Café La Biela

Recoleta's grand old café (roots in 1850, racing-driver heyday in the 1950s) with the best terrace in the city, under a giant gum tree opposite Recoleta Cemetery. You pay a premium — especially outside — for coffee that's merely fine. Worth it once for the terrace on a sunny day; skip if you hate paying for real estate.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Why is La Biela famous?

It was the hangout of Argentina's racing-car drivers in the 1950s — 'la biela' means connecting rod — and later of writers and Recoleta society. Inside there are life-size figures of Borges and Bioy Casares at their regular table; it's an official Café Notable.

Is La Biela touristy?

The terrace at midday is heavily tourist, thanks to the cemetery next door, but older Recoleta locals still hold court indoors, especially mornings. Weekday breakfast is your most local window.

How do I get to La Biela without a car?

There's no Subte stop in the heart of Recoleta, so take a bus (17, 60, 92, and 110 all pass nearby), a short taxi, or walk about 15 minutes from Pueyrredón station on line D. It's at Avenida Quintana 600, corner of Junín.

Is La Biela worth the price?

For one leisurely sit on the terrace under the giant gomero tree, yes — it's one of the great people-watching spots in Buenos Aires. Know that terrace tables have historically carried a surcharge over indoor prices, and the food is ordinary café fare. You're paying for the location, knowingly.

What are La Biela's opening hours?

It runs long hours, opening around 7 am and staying open past midnight daily — recent listings show as late as 2 am. Breakfast through late-night coffee are all fair game.

Is La Biela close to Recoleta Cemetery?

It's directly across the plaza — maybe two minutes on foot from the cemetery entrance where Evita is buried. The standard combo is cemetery first, then coffee on the terrace.

What should I order at La Biela?

Keep it simple: café con leche with medialunas, or a tostado mixto (ham-and-cheese toastie). People also rate the picadas and the lemonade in summer. Come for a drink and a snack rather than a full meal.

Does the terrace cost more at La Biela?

Traditionally yes — sitting outside under the tree has carried a surcharge of roughly 20 percent over indoor prices. It's printed on the menu, so you won't be ambushed, but decide if the tree is worth it (on a nice day, it is).

Nearby in Ask Buenos Aires

• RecoletaNeighborhood0.02 km · 0 min walk
• Recoleta Cemetery (Cementerio de la Recoleta)Attraction0.06 km · 1 min walk
• Museo Nacional de Bellas ArtesMuseum0.41 km · 5 min walk
• Presidente BarBar0.64 km · 8 min walk
• Floralis GenéricaAttraction0.68 km · 9 min walk