So you haven’t totally warmed up to mate… or maybe you have, but there’s still a coffee-shaped hole in your addict’s heart. Luckily, Buenos Aires boasts a thriving coffee scene that’s perfect for students and espresso enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re studying in Mente Argentina’s Spanish Immersion Program or exploring the city through the Cultural Immersion Program, these coffee shops offer exceptional brews and inviting spaces to study, socialize, or relax. Curated for Mente Argentina students, this 2025 guide highlights the best coffee spots across Palermo, Belgrano, Microcentro, and beyond, with details on their locations and vibe.
LAB. Tostadores de Café – Humboldt 1542, Palermo Hollywood (Single Location)
(Picture reference: LAB Tostatdores Facebook)
Instagram: labtostadores
LAB, featured in the World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops 2025, is a Palermo Hollywood gem. Its cold brew infusion and iconic chocolate chip cookies are perfect for a study break during the Semester Study Abroad. With comfy seating and ample outlets, it’s ideal for tackling assignments. LAB operates a single location, ensuring a curated, high-quality experience.
Pro Tip: Coffee beans available for home brewing.
Cuervo Café – Multiple Locations
(Picture reference: https://tendencias.tv/funfood/drink/el-sommelier-del-cafe-porteno)
Instagram: cuervocafe
With different locations in Palermo, Belgrano and Chacarita, Cuervo Café is a specialty coffee pioneer with a warm, “buena onda” atmosphere. Its almond milk flat white is a standout, and the outdoor tables are great for people-watching after a Volunteer Program activity. Cuervo’s Palermo Soho location is a student favorite for unwinding.
Pro Tip: Grab coffee beans for home brewing.
Negro Cueva de Café – Multiple Locations
(Pictures reference: https://www.tripadvisor.com.ar/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g312741-d8376688-i194404136-Negro_Cueva_de_Cafe-Buenos_Aires_Capital_Federal_District.html)
Instagram: cafenegrook
Café Negro, a Microcentro favorite, has five locations (Suipacha, Marcelo T. de Alvear, Tucumán, Tte. Gral. Perón and Córdoba) in Buenos Aires, offering organic coffee and a welcoming atmosphere. Open weekdays, it’s ideal for students in the Spanish Immersion Program needing a study spot or lunch deal. Its recognition in the World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops 2025 underscores its quality.
Pro Tip: Coffee beans available for home brewing.
Padre Coffee Roasters – Honduras 4184, Palermo (Single Location)
(Picture reference: Google Maps)
Instagram: padrecoffeeroasters
Padre Coffee Roasters in Palermo Soho is known for its colorful coffee presentations and high-quality brews. Its alfresco seating is perfect for enjoying Buenos Aires’ “good airs” while studying or catching up with friends from the Internship Program. Padre’s divine desserts, like Nutella-jar beverages, make it a student favorite. It operates a single location in Palermo Soho.
Pro Tip: Try their unique coffee blends and take-home beans.
Surry Hills – Arévalo 2877, Cañitas (Single Location)
(Picture reference: TN)
Instagram: surryhillsbuenosaires
Inspired by Sydney’s trendy Surry Hills, this café brings Australian-style brunch and specialty coffee to Buenos Aires. With a single location in Cañitas (plus outposts in Mallorca and Miami), it’s a hit for its minimalist vibe and dishes like avocado toast. Ideal for Cultural Immersion Program students, its spacious setup boosts productivity.
Pro Tip: Coffee beans and almond croissants available to go.
Cofi Jaus – Multiple Locations
(Picture reference: Pluria.co)
Instagram: cofijaus
Cofi Jaus is a specialty coffee with different locations in Palermo, Belgrano, Nuñez, Colegiales, Villa Crespo and Zona Norte. Renowned for its artisanal brews and inviting atmosphere, it’s a favorite among locals and a great spot for students in the Spanish Program to relax or study over a quality cup of coffee.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss Cofi Petit in Colegiales, set in a charming historic house. It features a beautiful coworking space—perfect for remote work during your Internship Program.
Café Gutiérrez – Juan María Gutiérrez 2637, Recoleta // Viel 582, Caballito
(Picture reference: Clarín)
Instagram: cafegutierrez
Café Gutiérrez offers a spacious, vibrant setting with exceptional coffee, ideal for remote studying during the Master’s Program. Its Recoleta and Caballito locations feature dynamic designs and lively music, creating an energizing atmosphere. Recent reviews praise its pastry selection and coffee quality, making it a top study spot.
Pro Tip: The Recoleta location is one of the few coffee shops open until midnight—perfect if you’re a night owl or need a late-night study spot.
Ada Café – Tucumán 2300, Balvanera – Once // Libertad 1198, Recoleta
(Picture reference: https://cafedeespecialidad.info/ada-cafe-cafe-de-especialidad-en-balvanera/)
Instagram: adacafe / ada.buenosaires
Ada Café is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of bustling Once. From early morning, the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the irresistible oversized croissants invite you in, while the cozy corner setting and well-placed tables make it an ideal spot to start your day.
Pro Tip: The coffee is just the beginning—lunches here are exceptional. Expect traditional dishes with a creative twist, and a menu that’s always changing to keep things fresh.
Other “cafecitos” places to spend your pesos:
- Boiro – Juan Ramírez de Velasco 202, Villa Crespo (Single Location)
Instagram: boirocafe - Moshu – Moldes 3802, Saavedra
Instagram: compartimoshu - Balagan – Av. Hipólito Yrigoyen 814, Microcentro (Single Location)
Instagram: balagancafe - Cobre – Gorriti 5070, Palermo Soho // Acevedo 727, Villa Crespo
Instagram: cobre.cafe - Vibra – Arenales 2434, Buenos Aires (Single Location)
Instagram: vibracafeteria
These coffee shops, tailored for Mente Argentina students, blend exceptional coffee with environments perfect for studying, socializing, or immersing in Buenos Aires’ culture. Pair your coffee breaks with programs like the Spanish Program, Internship Program, or Volunteer Program to enhance your Argentine experience.