They are considered “notable” because of their history, architecture or local relevance, and form an official part of the Cultural Heritage of the City. We invite you to get to know them.
Café de García, a classic in Villa Devoto
Opened in 1927, this almost centenary notable bar reopened its doors after two years. Located on the corner of Sanabria and José Pedro Varela streets, in the neighbourhood of Villa Devoto, it has been visited by celebrities such as the filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola.
Its emblematic appetizers stand out, which include the tasting of several different snacks, and even a steak eye in honour of Diego Maradona, who lived in the area where the Café is located.
Elements for playing billiards, an old telephone, photos and other objects decorating the walls hold different stories.
Café Margot, bohemian spirit in Boedo
Present since 1904 in the neighbourhood of Boedo,specifically on the corner of San Ignacio passage and Boedo Avenue, this notable bar recaptures the bohemian spirit of the artists of the neighbourhood and the camaraderie of its neighbours.
It was born, as many establishments of that time, as a bar and store, and today it is part of the tradition of the old warehouses. Politicians, writers and tango artists were frequent customers of the original bar, of which the façade, structure and many stories are still preserved and told in the place.
Its definitive identity would come in 1993 with Café Margot, a name in homage to a 1919 tango, with lyrics by Celedonio Flores and music by Carlos Gardel and José Ricardo, among the best at evoking the lunfardo vocabulary of Buenos Aires.
Its traditional and appealing pickled turkey sandwich, created in the 1940s and still made today, is its signature dish: a combination of homemade bread, pickled turkey, tomato, lettuce and a dressing of one's choice.
The irresistible homemade apple strudel and the refreshing pulled cider are other must-tries at Café Margot.
La Ideal, representative of the Belle Époque in downtown Buenos Aires
Founded in 1912, it is one of the oldest cafeterias in Buenos Aires, located at Suipacha 384, in the heart of downtown Buenos Aires.Famous for its croissants and sandwiches, this bar is ideal for breakfast or a traditional snack.
Since 2017 and until November 2022, the more than two thousand square metres of the building have been restored and its historical heritage has been recovered, thanks to a team of specialists in bronze, wood, stucco, gilded leaf and stained glass.
Its architecture is a symbol of the European Belle Époque: it has a dome made with 60 stained glass panels and a moulding made of papier mâché.
The original chandeliers and sconces were lowered and polished during the restoration. The lifts were also dismantled and renovated, and the Bombonera on the first floor and the stained glass windows were refurbished.
That's why visiting this notable bar is like travelling back in time through a journey that delights the eye.
A colourful fact, perhaps unknown to many, is that thanks to its imposing beauty it was the setting of films such as ‘Evita’, directed by Alan Parker.
If you don't have time to sit down and experience the place, La Ideal offers the possibility to shop at the bakery, the chocolate and the sandwich shop.
El Federal, 160 years in San Telmo
On the corner of Perú and Carlos Calvo streets, in the heart ofSan Telmoneighbourhood, this café-bar celebrated in 2024 its 160 years of history as a privileged witness of the life of the city.
It was formerly a grocery store with a liquor store, known as“pulpería”, a classic Buenos Aires commercial typology of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
It has two rooms furnished with traditional furniture. They also have an interesting porteño exhibition, which includes old advertisements, photographs from the 20s and 30s, as well as other collector's items.
The bar's regulars usually choose the low bar, located in the first room, where it is possible to enjoy the picada and vermouth, characteristic of its menu. In addition, those who know it best also recommend the omelettes, loins and special sandwiches, homemade turkey ravioli or strudel.
Beyond their history and architecture, these bares notables offer a unique experience. Are you up for a tour of these landmarks?