Buenos Aires has always had a deep love for coffee. Most Argentinians kick off their day with a cup of dark, bitter coffee, maybe with a splash of milk and a touch of sugar, and often enjoy another cup in the afternoon. You can see this coffee culture in the streets lined with coffee shops, some established as early as 1858, like Café Tortoni.
Recently, though, Buenos Aires’ coffee scene has evolved. The city’s passion for coffee now includes a growing trend toward specialty brews, adding a fresh and exciting twist to the local café culture.
Today, you’ll find an impressive array of specialty coffee shops in every neighborhood, each with its own unique take on the perfect cup. In fact, wandering through the city in search of amazing coffee is one of the best things to do in Buenos Aires. Here is a guide to some of our favorites.
Map of the Best Specialty Coffee Shops in Buenos Aires
Raíz Café de Especialidad
Aguirre 1015, Villa Crespo
The Coffee
A new entrant in the specialty coffee scene, Raíz Café specializes in single-origin coffees, showcasing beans from various regions with distinct flavor profiles. Their Colombian Coffee is a highlight, offering bright acidity and fruity notes that are a true delight. For a unique experience, try their Experimental Brews, which feature innovative methods and blends that push the boundaries of traditional coffee. This may be the best specialty coffee we have had in the city!
The Vibe
Raíz Café de Especialidad is a minimalist haven for coffee aficionados. The café features a clean, modern design with plenty of natural light and simple furnishings that allow the focus to remain on the coffee. Seating is around the coffee bar, which encourages conversation with the baristas. It’s a serene spot where you can enjoy a quiet coffee break, and some of their amazing small bites.
Lattente
Thames 1891, Palermo Soho | Azcuénaga 1284, Recoleta | Cerviño 3556, Palermo Chico | Blanco Encalada 2457, Belgrano
The Coffee
Lattente offers a rotating selection of single-origin beans and blends, ensuring a fresh and exciting experience with each visit. Their Lattente Blend is renowned for its smooth and balanced flavor profile, featuring hints of chocolate and nuts. For a refreshing twist, try the Cold Brew Tonic, which combines cold brew coffee with a touch of effervescence. The shop also offers pour-over and Aeropress options for those who like to savor their coffee slowly.
The Vibe
Lattente is a hotspot for coffee lovers who appreciate both the art and science of brewing. This shop has several locations, many of which are kiosks (the Thames location does offer indoor seating) with open kitchens where you can watch baristas work their magic. Lattente wants to encourage human interaction, so it does not have public wifi available.
The baristas at Lattente are passionate and knowledgeable, eager to share their insights on brewing techniques and coffee origins. They frequently host workshops and cupping sessions, making it an excellent place for those looking to deepen their coffee knowledge.
Cuervo Café
El Salvador 4580, Palermo Soho |Juramento 1284, Belgrano | Newberry 3898, Chacarita | Costa Rica 5801, Palermo Hollywood
The Coffee
Cuervo Café excels in offering classic Argentine coffee drinks with a modern twist. Their Café Cuervo, a house blend espresso, is known for its rich, full-bodied flavor with notes of caramel and dark chocolate. The Café con Leche, a staple of Argentine coffee culture, is creamy and perfectly balanced, making it an ideal companion to their artisanal pastries.
The café has several different blends on rotation, which it also sells so you can brew some at home.
The Vibe
Cuervo Café, with several locations in the city, blends traditional Argentine charm with modern coffee culture. The café features warm wooden interiors, cozy seating, and a relaxed atmosphere that encourages lingering over a cup of coffee. The friendly staff and welcoming ambiance make it a great place to relax and savor your coffee, whether you’re catching up with friends or taking a moment for yourself. Their kitchen also has a limited menu of pastries and small plates to enjoy a bite.
Ritus Café
República Árabe Siria 2521, Palermo
The Coffee
Ritus Café offers a range of rich and full-bodied coffee options. Their Ritus Blend is a standout, combining robust flavors with a smooth finish. The Café con Pastelería is another must-try, featuring a perfectly balanced espresso paired with exquisite pastries that enhance the coffee experience.
The Vibe
Ritus Café is conveniently located off of Santa Fe avenue, at the edge of the Palermo neighborhood, and has both indoor and outdoor seating. The indoor space is not large, but has a cozy vibe which welcomes those on a coffee date and those wanting to get some work done alike.
Össkaffe
Franklin Roosevelt 1894, Núñez | Pacheco de Melo 1860, Recoleta
The Coffee
Össkaffe is one of the more established specialty coffee shops in Buenos Aires, and has actually expanded to Spain and Uruguay in recent years. The shop offers a range of meticulously crafted brews, as well some creative combinations for the adventurous coffee drinker.
The Vibe
Össkaffe brings a hole in the wall feel to its shops: small and unassuming on the outside, but warm and homely on the inside, with walls lined with books. The aesthetic perfectly matches the personal touch the owner brings to experience, who treats customers like guests in his home. Come hang out, solo or with friends, and enjoy some of their incredible pastries along with their coffee.
LAB. Tostadores de Café
Humboldt 1542, Palermo Hollywood
The Coffee
LAB Tostadores focuses on the art and science of roasting, offering a range of specialty coffees that highlight their expertise. Their Signature Roasts are carefully crafted to bring out distinct flavor profiles, from fruity and floral to rich and chocolatey. The Lab Cold Brew, with its smooth and mellow taste, is also a popular choice.
The Vibe
Lab Tostadores, located in the bustling Palermo Soho area, combines an industrial-chic design with a passion for coffee science. The café features exposed brick walls, steel accents, and an open roasting area where you can watch the magic happen. It’s a dynamic space that reflects the café’s commitment to coffee innovation. The knowledgeable staff are eager to share their expertise and insights, making it a great spot for those interested in the technical aspects of coffee.
Vive Café
Costa Rica 5722, Palermo Hollywood | Álvarez Thomas 1500, Belgrano R
The Coffee
Vive Café is known for its comforting and flavorful coffee offerings made from Colombian beans. Their Vive Blend is a rich and aromatic espresso with a smooth finish, while their Limonada de Café is refreshing and delicious. Vive also serves the perfect cappuccino! The café offers a selection of baked goods and light bites that pair perfectly with their coffee.
The Vibe
Vive Café offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere that invites you to linger over a cup of coffee. The café features comfortable seating, warm lighting, and a relaxed vibe that makes it an ideal spot for enjoying a casual coffee break.
This coffee shop can get very busy, so we encourage you to get there early.
Final Thoughts
Buenos Aires is a city that celebrates its rich coffee culture with an impressive array of specialty coffee shops. From trendy modern spaces to historic gems, each café offers its own unique vibe and coffee experience.
Whether you’re exploring the vibrant neighborhoods of Palermo, Recoleta, or Belgrano, there’s always a great coffee shop nearby to satisfy your caffeine cravings and enhance your Buenos Aires adventure.
So, grab your coffee-loving companions and embark on a flavorful journey through Buenos Aires’ best specialty coffee shops.
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