Notable bars enchant Argentines and tourists with a spell that includes two elements: history and tradition. Las Violetas is no exception for more than 130 years in the Almagro neighborhood. This notable café has stood the test of time and still stands, welcoming visitors to its tables who want to learn about its architecture and enjoy something delicious.
Located on an iconic corner of Buenos Aires, Las Violetas is the preferred notable café by Argentines. But it is not a question of competition, but of valuing the uniqueness and distinctive seal of this notable bar.
Here we present a brief guide for you to learn about Las Violetas and what it has to offer. The rest of the work is up to you and you will complete it by visiting this iconic bar in Buenos Aires.
Las Violetas (Buenos Aires): Everything You Need to Know Before Your Visit
What is Las Violetas?
Las Violetas is one of the most iconic notable bars in Buenos Aires. It has been voted the best notable café in the city by its residents, and there are plenty of reasons to support this recognition.
Opened in 1884, Las Violetas was constructed without sparing any effort or expense. This is evident in its architecture, which features stunning stained glass windows, Italian marble, and furniture imported from Paris.
Between 1997 and 2001, Las Violetas closed its doors. However, it was declared a “historical protection area” by the city’s legislature, ensuring its preservation. Since then, it has continued to operate as a bar and café.
In 2001, a group of gastronomes undertook restoration work, bringing back the architectural value of the wood paneling, bronze chandeliers, columns, and ceilings. Although the original floor was beyond repair, a new one was created that respects the size, shape, and colors of the original. The façade remains intact, as do the original marble pieces.
The charm and elegance of Las Violetas are among the reasons it has become the most beloved notable bar in Buenos Aires. The Carrara marble bar and tables, combined with the original bronze chandeliers, add to its allure.
Iconic Personalities
Each of the more than 80 notable bars in Buenos Aires has hosted famous personalities. At Las Violetas, notable visitors included Argentine poet Alfonsina Storni, Uruguayan jockey Irineo Leguisamo, and writer Roberto Arlt.
During the centennial of the May Revolution in 1910, the Infanta of Spain visited the café. Other prominent figures, such as Carlos Gardel, José María Contursi, Azucena Maizani, and former president Arturo Frondizi, were also regulars.
The human rights organization “Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo” held clandestine meetings at Las Violetas during the military dictatorship that ruled Argentina from 1976 to 1983.
The Menu at Las Violetas
Las Violetas offers an extensive menu, but its signature feature is its abundant and delicious afternoon teas. In fact, there’s always a line of people waiting to enjoy them in the afternoons.
While the coffee at Las Violetas may not be specialty-grade, it adheres to Buenos Aires’ tradition of serving hot, frothy coffee.
What draws many to Las Violetas, and is often the reason people visit the café, are the breakfast and afternoon tea trays. These include slices of cake, fine pastries, panettone, pudding, sandwiches, and toast, meant to be shared among several people. The trays also include coffee and orange juice, and the offerings change slightly depending on the day.
At Las Violetas, you can also have lunch or dinner, with options ranging from meats and pasta to fish. Additionally, you can take home fine pastries, Argentine baked goods, and other bakery items to enjoy later.
Where is Las Violetas?
Las Violetas is located in the Almagro neighborhood, at the intersection of Medrano and Rivadavia Avenues.
Its position on one of the most prominent corners of Almagro gives you an idea of just how grand this notable bar is.
To the north of Medrano Avenue are Corrientes and Córdoba Avenues, leading to the border with the Palermo neighborhood. South of Medrano Avenue (which becomes Castro Barros after crossing Rivadavia) lies the Boedo neighborhood.
To the east of Rivadavia Avenue—one of the longest in the world—is the Balvanera neighborhood, while to the west is the Caballito neighborhood.
This area of Buenos Aires is bustling with commercial and gastronomic activity, although it is less touristy. In the vicinity, you’ll find restaurants, bars, and a constant flow of students from various educational institutions, explaining the steady stream of foot traffic.
How to Get to Las Violetas?
The easiest and quickest way to reach Las Violetas is by subway on the A line. The Castro Barros station on this line is less than 100 meters from the café. Remember, you can combine subway lines by paying just once, making it convenient to connect the C or H lines, which run north-south, with the A line to get to the bar.
The area around Las Violetas is also well-served by various bus lines. You can take one of the many buses to reach Las Violetas and return to your accommodation: 19, 86, 90, 105, 127, 128, 146, 160, 164, 180.
Is the train a good option? Nine blocks from Las Violetas is the Once train station. This might be a good choice if you’re coming from the Caballito neighborhood or the western part of the city.
If you’re cycling, be aware that parking your bike in public spaces may be risky. However, there are exclusive bike lanes around Las Violetas, making it a viable option for getting there without using public transportation.
Why Visit Las Violetas?
Experience an Award-Winning Notable Bar
If you visit Las Violetas, you’ll likely do so because it’s recognized as a notable café. In fact, it was voted the best notable bar in Buenos Aires in 2017.
Why did residents choose Las Violetas as the most outstanding notable café? You’ll find out during your visit, but we can tell you that the architecture, the furniture, the attentive service, and the quality of the products are key reasons.
Enjoy a Delightful Breakfast or Afternoon Tea
There’s nothing quite like enjoying breakfast or afternoon tea at Las Violetas. The café’s architecture, combined with its ambiance, offers a trip back in time to Buenos Aires’ golden age.
More than half of Las Violetas’ visitors come specifically to enjoy the iconic trays filled with fine pastries, cake slices, panettone, and more. These are designed for sharing, but you can take home any leftovers in an elegant package to enjoy later.
Don’t forget that Las Violetas also offers lunch and dinner options, so you can visit this notable café at any time of the day.
Appreciate the Architecture
It’s rare to find a bar that has preserved nearly all of its original architecture. Even during challenging times in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Las Violetas committed to restoring its historic appearance. This effort has been successful, with the exception of the floors, which had to be recreated to match the original design.
The grandeur and beauty of Las Violetas’ main salon, along with the ambiance created by the clinking of glasses, plates, and cups, will leave you speechless.
Your visit to Las Violetas will not only be a gastronomic experience but also an opportunity to witness a living piece of Buenos Aires’ golden age.
Take Something Delicious Home
Did you know that Las Violetas also operates as a bakery and pastry shop? Many people think it’s just a café for enjoying coffee or a treat, but it also sells cakes, Argentine pastries, fine pastries, and other homemade goods.
You’ll see many people leaving with bags filled with trays and boxes, as the café and bakery/pastry services complement each other perfectly.
You can enjoy your breakfast or afternoon tea on-site and ask the waiter to wrap up any leftovers in a package, or you can buy the cakes or pastries you loved so much to take home and savor later.
(Featured Image Source: José Luis Lara/flickr.com)
