Buenos Aires boasts over 80 notable bars, each with a rich history and countless stories to tell. Far from being mere relics of a bygone era, notable bars like El Banderín continue to thrive, offering quality and great prices.
If you haven’t heard of El Banderín, this iconic spot in the heart of Buenos Aires has been serving coffee and meals for over 100 years. It’s been a witness to the city’s growth and countless stories have unfolded within its walls.
Here’s everything you need to know about El Banderín and why you should include it in your visit itinerary. You might even adopt it as your favorite bar for lunches or meetings with friends.
El Banderín (Buenos Aires): Everything You Need To Know Before Your Visit
What is El Banderín?
El Banderín originated as a traditional café in the early 20th century. Initially named “El Asturiano Provisiones y Fiambrería,” it was not only a café but also a neighborhood store.
As supermarkets and other supply stores emerged, El Banderín focused solely on its strength: operating as a confectionery, bar, cantina, or café.
A unique feature of El Banderín is its collection of football club pennants, exchanged by team captains before matches. Initially, the owner intended it as a tribute to his beloved Club Atlético River Plate, but he expanded the collection to include teams from Argentina, Latin America, and the world.
El Banderín doesn’t take table reservations and often screens football matches, ensuring you won’t be bored with news channels.
A Century of Service
Having served customers for over 100 years, El Banderín attracts both tourists and locals, who line up for a chance to get a table.
El Banderín bridges generational gaps, with older patrons enjoying a coffee or vermouth while reading the paper, and younger visitors drawn by the vibrant cultural scene in the neighborhood.
Recognition as a Notable Bar
The bar opened on November 15, 1923, evolving from a provision store to a notable bar, recognized by the community and city authorities.
Its atmosphere, with antique tables, the architecture of an old Buenos Aires house, and walls adorned with pennants, jerseys, and football memorabilia, creates a unique experience.
Visiting El Banderín is more than just dining or drinking; it’s about immersing yourself in Buenos Aires’ history and tradition, blending well with the current demands for quality and value.
Where is El Banderín located?
El Banderín is located in the Almagro neighborhood, at Guardia Vieja 3601, corner of Billinghurst. This area features low-rise houses struggling against the encroachment of new high-rise developments.
Nearby is the Abasto Shopping Mall, a major commercial and dining hub with food courts, shops, and cinemas.
The Almagro area, especially around El Banderín, is known for its artistic and cultural activity, with theaters and cultural centers contributing to the area’s constant buzz.
North of El Banderín is the Palermo neighborhood, which borders Recoleta to the east. South lies Almagro and, a bit further, the Boedo neighborhood.
Heading west from El Banderín, you can reach the Villa Crespo and Caballito neighborhoods.
El Banderín is open daily from 11 AM to 1 AM, although hours may vary depending on the season or holidays.
How to get to El Banderín?
The quickest way to get to El Banderín is by subway. The B line runs under Corrientes Avenue, just three blocks from El Banderín. The Carlos Gardel station, in front of Abasto Shopping Mall, is four blocks away from the bar. Additionally, the H line runs north-south along Pueyrredón Avenue, eight blocks from El Banderín. You can get off at the Corrientes station and walk, or switch to the B line to save some steps.
Several bus lines can also bring you close to El Banderín, depending on your starting point. Recommended lines include 26, 71, 92, 99, 124, 128, and 168.
Bike lanes on nearby streets like Humahuaca and Corrientes Avenue make cycling to El Banderín a good option. The area isn’t typically congested, except during rush hours when people are heading home.
Why visit El Banderín?
Enjoy Typical Bodegón Food
El Banderín offers classic bodegón or cantina dishes. From cold cuts and cheeses to open the appetite to sandwiches, milanesas, meats, mozzarella sticks, pizza, burgers, and more.
It’s a cuisine where quantity doesn’t compromise quality, a key to El Banderín’s success.
A Café with a Football Atmosphere
Step inside El Banderín and you’ll find football references everywhere: pennants, jerseys, Maradona portraits, and more.
Many famous Argentine athletes, especially footballers, have frequented the bar, giving it a football-centric ambiance that evokes nostalgia and pride.
Visitors often enjoy breakfast, snacks, coffee, or a simple vermouth while watching TV, reading the paper, or soaking up the football atmosphere.
A Notable Bar for Social Gatherings
El Banderín has always been a social hub, a meeting point for friends, family, coworkers, and even couples.
So, if you’re traveling with others or have good company on your Buenos Aires visit, take the opportunity to check out El Banderín. Whether inside the main room or at outdoor tables, El Banderín radiates joy and community spirit.
