If you want to visit an emblematic cafe in Buenos Aires, stop by Café Tortoni. It is located at Avenida de Mayo, 825 in the Centro neighborhood.

If you take the subway (referred to as the “Subte” in Buenos Aires), take the A line to the Piedras stop. It puts you off right in front of Cafe Tortoni.

Cafe Tortoni is a New World Cafe with old world charm. Walking into Cafe Tortoni feels like going back in time to a romantic era when people dressed up to go out to a cafe to meet friends and discuss topics of the day.  A vintage photo from the 19th century depicts that time.

Part of that charm may be attributed to the decor. Drinks are served from a wooden bar with marble counters. Art adorns the walls. Tuxedoed waiters serve you from trays with white napkins draped over their arms.

On weekends be prepared to wait at least an hour or two to get into this  iconic Art Deco Cafe founded in 1858. Lines tend to be longer when there is  a tango show and reservations are recommended.

You can eat lunch there or dinner. I went for a late lunch on a Tuesday. If you go around lunchtime on a weekday, your wait will be much shorter. 

You can order from a varied menu that includes personal pizzas, salads, sandwiches, meat, hamburgers, desserts, and ice cream, cake and coffee.

A salad, a personal pizza, a sirloin sandwich with tomato and cheese, a bottle of sparkling water, and coffee with milk will cost you about 1000 Argentine pesos. (About $23 US). 

That’s the Lowdown!