Located on the majestic Avenida de Mayo, just steps from the Plaza de Mayo, London City Café is a designated Café Notable that stands as a temple of Argentine literature. Opened in 1954, it immediately attracted journalists, politicians, and writers due to its proximity to government offices and newspaper headquarters. Its most famous patron was the iconic Argentine author Julio Cortázar, who sat at its tables for hours, typing out his masterpiece novel Los Premios (The Winners). Today, it remains a beloved sanctuary where coffee and literature blend seamlessly.
The Literary Desk of Julio Cortázar
For literature enthusiasts, a pilgrimage to London City is an essential Buenos Aires experience. The cafe proudly maintains the exact corner table where Cortázar used to sit. The spot features a lifelike bronze statue of the author, complete with a cigarette in hand, his signature glasses, and a vintage typewriter. Patrons are welcome to sit next to the statue to take photos or read a book, surrounded by the same creative energy that inspired one of Latin America's greatest boom writers.
Our Review Scores
| Category | Score | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Literary History | 5.0 / 5.0 | Unmatched. Essential stop for lovers of Julio Cortázar and modern literature. |
| Coffee & Pastries | 4.2 / 5.0 | Excellent coffee and a great selection of traditional Argentine croissants. |
| Service | 4.0 / 5.0 | Classic microcentro service, fast and efficient. |
| Value for Money | 4.2 / 5.0 | Very reasonable prices for its historic central location. |
Menu and Price Guide
London City serves classic Argentine café fare alongside lunch specials and executive menus. The traditional option here is the café con medialunas, but they also serve fantastic sandwiches and artisanal desserts.
- Coffee with 2 Medialunas: $3.50 USD
- Submarino (Hot milk with a bar of melting dark chocolate): $4.00 USD
- Sándwich de Lomito (Beef tenderloin sandwich with fries): $9.00 USD
- Daily Executive Lunch Menu (Main course, drink, dessert): $10.00 - $12.00 USD
Contact and Location Details
- Address: Avenida de Mayo 599, Microcentro, Buenos Aires
- Phone: +54 11 4342-9750
- Website: www.londoncity.com.ar
- Opening Hours: Daily from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
The Golden Era of Avenida de Mayo
Avenida de Mayo is the historic boulevard that connects the Casa Rosada (Presidential Palace) with the National Congress. In the mid-20th century, it was the political and cultural artery of Argentina, lined with Spanish hotels, theaters, and grand cafés. London City Café opened in 1954, capturing the cosmopolitan spirit of this era. It quickly became the unofficial headquarters for journalists from nearby newspapers like Crítica and La Prensa, as well as politicians debating the future of the country. The air was constantly thick with tobacco smoke, the clinking of espresso cups, and the rapid chatter of political debates.
Julio Cortázar and "Los Premios"
It was in this lively atmosphere that Julio Cortázar, one of the most innovative writers of the Latin American Boom, found his sanctuary. Sitting at a quiet corner table near the window, Cortázar observed the daily life of Avenida de Mayo while writing his 1960 novel Los Premios (The Winners). The novel, which tells the story of a group of citizens who win a mysterious cruise lottery, reflects the surrealism and psychological depth that defined Cortázar's style. The café was not just a workplace for him; it was a source of human material, where he could listen to the local slang, watch the expressions of the city's residents, and translate the essence of Buenos Aires onto the pages of his typewriter.
Gastronomy in the Heart of Microcentro
Today, London City combines its rich literary history with a modern, high-quality culinary offer. The café is a favorite spot for business lunches and afternoon coffee. Their specialty is the submarino, a traditional Argentine hot chocolate drink where a solid bar of dark chocolate is dropped into a glass of steaming hot milk and stirred until fully dissolved. The pastry chefs at London City are famous for their medialunas (local croissants), baked fresh multiple times a day, which are light, sweet, and perfectly glazed. They also serve traditional beef milanesas, fresh salads, and a variety of artisanal tortas (cakes) that make it the perfect rest stop after exploring the historic Microcentro.
A Visual Walkthrough of the Café Interior
The interior of London City is a beautiful blend of mid-century cosmopolitan design and modern comfort. The walls feature wood paneling accented with brass strips, and large black-and-white photographs depict Avenida de Mayo during the 1950s and 60s. The leather booths are spacious and comfortable, designed for long conversations or hours of reading. The lighting is soft and warm, provided by historic lamps that create a relaxed, reflective atmosphere. The central bar is made of polished dark wood, where baristas prepare traditional coffees and handle the constant stream of takeout orders. The front windows look directly onto the busy street, offering a front-row seat to the daily life of Buenos Aires' political center.
How to Order Like a Local
If you want to blend in with the local portenos at London City, there is a specific etiquette to follow. Walk in and choose any open table; the waiters, dressed in traditional black vests and ties, will bring you a menu. The classic morning order is a "café doble" (double espresso) served with a small glass of sparkling water and a side of sweet medialunas. In the afternoon, it is common to order a "Submarino," which comes as a tall cup of hot milk with a solid bar of chocolate on the side. You drop the chocolate bar into the milk yourself and stir it with a long spoon until it melts into a rich hot chocolate. For lunch, the executive menus (menú ejecutivo) offer great value, including a main dish, a drink, and a dessert or coffee, making it highly popular with local office workers.
Nearby Attractions on Avenida de Mayo
London City's central location makes it the perfect starting point or rest stop during a day of sightseeing. It is located just a two-minute walk from Plaza de Mayo, where you can visit the Casa Rosada, the Cabildo, and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Walking down Avenida de Mayo, you will also pass the historic Palacio Barolo, an architectural masterpiece inspired by Dante's Divine Comedy. The surrounding streets are filled with classic theaters and Spanish restaurants, making the area a vibrant cultural hub during both the day and night.