Buenos Aires constantly envelops us with its history and vibrant modern rhythm. Today, our compass points directly to Mercado San Nicolás, a space reborn with contagious energy, attracting diverse customers and offering an unparalleled experience.
Here, a Buenos Aires classic has reinvented itself with mastery: La Giralda. In addition to its strategically located bar on Corrientes Ave., it now opens its doors at the market to continue offering its traditional flavors in an ever-evolving environment.
A journey through time, with chocolate flavor
La Giralda is not just a Café; it is a time capsule that embodies an undeniable part of Buenos Aires’ history and identity. Founded in 1930 by Andalusian Francisco Garrido, it began as a modest dairy shop on the ground floor of a domed building. Over the years, its destiny shifted and it became a Café in 1951. Its name, a tribute to Seville’s iconic bell tower, along with the images of its Andalusian namesake that decorate the Café’s interior, are a loving homage connecting Buenos Aires with southern Spain, infusing the place with an air of tradition and nostalgia.
From its very beginnings, La Giralda became a true emblem of Corrientes Ave.. For decades, it was here that the City ’s most famous churros with thick Spanish-style chocolate were served, a combination that delighted generations.
The bar drew an extraordinarily diverse clientele: from artists such as Mercedes Sosa and Leonardo Favio to political figures such as Perón, Frondizi or Alfonsín. Its tables were silent witnesses to after-dinner conversations, whispered love confessions, heated debates that shaped ideas and countless afternoon teas that remain etched in the City’s collective memory.
Its original spirit, that classic, slightly nostalgic air that sets it apart from any other café, remained intact even after its 2021 reopening, under new management. The sober facade, the imposing double doors, the carved mirrors that reflect decades of stories, the wooden counter with its glass domes and the shelves lined with bottles, everything at La Giralda speaks of a time that refuses to disappear. Although new items have been added to the menu to meet modern tastes, the soul of this Café is as present as ever.
Today, as part of the select group of Notable Bars of the City of Buenos Aires, La Giralda continues to be a bastion of flavors and stories. It is the perfect place for winter afternoons with hot chocolate and for sharing crispy churros with friends and family, an unmissable meeting point for lovers of these delicacies. Its opening at the revitalized Mercado San Nicolás is an opportunity for younger generations to discover and fall in love with the enduring charm of this Buenos Aires’ icon.
The experience: classics and new temptations
Visitors to the market can enjoy La Giralda in a more compact yet equally welcoming version. Open Monday through Saturday from 8 am to 20 pm, it offers its classic hot chocolate with churros, coffee and a variety of sandwiches perfect for a quick lunch. The concept fits perfectly into a market that prioritizes quality cuisine, focusing on fresh products and carefully prepared dishes.
Mercado San Nicolás stands as a testament to urban revitalization, drawing more than 10,000 visitors per month with its commitment to quality and fresh products.
As visitors stroll through the 16 establishments surrounding a lively central space, they find offerings that go far beyond traditional products. From gourmet butcher shops and greengrocers brimming with fresh produce to artisanal cheese shops and bakeries with freshly baked treats, Mercado San Nicolás invites exploration. Here, there are options for every taste: innovative vegan offerings, tempting patisseries and pizzerias whose aromas are impossible to resist. It is the perfect spot for those seeking authenticity and culinary variety in just one place.
But Mercado San Nicolás is not just a feast for the senses. With a mezzanine floor dedicated to coworking, it has become a dynamic meeting point where work life merges with the pleasure of good food. This makes it an ideal space both for those in need of an inspiring place to work and for those who simply want to enjoy a coffee steeped in history in a modern and stimulating environment. With its legacy, La Giraldanot only complements this rich offering, but also adds an unsurpassed touch of tradition.
From its irresistible classics to the diversity of its shops, Mercado San Nicolás, with La Giralda as its star attraction, is a must for those wishing to experience the authentic essence of the City .
Do not miss it!