Have you ever wondered where to find the ultimate café experience in Buenos Aires, whether you’re typing away on your laptop, meeting fellow travelers, or indulging in a leisurely afternoon break?
ExpatPathways takes you on a journey through the 10 best cafés to enjoy the afternoon in Buenos Aires, tailored for digital nomads, travelers, and expats alike.
Our selection showcases the diverse café culture of Argentina’s capital, blending traditional charm with modern comfort to create unforgettable moments.
Dive into our guide and discover where the city’s heart beats strongest over a cup of perfectly brewed coffee!
The Best Cafés to Enjoy in the Afternoon in Buenos Aires
1. Maricafé
Location: Honduras 4096, Palermo.
In the vibrant neighborhood of Palermo, Maricafé stands out as a colorful and inclusive café, drawing inspiration from astrology, series, and LGBTTIQ+ icons.
Offering a diverse menu of fresh juices, delicious cakes (with the rainbow cake being a crowd favorite), and appetizers, Maricafé promises an unforgettable afternoon experience. Its ambiance is lively and air-conditioned, boasting excellent service where the staff’s friendliness and attentiveness shine.
The café’s corner location is easily recognizable by its LGBT+ colored décor, welcoming families, groups of friends, and pets.
With creative menu names, an array of sweet and savory options, and even books and merchandising for sale, it caters to a regular clientele who are always greeted warmly. The overall atmosphere is not just good; it’s exceptional, making it a must-visit spot in Buenos Aires.
2. La Chatita Cafetería
Location: El Salvador 4068, Palermo.
Just a stone’s throw away, La Chatita Cafetería offers a cozy ambiance in front of the charming Plaza Unidad Latinoamericana, also in Palermo.
This specialty café delights with both its sunny outdoor seating and its variety of savory and sweet treats. From the rich cappuccino and iced latte to the unique four-cheese chipa and the beautifully presented avocado toast, every item not only looks appealing but is also plentiful and delicious.
The café takes pride in its excellent coffee, freshly baked croissants (served warm, with options for ham and cheese filling), and the highly recommended avocado toast, which stands out for its taste and presentation details.
Despite its small size, La Chatita maximizes its space, ensuring comfort for its guests both indoors and out. With friendly service, specialty coffee, and a dedication to freshness and flavor, it’s a joyful addition to the neighborhood, highly recommended for a leisurely afternoon.
3. Gontran Cherrier
Location: Malabia 1805, Palermo.
Gontran Cherrier transports its visitors straight to the heart of France with its exquisite viennoiserie, patisserie, and boulangerie offerings, paired perfectly with the finest specialty coffee.
Drawing upon the rich culinary traditions of France, the founders’ decade-long immersion in regions from Marseille to Lille inspired them to recreate the charm and gastronomic excellence of a historic French boulangerie in Buenos Aires.
Situated opposite the bohemian Plaza Armenia in Palermo, Gontran Cherrier prides itself on using premium Label Rouge ingredients, such as Foricher flour and Isigny Sainte-Mère butter, imported directly from France.
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The café is renowned for its fast and polished service, spacious and well-distanced outdoor seating, and a menu that delights with traditional French pastries, each presented with care and creativity.
The ambiance is enhanced by art, a meticulously maintained aesthetic, and options to dine outside or enjoy the view from the terrace, making it an exceptional spot for breakfast or a snack, where even the croissants with dulce de leche become memorable experiences.
4. La Fonte D’Oro
Location: Charcas 3601, Palermo.
La Fonte D’Oro, with its deep roots in Mar del Plata and over 60 years in the café business, has recently expanded its presence to Buenos Aires, opening a significant new location on Charcas Street, facing Plazoleta Guemes in Palermo.
Known for its cozy, modern spaces ideal for meetings, leisure, or solo work, this chain prioritizes the quality and safety of its house-made products. The Palermo branch quickly became a favorite for breakfast and snack times, offering generous, delicious meals at excellent prices and receiving high praise for both its food and service.
The café features strong internet, a welcoming atmosphere for those wishing to work, and attentively served meals, including health-conscious and trendy options like the Natural and Trendy snacks, and the highly recommended croissant filled with Nutella.
With attentive staff, a charming façade, and a serene music background, La Fonte D’Oro promises a delightful and repeat-worthy café experience in the city.
5. La Puerto Rico
Location: Adolfo Alsina 416, Monserrat.
La Puerto Rico, a distinguished café in Buenos Aires, boasts a rich history dating back to its founding in 1887 by Gumersindo Cabedo, a Spaniard inspired by his time in Puerto Rico.
Initially located a few meters away on Calle Perú, it moved to its current location in 1925, embracing an art deco style in the ’30s evident in its façade and the elegant typography of its sign.
This two-story establishment has welcomed notable Argentine cultural and historical figures, including Jorge Luis Borges, Victoria Ocampo, Adolfo Bioy Casares, and even Jorge Bergoglio, before he became Pope Francis.
Renowned for its roasted coffee, La Puerto Rico offers an enchanting atmosphere where patrons can enjoy an array of delicacies, from a mini cremona to a delightful orange and raspberry tart alongside a rich café en jarrito.
The café’s charm extends to its mint and ginger lemonade and a decor that captivates both locals and foreigners alike, many of whom are mesmerized by its classic San Telmo style and the artworks adorning its walls.
La Puerto Rico stands out not only for its flavorful offerings and warm service but also for its spacious, welcoming setting and excellent value, making it a highly recommended spot near Plaza de Mayo for those looking to immerse themselves in Buenos Aires’ historic café culture.
6. Le Caravelle
Location: Lavalle 726, San Nicolas.
Le Caravelle, a staple of Buenos Aires since 1962, captures the essence of Italian café culture on the historic pedestrian street of Lavalle. Maintaining its timeless charm and tranquility, the café features décor that transports patrons to Italy, with four clocks displaying the time in Buenos Aires, Rome, Madrid, and Athens.
The establishment boasts two bars: one for coffee and pastries, where tempting medialunas and apple pastries beckon, and the other for bar and sandwich offerings, including the sale of coffee beans or ground coffee.
Esteemed for its cappuccino alla italiana, complemented with cocoa and cinnamon, Le Caravelle has garnered acclaim from artists, writers, and coffee aficionados alike. Its cappuccino, often enjoyed with a ham and cheese medialuna, has been lauded for its artisanal quality and excellent service.
Recently renovated, this notable café remains a beloved spot in Buenos Aires, inviting patrons to indulge in an authentic Italian coffee experience that is both a spectacle and a delight.
7. Tostado Café Club
Location: Av. Corrientes 999, Obelisco (Centro).
Tostado Café Club, strategically located opposite the iconic Obelisco at the intersection of Avenida Corrientes and Carlos Pellegrini, represents a culinary venture that has successfully marked its presence in Buenos Aires through both proprietary outlets and an expanding franchise model.
Over nine years, the brand has become a city staple, offering a vast upstairs dining area that surprises many with its ample space and excellent wifi, making it an ideal spot for remote work or leisure.
Patrons enjoy a diverse menu, including vegetarian options, and rave about the generous portions and high-quality breakfast selections, particularly the ham and cheese croissant.
Despite its bustling atmosphere and slightly higher price points, the café’s inviting ambiance and picturesque street views continue to draw a crowd, promising a beautiful experience from entrance to the first-floor seating.
8. DOC Café
Location: Aráoz 645, Villa Crespo.
DOC Café, nestled in the quieter streets of Villa Crespo, shines as a specialty coffee haven with an enticing menu featuring breakfast, brunch, lunch, and homemade pastries.
This café caters to a variety of dietary preferences with a wealth of vegan and gluten-free options, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
The Matcha tea with milk comes highly recommended for those seeking an alternative to coffee, while the lemon cake stands out for its exquisite taste, a hallmark of DOC’s bakery and pastry offerings.
Orders are taken at the counter, where friendly staff are willing to adjust coffee temperatures to customer preferences. Known for its excellent coffee, savory menu favorites, and a warm, welcoming environment, DOC Café is a cherished spot in Villa Crespo.
Patrons appreciate the quality and diversity of the offerings, noting the slightly higher prices are well justified by the delicious fare, making it a must-visit for locals and visitors alike.
9. Tienda de Café
Location: Av. Dr. Honorio Pueyrredón 1121, Caballito.
Tienda de Café, situated on Avenida Honorio Pueyrredón in the bustling neighborhood of Caballito, invites patrons to immerse themselves in a unique coffee experience.
This chain of cafés spreads across Buenos Aires, offering an environment dedicated to celebrating coffee in all its forms.
With a diverse menu that includes both sweet and savory options, Tienda de Café aims to unravel the secrets of coffee, providing a warm and swift service in a modern franchise setting.
Patrons are particularly taken with the café’s Flat White and the ideal cup size for coffee lovers, highlighting the deliciously toasted pan árabe and the hot, frothy café con leche.
The quality of food and the menu’s variety earn high marks, making it a return-worthy destination for breakfast enthusiasts.
10. Tolón Café
Location: Av. Sta. Fe 3200, Palermo.
Tolon Café, positioned at the iconic corner of Santa Fe and Coronel Díaz in Palermo, prides itself on the art of serving coffee. Describing their service as an art form, Tolon Cafe aims to ensure a comfortable experience for their guests, allowing them to enjoy the finest corner in Buenos Aires.
Favoured for maintaining the classic essence of a typical Buenos Aires bar, Tolon offers exceptional service, exquisite food, and is a favored repeat visit for many locals.
The large bowl-sized café con leche and mouth-melting medialunas set the standard for an excellent breakfast. The café’s classic ambiance, highlighted by its thoughtful decoration and traditional clientele, complements the abundant breakfast offerings and well-priced fare.
Special mention goes to the almond alfajor with dulce de leche, subtly flavored with lemon, showcasing the café’s commitment to quality in its bakery products, which are also available for takeaway.
(Featured Image Source: Mark Melzi/flickr.com)
