Are you ready to sip your way through the vibrant streets of La Boca? In our latest feature on ExpatPathways, we delve into the heart of Buenos Aires to bring you the top ten bars that are making waves in this colorful district.
From historic haunts that tell tales of the past to modern hideaways serving up artisan cocktails and craft beers, each spot offers a unique glimpse into the local drinking culture.
Whether you’re a digital nomad in search of a cozy corner to relax, a traveler eager to explore local flavors, or an expat looking for a taste of home, this guide promises to lead you to the best pours La Boca has to offer.
The Best Bars in La Boca (Buenos Aires)
1. Café Roma
Location: Olavarría 409.
Open since 1905, Café Roma remains a central attraction in the La Boca neighborhood. Recently, it has undergone facade renovations, enhancing its exposed brick walls and vintage advertising signs.
The entire setup is reminiscent of an antique shop, displaying old items and alcohol bottles on a tidy bar. The furniture follows the same vintage theme, complemented by a black and white tiled floor.
This bar is a perfect spot to pause and absorb the local vibe, where tourists and locals mingle seamlessly.
Patrons praise the delicious ham and cheese croissants and excellent coffee, noting the affordable prices and cozy atmosphere that make it a photography hotspot and a place they’d gladly revisit.
2. Bar El Estaño 1880
Location: Aristóbulo del Valle 1100.
Rooted in La Boca since 1880, Bar El Estaño 1880 occupies the ground floor of a two-story building at the corner of Aristóbulo del Valle and Hernandarias. Previously the site of the fabled Estrella del Sud inn, frequented by port workers and residents from nearby Casa Amarilla.
The bar has seen many distinguished patrons over the years, including former President Domingo Faustino Sarmiento and notable local figures like “Mate Cocido” and “Charro” Moreno.
In 1976, it was renamed El Estaño 1880 by Daniel Lorenzo López Novaro, showcasing a unique 3.5-meter-long tin bar, around which the original charming ambiance revolves.
The bar has been a popular filming location for movies and television series, adding to its rich cultural tapestry.
Today, under the stewardship of Alejandra Lorenzo, it continues to be a beacon of community and history, just blocks from the iconic Bombonera Stadium, celebrated for its hearty local cuisine, excellent service, and reasonable prices.
3. Draken
Location: Av. Regimiento de Patricios 1090.
Draken is a vibrant hub for those looking to indulge in a range of craft beers and hearty food selections such as hamburgers, milanesas, German sausages, tapas, and empanadas, all served in a lively setting that reflects the local ambiance.
Located near the iconic Bombonera stadium, it’s a favorite spot on game days, bustling with fans. Despite being extremely busy, the staff maintains a friendly demeanor, making it a recommended spot by many.
Visitors praise Draken for its quality brews and generous meals, describing it as a hidden gem in Barracas with an inviting atmosphere, sublime food, and surprisingly affordable prices, making it a place many vow to return to repeatedly.
4. Bar El Progreso
Location: Av. Montes de Oca 1702.
Situated at the corner of Av. Montes de Oca and California in Barracas, Bar el Progreso stands as a traditional staple of the neighborhood. The bar features comfortably arranged tables within a generously sized interior adorned with boiserie paneling and privacy screens for a more intimate family dining experience.
The wooden bar counter, complete with a swan-shaped tap and a display fridge showcasing an assortment of house cold cuts, adds to its old-world charm. Known for its homemade Spanish cuisine and traditional Buenos Aires drinks, Bar el Progreso offers a cozy atmosphere filled with photographs and antiques.
Patrons enjoy ample portions of delicious meals such as ricotta ravioli with fileto sauce and freshly squeezed orange juice, praising the excellent service and the bar’s historic ambiance, which has served as a backdrop for films and music videos.
This notable bar captures the essence of the 1920s Buenos Aires, making it a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the soul of tango in the Barracas neighborhood.
5. Bar Social – Café y Al Paso
Location: Av. Montes de Oca 695.
Bar Social – Café y Al Paso distinguishes itself as a specialty coffee haven located on the bustling Av. Montes de Oca in Barracas, just outside the typical cafe zones like Belgrano or Palermo.
This recent addition to the local scene offers a warm and inviting atmosphere complemented by thoughtful decor and a variety of seating options. Guests can enjoy high-quality coffee alongside exquisite cakes and pastries while relaxing to a backdrop of classic hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s played at a comfortable volume.
The cafe prides itself on excellent service, a clean environment, and an attractive presentation, particularly the finely designed tableware.
Whether you’re there for a casual meetup, a family outing, or a romantic coffee date, Bar Social provides a perfect spot to unwind and savor great coffee and delicious treats.
6. Bar Don Cosme
Location: Av. Alte Brown 200.
Located near the iconic Parque Lezama and Hospital Argerich in La Boca, Bar Don Cosme is a must-visit for anyone craving a hearty breakfast or a leisurely coffee break. Known for its generous servings, the cafe offers four tostados for the price typically charged for two elsewhere, ensuring great value for money.
The ambience is warmly inviting, with attentive and friendly service that enhances the dining experience. Patrons especially praise the fluffiness and size of the medialunas and the deliciousness of the tostados.
Bar Don Cosme stands out not only for its affordability but also for its commitment to providing a welcoming and enjoyable experience for all its visitors.
7. Café Bar de los Artistas
Location: Gral. José Garibaldi 1410.
Café Bar de los Artistas, nestled in the heart of Caminito, is a vibrant and colorful venue that captures the historical essence of La Boca’s artistic past.
Frequented by painters, musicians, and artists, this café offers a menu that includes elaborate dishes, simple snacks, and a variety of coffee and tea options. It’s particularly popular among tourists, reflected in its pricing.
The bar’s décor, infused with colors and textures, creates an ambiance that’s as inviting as it is inspiring. Recommended for its excellent choripán, the café provides a delightful culinary experience with its tender bread and delicious fillings.
Visitors often find themselves enjoying these local delicacies under an umbrella, immersed in the lively atmosphere that only Caminito can offer.
8. Doppelganger Bar
Location: Av. Juan de Garay 500.
Doppelganger Bar in Buenos Aires takes cocktail crafting to an exceptional level. Located near the vibrant area of San Telmo, close to La Boca, this bar is known for its meticulous attention to detail.
From bohemian crystal glassware to perfectly selected ice, every element enhances the drinking experience. Doppelganger offers a hardcore cocktail environment with over 100 choices, emphasizing classic concoctions like Tom Collins and Ramos Gin Fizz, without serving any beer, wine, or sodas.
The food menu complements the extensive drink selection, making it an ideal spot for aficionados of high-quality spirits and cocktails. The ambiance is lively, featuring excellent music choices that create a fun atmosphere.
This bar is a must-visit for those passionate about fine cocktails and looking for a place that values quality in every sip.
9. La Birreria
Location: Bolívar 1701.
Straddling the neighborhoods of San Telmo and La Boca, La Birreria offers an excellent spot for beer lovers and food enthusiasts alike. This venue boasts an extensive array of craft beer taps and a menu featuring delicious dishes like top-notch hamburgers, which come highly recommended.
The atmosphere is both welcoming and relaxed, making it perfect for a variety of occasions, whether it’s a romantic outing, a night out with friends, or a post-work gathering.
The staff at La Birreria are knowledgeable about their offerings, readily suggesting beers to match your taste preferences, which enhances the overall experience.
Its tranquil location and the inviting interior make it a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy good food and great beer in a cozy setting.
10. Bar Británico
Location: Av. Brasil 399.
Bar Británico, a historic café located in the heart of San Telmo, is steeped in cultural history and continues to be a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Positioned on a quintessential corner opposite Parque Lezama, it has been a gathering place for English officers and local intellectuals since its opening in 1928.
Originally named La Cosechera and later renamed to reflect its clientele, Bar Británico offers a nostalgic ambiance where time seems to stand still, despite the neighborhood’s recent mobilizations to prevent its closure.
The café is renowned for its excellent service and the quality of its offerings, particularly the spectacular apple pie.
The warm and traditional setting of Bar Británico, combined with its rich history and superb location, makes it a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience a piece of Buenos Aires’ historical charm.
