Where to Eat in Buenos Aires – Cafés

…a Hit List and Sh… ehm, Not So Good Places.

After the list for lunch places, this post features cafés for breakfast, merienda or simply to hang around, relax and watch people (I personally can’t think of a better way to spend some time in Bs As 🙂 – or in any city for that matter). A list for dinner locations will follow soon. Places are sorted by preference in descending order.
One word about tea in Argentina for all those tea lovers out there: Although you’ll get a black tea (=English breakfast tea) everywhere in this country, I couldn’t for the life of me find an Earl Grey tea anywhere in restaurants or cafés. I saw Twinings in a supermarket, but as an imported product, it was extremly expensive.

Havanna
One of the oldest and most popular manufacturer of the beloved alfajores, this company has several locations throughout Bs As. Prices are moderate and you’ll always get a small cookie with your coffee or tea. I spent mornings and afternoons in some of these cafés throughout the city and was always comfortable, the free wi-fi was working fine (free wi-fi by the way is standard in Bs As) and I was never rushed to leave, even though I had only ordered a tea and one alfajor during three hours. Okay, “rushing” is an unkown concept to the Argentinians in general. I personally liked the location at the Florida street, for obvious reasons: You get a lot to see. In addition, the location at Reconquista street was cozy. For breakfast, they have a ham and cheese croissant that they grill – yummy. And then, I believe their alfajores are the most delicious ones you get in Bs As. Also, the below shown tostados (ham and cheese toast) with a coke are available for ARS 105 (approx. USD 7 – although the price most likely has changed by now) and are enough for a light lunch or a savory merienda.

Havanna
Florida & Tucuman // Reconquista & Paraguay // various other locations throughout Bs As
Opening Hours: mostly daily

Confiteria London City
The most traditional café in Bs As is the Café Tortoni, located at Avenida de Mayo and it is always crowded and heavily popular with tourists. Similarly popular but with more locals is the Café London City, just a few blocks down the street from Café Tortoni. It is equally charming and prices for coffee items are reasonable, prices for lager meals are a bit steep. I strongly advise against eating lunch or dinner there. I tried their hamburger once and was not impressed:

In addition, you’ll pay more than at other restaurants nearby. However, their facturas (spanish for bills or in this case delicious pastries, often filled with dulce de leche) are great and the atmosphere is very relaxed and perfect for a lazy Sunday, after or before heading to the San Telmo market.

Confiteria London City
Avenida de Mayo 599, Monserrat, CABA
Opening Hours: daily

Dandy
Dandy has three locations in Bs As and I have visited two of them. The decoration is very stylish and European hipster-like, yet you feel comfortable. Their pastries are very tasty, although a bit more expensive. The location at Avenida del Libertador is also well suited for an after work drink. The savory food also looked good, although I can’t comment on it as I haven’t tried it.

   

Dandy
Avenida Del Libertador 2410. // Avenida Santa Fe 801 // Mariscal Antonio José de Sucre 602, CABA
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 8am-1am

Florida Garden
Tourist trap! …is what comes to my mind after looking at the check. Oddly, you’ll still see many locals in this admittedly cozy café. However, ARS 190 (approx. USD 15) for a coke, a water and a piece of cake (okay, the cheesecake was delicious) is just outrageous. For that money, I can get a steak dinner at some places. In short: If you like to throw your money away, rather give it to some homeless people and get your ass over to a Havanna or Dandy café.

Florida Garden
Florida 899, Microcentro, CABA
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 6am-midnight, Sat 6am-11pm, Sun 8am-11pm