Classic Bars and Coffehouses of San Telmo

Buenos Aires lives within its old Bars and Coffehouses. There's a strong tradition since they bare witness to the history of the city and its people.

The essence of Tango and endless discussions about football and women, have taken place in these mesmerizing places for more than a century.
Grumpy old waiters who barely speak any english are guaranteed. But hey, that's where the magic relies.

Following we provide you with a list of the 10 must-see bars of San Telmo. Also clicking on the picture on the left will take you to the map depicting their situation.

1. Bar El Federal.
Carlos Calvo 595
This building of 1864 still has its Italian architectonic style. Originally it was a groceries store, but after many years it turned to a beverages dispatcher. The counter is more than a hundred years old.

2. Bar La Coruña.
Bolívar 982
Bohemian style. Frequented by students, tourists and neighbours.

3. Bar Pedro Telmo
Bolívar 962
This bar is located whitin San Telmo Market. Very traditional place which mixes very well the regular customers and the tourists coming in for coffee or empanadas.

4. Bar Aconcagua.
Estados Unidos 502
In the corner of Bolivar and Estados Unidos this bar is both for Argentineans and Foreigners. Excellent coffee is served. On Sundays live football matches are shown, so you better be ready for a true sample of Argentinean passion.

5. Bar Sur.
Estados Unidos 299
It opened in 1967 on the ground floor of a 1910 building. The tables and chairs are Viennese styled. There are pictures and drawing by the renowned artist Maximo Paz. It has been visited by prestigious personalities, and since 1989 it gives place to the Tango Cultural Centre.

6. Bar El Viejo Almacén.
Av. Independencia 303
This old store goes back to the year 1798. In 1969 tango legend Edmundo Rivero bought it to turn it into one of the most important Tango places in the city.

7. Bar Seddon.
Defensa 695
Towards late 20th Century, the Seddon Bar was located in the corner of 25 de Mayo st. and Cordoba Ave. The current chairs, tables and counter were bought in auction to other bars

8. Bar Plaza Dorrego.
Defensa 1098
Inaugurated in 1968. The tiled checkered floor is quite distinctive of the place. The wooden bar is “L” shaped and it has an old cash register. Behind old ginever, cognac and anisette bottles are shown.

9. Bar El Hipopótamo.
Brasil 401
This bar, restored in the year 2000, retains the original style and decoration of very old original ads.

10. Bar Británico.
Av. Brasil 399
It remains as one of the most traditional places in Buenos Aires. It’s named after the English immigrants whom established in the area at the time of the rail construction.