If you are planning your next trip to Buenos Aires , there is a spot you just cannot miss. Imagine enjoying a cup of specialty coffee in a place that, until recently, seemed impossible: the ground floor of the iconic Kavanagh building. After almost 90 years, this architectural giant, declared a National Historic Monument, has welcomed an original café.
We invite you to discover the interior of this emblematic building and the woman behind its legend, as you savour a delicious cup of coffee.
A privileged setting
Cora, the name of this brand-new space, is much more than just a café. It is a true feat. For decades, commercial ventures were not allowed in the Kavanagh building , consolidating its status as a residential and architectural icon. Yet, Cora has achieved the unthinkable, establishing itself in this privileged location and offering both tourists and locals a unique experience.
The building, an Art Decó jewel, and a symbol of the City’s architectural progress, was inaugurated thanks to Corina Kavanagh, the woman who financed its construction, and after whom the café is named. It was the City ’s first skyscraper and the tallest building at the time.
In 1999 it was declared a World Heritage Site of Modern Architecture by UNESCO and a National Historic Monument . From the beginning it was conceived as a luxury rental building, so it was a very hard task to get approval from the residents’ board to open a café, the first gastronomic venture within the Kavanagh. This was achieved by amending the building’s rules and obtaining the necessary consent.
Thus, Cora Café , with toasters and an electric oven, offers quiches, pressed sandwiches, Spanish omelettes, cakes, cheese boards, avocado toasts and medialunas, among other delicacies.
Details of a café with a unique style
However, beyond its tempting menu, from the moment you enter Cora, you will realize that this is no ordinary café. Its unmistakable style pays tribute to the majestic Kavanagh building. The interior design, inspired by the building’s lobby, features travertine details, creating an atmosphere where you feel part of this architectural giant. In every corner, Cora invites you to linger and bask in its charm.
The experience goes beyond the visual. For the curious and history lovers, Cora offers fascinating books about Cora Kavanagh and her life allowing you to delve into the history of the woman who gave the building its name.
Every element at Cora has been carefully curated. The furniture and tableware are exceptional. The chairs, originally designed by Ricardo Blanco, a renowned architect and industrial designer, were acquired from a collector, adding a touch of exclusivity. The lacquered wooden tables are exquisitely designed, and the tableware is by Acme, the prestigious New Zealand company well-known for making the world’s finest coffee cups.
And, if the ambience were not enough, Cora Café ’s music is another outright success. Not only for its pleasant volume, but also for the vinyl records by Miles Davis, Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen, among others, that spin on a vintage record player, infusing the space with a distinctive vintage sound that perfectly complements the setting.
Beyond its dazzling aesthetics, Cora stands out for its specialty coffee offering. Here, every cup is a work of art. Forget generic coffees; at Cora, they work with selected beans, expertly toasted and brewed by skilled baristas that know how to extract the very best from each bean.
Whether you prefer the intensity of an espresso, the smoothness of a creamy latte, or the subtle aromas of a filtered coffee, Cora has options for every taste. The attention to detail is evident in every sip, assuring a first-class sensory experience.
Cora is not just a café; it is a testament to how innovation can coexist with tradition. It is the perfect chance to not only admire the majestic Buenos Aires from the outside, but also to step inside and explore its history as you savour one of the finest coffees in the Kavanagh building from the outside, but also immerse yourself in its history while enjoying one of the best coffees in the City.
Are you ready for this unique experience?
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8 am to 20 pm. Saturdays 9 am to 20 pm. Sundays 10 am to 16 pm.