Where To Find Buenos Aires’ Most Talked-About Cafes Right Now

Café Rivas - Corner café with San Telmo soul

On a cobblestone corner in San Telmo, Café Rivas feels like an old movie set: high ceilings, dim light, a long wooden bar, and jazz on low volume. It is not new, but it is trending again as more locals escape the crowds around Plaza Dorrego in favor of quieter side streets.

Why it is trending:

• San Telmo is having a small revival with design shops and wine bars nearby, and Rivas benefits from that foot traffic.
• It has a strong 4.3 rating across more than 2,000 reviews, which keeps it in constant rotation on local recommendation lists.
• Evening cocktails and live music nights are drawing in people who first visit for coffee and stay for the vibe.

What to order:

• A classic café doble or macchiato with a medialuna for the most porteño experience.
• If you stay later, switch to a Negroni or a glass of Malbec and treat it like a bar.

Best for: Slow mornings, writing or sketching at a corner table, and easing into San Telmo before the antique market crowds.

Confitería La Ideal - Revived Belle Époque icon

Freshly restored to its early 1900s glory, Confitería La Ideal is one of the most spectacular rooms in the city. Think stained glass, chandeliers, polished wood, and waiters in classic uniforms. After years of closure, its comeback turned it into a must-visit for both locals and visitors.

Why it is trending:

• The recent restoration made it Instagram-famous without losing its old-school character.
• A massive volume of reviews and a 4.5 rating keep it top of mind for people searching for iconic Buenos Aires cafés.
• It doubles as a cultural stop, with tango events and pastry counters that feel like a living museum.

What to order:

• Chocolate con churros or facturas with café con leche for a very traditional merienda.
• If you want something more substantial, try a lomo or milanesa sandwich and linger.

Best for: First-time visitors, architecture lovers, and anyone wanting that grand Buenos Aires café photo without sacrificing quality.

Florida Garden - Old-school downtown meeting point

Right off the busy pedestrian street Florida, Florida Garden is a classic downtown café that has quietly stayed relevant while the microcentro shifts toward offices, co-working spaces, and hotels.

Why it is trending:

• Its central location makes it a go-to meeting point for workers, shoppers, and tourists exploring the historic core.
• A 4.3 rating with thousands of reviews keeps it prominent in search results and map apps.
• The renewed interest in the city center as a daytime destination has brought a new wave of café-hoppers.

What to order:

• A cortado at the bar, standing or perched on a stool, for a fast local-style stop.
• Sandwiches de miga or tostados if you want a light, quick lunch between sights.

Best for: People watching, quick coffee breaks during downtown walks, and anyone who wants a traditional Buenos Aires café without detouring far from major landmarks.

CCS Coffee Shop - Specialty coffee favorite

CCS Coffee Shop is a modern, specialty-focused café that contrasts with the city’s historic bars. Bright interiors, minimal design, and a serious approach to beans make it a magnet for coffee nerds and laptop workers.

Why it is trending:

• Its 4.8 rating and strong review base show a loyal community that keeps recommending it.
• Specialty coffee culture in Buenos Aires is expanding, and CCS is often cited as an accessible entry point for third-wave coffee.
• It attracts digital nomads who spread the word on social media and remote-work forums.

What to order:

• Flat white, V60, or cold brew if you want to taste the beans properly.
• Pair it with a simple pastry or banana bread for a light, modern-style brunch.

Best for: Remote workers, travelers who care about coffee quality, and locals looking for a change from traditional bar cafés.

Sorbo Café BA - Small-batch neighborhood gem

With fewer reviews but an impressive 4.8 rating, Sorbo Café BA has the feel of a neighborhood secret that is just starting to spread beyond its regulars.

Why it is trending:

• Its high rating and steady trickle of new reviews suggest strong word of mouth rather than tourist hype.
• Small-batch roasting and carefully prepared espresso drinks appeal to a growing base of specialty coffee fans.
• The intimate space and friendly baristas make it a favorite for locals who want a personal, community vibe.

What to order:

• Espresso or cappuccino to see why regulars are so loyal.
• Ask about any single-origin specials or filter options if you are into tasting notes.

Best for: Curious café-hoppers who like to get ahead of the curve and people who value conversation with their barista as much as the drink itself.

How to café-hop Buenos Aires like a local

• Time it right: Porteños linger. Late morning and late afternoon are peak times for coffee and pastries.
• Order local classics: Try café con leche with medialunas, submarino (hot milk with a chocolate bar to melt), and sandwiches de miga.
• Mix old and new: Pair a visit to Confitería La Ideal or Florida Garden with a stop at CCS Coffee Shop or Sorbo Café BA to feel the full spectrum.
• Pay and tipping: Card is widely accepted. Rounding up or leaving around 10 percent is appreciated for table service.

Why use MapsBuddy for Buenos Aires cafés

Buenos Aires café culture changes quietly, with small neighborhood spots and revived classics gaining momentum before guidebooks notice. MapsBuddy tracks real-time review trends and local buzz so you can find places like Sorbo Café BA and CCS Coffee Shop while they are still under the radar, and balance them with icons like Café Rivas and Confitería La Ideal. Use it to plan a café crawl that feels current, not generic.