe. This adorable, cozy spot with a lovely outdoor section stands out for its prime location in Palermo and rich and delicious brews. The park across the street is also beautiful, with massive trees and beautiful flora and fauna.

Tónico Café Recoleta: Located off Santa Fe on Riobamba, this homey cafe in a warm and welcoming space is great to visit when in the area as they make a rich Americano. They also serve up tasty treats.

Cafe Gutierrez Recoleta: Delicious specialty coffee served all day (8 am weekdays, 9 am weekend openings) and open every day until midnight during the week and 9 pm on the weekend. They also serve a variety of bites, salads, sandwiches and other beverages.

The Shelter Coffee: Not far from the Four Seasons, located in Retiro, this is a lovely spot to stop off and have a relaxing coffee in a beautiful place.

Kissaten Tostador Retiro: A hidden gem on Arroyo Street, accessible through a wonderful wine bar and shop, take the stairs to the second floor. The cozy yet bright spot serves up specialty pours and bites.

Legado Café Centro: Three blocks from Plaza Lavalle and Teatro Colón, this tiny spot serves strong specialty brews and is a great stop when in the area. They also serve some food and sweets.

Clout Cafe Collective MACBA (Museum of Contemporary Arts in Buenos Aires, San Telmo: With a location inside the MACBA, this is a great spot to take a break while exploring San Telmo and also visiting MACBA if you have time. Rich coffee and tasty pastries are available. There’s also a small location in Palermo Hollywood close to Av. Santa Fe.

Fábrica de Café: Another stellar spot in San Telmo, perfect for popping in to refuel during a Sunday browsing the expansive and infamous Feria de San Telmo (market). Not to be missed are the local vendors in Plaza Dorrego and even better, those who line Defensa Street, where you can find locally made clothing, ceramics, jewelry and more. This may be a time to order ‘un café para llevar’.