Coffee Shops & Coffee Culture in Buenos Aires
Argentina may be best known for its mate — that earthy, energizing tea sipped from a gourd and shared among friends. Argentinians are as devoted to their daily mate as they are to football. You can spot a local instantly by the mate kit tucked under their arm (and yes, they even travel with it). Hot water stations are easy to find, and the act of sharing a mate is less about caffeine and more about connection — a cherished ritual woven into daily life.
But this isn’t a story about mate. It’s about the other beloved caffeinated ritual — one that feels a little more familiar to the rest of us.
Buenos Aires: Though Argentina doesn’t grow coffee, the city’s café culture is thriving. From elegant old-world cafés to modern specialty coffee bars tucked along leafy streets, Buenos Aires pours a surprisingly great cup. And it’s not just about the coffee — it’s the vibe. The hum of conversation, the clink of cups, the sunlight filtering through wide windows — each café invites you to slow down, linger, and watch the rhythm of the city unfold.
While takeaway coffee is available in Buenos Aires, most locals sit and savor. Insider info: many places do not have lids even if they have ‘to-go’ cups, so don’t be surprised if they hand you an open cup of hot coffee. I get the appeal of exploring with a hot cup of coffee. But here, settle into a café table instead, and pair your cup with a medialuna, an alfajor, or my personal favorite — a warm, cheesy chipa — and you’ve got yourself the perfect light breakfast.
Or better yet, join the locals for merienda, the beloved late-afternoon ritual somewhere between a snack and a social hour. Sit back, sip slowly, and take it all in — whether you’re lingering solo with your thoughts or sharing the moment with friends.
Now as someone who can be sensitive to caffeine and typically won’t have past 12pm in the U.S., coffee in other countries and in particular BsAs as it's known just hits different. Most days involved an afternoon cup. Maybe it's the relaxed vibe and context of either catching up with friends or sitting and slowly sipping while reading or writing… I’m here for it.
These recommendations are based on drinking a cafe americano and occasionally a latte with coconut milk. However, all are vetted and supported by my amigas who drink cappuccinos and lattes as well, so the location suggestions stand strong.
Also for context, some of these spots I was a weekly regular while living there; others I frequented several times, and can recommend based on consistently great pours.
Note: I lived and visited these spots between February 2023 - April 2024, so my experiences and suggestions are based on this time period while living in BsAs. Originally written Sept 2024; confirmed for accuracy Oct 2025.
FAVORITE COFFEE & COFFEE SHOPS THROUGHOUT BUENOS AIRES:
I prefer unique or single location shops (ie not chains - no starbucks here;). However, several of these shops have multiple locations throughout BsAs with slightly different vibes. They serve up consistently delicious coffee so worth suggesting a visit.
One of the first coffee shops I visited when I decided to make Buenos Aires ‘home’ in February 2023 is the location in Palermo Soho on Thames (just past Nicaragua on the left if you’re coming from Santa Fe). This spot has a special place in my heart. Their americano with a chipa enjoyed in the outside seating area with my journal was one of my favorite ways to start a Saturday. There was always a nice mix of locals and visitors.
Bonus - they don’t have wifi so its a great option if you want to avoid the digital nomad crew and just simply enjoy your coffee and company.
With locations throughout Palermo Soho and Hollywood, Recoleta and Belgrano, a shop should be within easy distance; they are on the smaller side but don’t let that keep you away.
Also…the last time I was at the location in Belgrano they had chipas with blue cheese - they were next level deliciousness.
Final thoughts: while Lattente was started in Buenos Aires in 2013, they expanded internationally to NYC in 2020 (per their website).
Lattente Palermo Soho
With locations in Palermo Soho, Palermo Hollywood, Chacarita and Belgrano, a popular spot with both locals and visitors alike. Consistent brews and probably my favorite chipas, the spaces as well have character, with both indoors and outdoor tables that fill quickly. The location in Palermo Soho is perfect for visiting before exploring Plaza Armenia, the weekend markets and more. I enjoyed working and writing from the Palermo Hollywood location.
Cuervo Cafe americano + chipa
The location on Sinclair near Demaria in Palermo is a perfect place to stop before or after visiting the Tres de Febrero Park and Rose Garden. With excellent brews and bites, including a wide range of pastries, they also serve huevos (eggs) and other heartier fare. The bright interior is complemented by a spacious outdoor patio.
Blanca Cafe iced americano + coconut milk
Located in both Palermo Soho and Las Cañitas, this Aussie shop is popular with the young local crowd as it serves up food and specialty brews all day. (also now in Miami and Mallorca).
Palermo Soho ~ On the corner of Nicaragua and Armenia across from Plaza Inmigrantes de Armenia (aka Plaza Armenia), it is a beautiful spot for a bite and brew. With an assortment of sweet and savory treats to enjoy with your specialty coffee, this is a terrific spot for a break while exploring Palermo Soho.
In Palermo Hollywood, near the Soho border (Av. Juan Bautista Justo). Perfect for when you want a light breakfast and delicious coffee. There are several other locations throughout the city.
Palermo near Jardin Botanico Carlos Thays (located on Republica Arabe Siria) near Av. Santa Fe. This adorable cozy spot with a lovely outdoor section stands out for its prime location in Palermo and rich and delicious brews. The park across the street is also beautiful, with massive trees and beautiful flora and fauna.
Recoleta ~ Located off Santa Fe on Riobamba, this homey cafe in a warm and welcoming space is great to visit when in the area as they make a rich americano. They also serve up tasty treats.
Recoleta ~ Delicious specialty coffee served all day. they also serve a variety of bites, salads, sandwiches and other beverages.
Retiro ~ Not far from the Four Seasons, this is a lovely spot to stop off and have a relaxing coffee in a beautiful atmosphere.
Centro ~ 3 blocks from Plaza Lavalle and Teatro Colón, this tiny spot serves strong specialty brews and is a great stop when in the area. They also serve some food and sweets.
Clout Cafe Collective
With a location inside the MACBA (Museum of Contemporary Arts in Buenos Aires), this is a great spot to take a break while exploring San Telmo and also visiting MACBA. Rich coffee and tasty pastries are available. There’s also a small location in Palermo Hollywood close to Av. Santa Fe.
Have you visited any of these coffee shops while in Buenos Aires? Any others you’d recommend? I’d love to know - drop me a message.
Megan
