Buenos Aires is known as the city that never sleeps, thanks to its constant offering of nighttime cultural activities. Corrientes Avenue is the most emblematic spot, a historic avenue filled with theaters, restaurants, and tourists. But Buenos Aires also has a special corner for those who appreciate tradition. The city’s cafés are a priceless and magnificent cultural heritage, an essential part of its urban landscape.
In the cafés of Buenos Aires, the heartbeat of the city is felt; here, the collective memory and dreams come alive.
THE CAFE PORTEÑO: A Bit of History
Since around May 1810, and even earlier, cafés already existed in Buenos Aires. A prime example is Café de Marco, located on the northwest corner of what are now Bolívar and Alsina streets, across from the Church of San Ignacio and the Manzana de las Luces. This spot was frequented by revolutionaries like Mariano Moreno, Manuel Belgrano, Juan José Castelli, and Bernardo de Monteagudo. In 1858, Café Tortoni opened its doors, becoming a central figure in Buenos Aires’ life and the oldest café still in operation. It has been visited by a wide range of notables, including Quinquela, Fernández Moreno, Gardel, Marcelo T. de Alvear, García Lorca, Gómez de la Serna (who was the first to capitalize “Café” to distinguish it from the beverage), Alfonsina Storni, and Jorge Luis Borges. Tango became widely popular in these cafés, both in those on the corner of Suárez and Necochea in La Boca and on Corrientes Avenue, as well as in Villa Crespo, Palermo, Almagro, Pompeya, and many other neighborhoods.
The café was the space for literary gatherings, such as those of Macedonio Fernández at La Perla del Once, for instance. From Ernesto Sábato to Luisa Valenzuela, for many writers, it was the perfect environment for creation, as well as a source of inspiration for numerous visual artists.
NOTABLE BARS OF BUENOS AIRES
Some bars in Buenos Aires have been meeting places for great musicians, debate spaces for important writers, or gathering spots for actors and politicians.
Many of them, due to their age, architecture, or local significance, are considered “notable” and are officially part of the city’s cultural heritage. Visiting them and enjoying the friendly atmosphere of café conversations, with a classic cortado, is an essential ritual for the city’s inhabitants and an unforgettable experience for travelers.
One of these notable bars is The Brighton, an old porteño tailor shop that has transformed into a marvelous place where porteño music and tradition are celebrated.
THE BRIGHTON: A Bit of History
The history of Brighton dates back to 1920, when the establishment housed the most distinguished tailor shop in Buenos Aires. Members of Argentine high society, Spanish royalty, former Argentine presidents, and even the Prince of Wales had suits made here. Nobody could have imagined back then that this workshop would, in 2007, become a restaurant whose interior beauty (from the Belle Époque) would lead the city legislature to recognize it as a “Notable Bar of the City” and award it a certificate from the City Museum as a “Testimony of Citizen Memory.”
The Brighton is located in a prime area, just steps from Florida Street’s pedestrian walkway. Its large hall, decorated with delicate stained glass and finely carved wood, resembles classic Irish pubs. Everything gleams at The New Brighton. Its facade features a large display window with old bronze embellishments at the four corners, bearing the emblem of the Principality of Wales engraved on the glass. However, the jewel of the establishment is the original cashier’s furniture from the days when it was a fine tailor shop.
The restrictions imposed at the beginning of the pandemic knocked the bar out of action for 18 months. When it came time to reopen, the owners rehired former employees and reinstalled the electrical, gas, and ventilation systems after so many months of inactivity.
MUSIC SHOWS AT THE BRIGHTON
So, if you’re a lover of music and local culture, a fantastic idea is to visit Brighton and enjoy a dinner show with the best music in the city. Hosted by Gala Lírica, every Friday and Saturday from 8 p.m., you can savor an exquisite menu accompanied by live music. The shows vary, featuring jazz nights, tango, and even lyrical music brought to life by the finest voices from the Teatro Colón.
For more information, feel free to contact us at info@ripioturismo.com.
