Café San Bernardo is part of the honorable group of notable bars that make us proud as Argentines in Buenos Aires. Through coffee, social gatherings and recreational activities, Café San Bernardo has become a must-visit for both Argentines and foreigners.
For 100 years, Café San Bernardo continues to captivate young people, adults and people of all ages, genders and ethnicities who visit the place to find a moment of entertainment and socialization.
Here we share some information about Café San Bernardo and the reasons why you cannot miss visiting it.
Café San Bernardo (Buenos Aires): Everything You Need to Know Before Your Visit
What is Café San Bernardo?
Café San Bernardo is a notable café in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, located in the neighborhood of Villa Crespo. Spanning 800 square meters, it may appear to be an ordinary café from the outside, but inside it offers a spacious area where pool and billiard tables coexist with board games and ping pong.
The café also includes foosball tables, and it regularly hosts tournaments for pool, ping pong, chess, card games, and dice games. For many years, Café San Bernardo was open 24 hours a day, a practice that changed in 2016. Currently, the café operates daily: Monday to Friday from 1 PM to 3:30 AM, Saturdays from 8 AM to 3:30 AM, and Sundays from 6 PM to 2 AM.
In 2012, Café San Bernardo was recognized by the Buenos Aires Legislature as a Site of Cultural Interest, and in 2014, it was designated as a Notable Bar of Buenos Aires. The café is named after the nearby “San Bernardo Parish,” also known as the church of the “Christ of the Broken Hands.”
History
Inaugurated in 1912, Café San Bernardo is one of Buenos Aires’ Notable Bars. From its early days, it became a gathering place for the Villa Crespo neighborhood, attracting famous figures in Argentine history, such as poet Celedonio Flores, writer Leopoldo Marechal, and actor Osvaldo Miranda. It also hosted performances by Paquita Bernardo, Argentina’s first professional female bandoneon player, who was known as “The Flower of Villa Crespo,” and played alongside the renowned Osvaldo Pugliese.
The café boasts the most important billiard room in the neighborhood, where famous players like the Navarra brothers and Leopoldo Carrera showcased their skills. The café’s large hall also features gaming tables, and it continues to host tournaments for foosball, ping pong, and pool.
The historic building that houses Café San Bernardo has a rich history, having once been home to a milonga (a place for tango dancing), a branch of the Banco Nación, and a supermarket. Over the years, the café has become a cultural icon in the city, with even the poet Celedonio Flores dedicating a poem to it.
Where is Café San Bernardo?
Café San Bernardo is located in the Villa Crespo neighborhood, specifically at Avenida Corrientes 5436. This area is known for its mix of commercial and gastronomic activities, as well as convenient public and private transportation options.
Just two blocks south of Café San Bernardo is Avenida Scalabrini Ortiz, which connects to the Palermo neighborhood. To the north is Avenida Juan Bautista Justo, which offers a variety of commercial and dining options between Avenida Córdoba and Avenida Santa Fe.
Avenida Corrientes, where the café is situated, runs northwest to Chacarita or southeast to the historic center of Buenos Aires, home to the Obelisco, Avenida 9 de Julio, and Puerto Madero.
How to get to Café San Bernardo?
Getting to Café San Bernardo is easy and quick. The café is well-integrated into the public transportation system and is located in an area that typically does not experience heavy traffic or pedestrian congestion, making it easily accessible even by private vehicle.
The most direct option is to take the B Line of the Buenos Aires subway, which runs beneath Avenida Corrientes and has a station just a block and a half from the café. You can transfer between subway lines using a single fare, taking advantage of the connections.
Alternatively, you can reach Café San Bernardo by bus. The Buenos Aires bus system includes several lines that pass through Villa Crespo, making it easy to find one that suits your needs. Some of the bus lines that serve the area include 15, 57, 65, 71, 76, 90, 109, 110, and 127.
For those traveling by bicycle or private vehicle, Café San Bernardo is also accessible. The area is traffic-friendly, with minimal congestion, and there are several private parking lots nearby for cars, motorcycles, or bicycles. Avenida Corrientes also features a dedicated bike lane, located on the left side of the avenue, which is one-way.
Why visit Café San Bernardo?
Enjoy Games with Friends
You can visit Café San Bernardo solely to play games without needing to purchase anything. Remember to reserve and pay for the tables at the counter, after which you’ll wait for your turn to be announced. The café offers board games, card games, ping pong, pool, billiards, and foosball. During your reserved time, the table is exclusively yours.
It’s ideal to go with friends for a more fun and interactive experience. You can also order drinks and food, which the waitstaff will bring to a table near your gaming area.
Participate in a Friendly Tournament
Did you know that Café San Bernardo hosts tournaments? These friendly competitions have open registration, though there’s a small entry fee. The tournaments, which take place on the same day, can include ping pong, card games, chess, dice games, pool, and foosball.
The skill levels vary, so you could find yourself competing against both professionals and complete beginners.
Relax with a Coffee or Meal
Visiting Café San Bernardo doesn’t necessarily mean you have to play ping pong, pool, or foosball. You can simply sit at a table and enjoy a coffee, beer, vermouth, or meal without worrying about participating in any activities.
If you prefer a more relaxed way to pass the time, you can engage in a game of cards or another board game.
(Featured Image Source: franxifra2/flickr.com)
