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    Cafe Buenos Aires

    4.6 (216 reviews)
    InexpensiveArgentine, Cafes, Empanadas
    Closed 7:30 am - 5:00 pm

    Order Cafe Buenos Aires Takeout or Delivery

    Cafe Buenos Aires Photos

    CAFE BUENOS AIRES ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Cafe Buenos Aires

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    Greater shot of the front counter, menu, and beverage machine
    Ryan B.

    Looking for a spot to eat breakfast, my friend recommended that way dine here as he highly recommended the food. Initially stood out to me was that there was no place for free parking. I literally had to pay a meter, which although wasn't horrible, to me was still inconvenient for this area of Berkeley. This place has a small, indoor dining area and a decently sized outdoor area, which could see about 30+ customers. I could tell that the patrons inside were regulars I'm more than happy to be at home. The menu options are pretty diverse, but at the same time limiting. Plenty of empanadas, as well as some dessert and coffee options. We settled on two empanadas, two coffees, a hot chocolate and a lemon bar. Flavor wise, everything was good. I can't say that it was spectacular, but definitely better than other hole in the wall places. My hot chocolate was foam at the top, which was a nice touch, and both empanadas were very flavorful. The lemon bar two was decent. I also appreciated the excellent service. However, I feel that the place is just too expensive. For the two empanadas, our drinks and the lemon bar everything came out it's almost $40. Those empanadas were over six bucks each and to make it worse if you're looking to get a meal out of it, you need 3 to 4 hands down to get full. The drinks also while good, weren't that good for the rates they're charging. As much as I liked the environment and quality of food, given most Berkeley options have no flavor at all, I wouldn't go out of my way to come back here. It's not that I don't think it's a good place, I just don't think it's worth the amount and inconvenience to dine here. Taking everything into account, I rate Cafe Buenos Aires a 3/5.

    Ted R.

    I've been on an empanada kick lately. It's been really fun because the East Bay has a few places to choose from. So of course I had to return to the one that's in my own neighborhood. The funny thing is that I go to Café Buenos Aires most regularly for coffee because I enjoy their lattes. I like the empanadas too, so this time I dropped by for lunch. Enjoyed my chicken empanada and accompanying chimichurri sauce. They have a really large selection of fillings and I've enjoyed the beef empanadas as well. The service is always friendly here no matter who is behind the counter. I like their Wi-Fi and they're always seems to be enough seating with window bar stool and table and the row of assorted tables they have indoors. They usually have a few tables outside too. Often with the choice of sun or shade. The café is located on the busy corner of Shattuck and Ashby so it isn't exactly quiet outside. But it is a relatively short walk from the Ashby BART station. They have a number of locations, but I haven't checked out any of the others yet.

    Chicken Empanada
    April L.

    Chicken empanada is pretty good with shredded chicken inside that was lightly seasoned, although it could be a little dry, there was a little sauce container that comes with the empanada to help. The sauce is flavorful and a little spicy. The cafe is cozy and has seating area available. The staff are friendly.

    Love how they wrap them individually. They stamp them with the flavors of it and it is served with like a chimi-churi sauce.
    Norma L.

    I've driven by here several times on my way tonl work. This time I was working a middle of day with a 15 minute break. So wanted to bring something I could quickly heat up and eat. They have an assortment of empanadas in the display case of both sweet and savory. I settled on 6. 3 savory 3 sweet. Thr chicken one has fresh chunks of chicken and a little spice to it . I normally don't like pastry dough but this was light and fluffy. The zucchini one, I was pleasantly surprised. It has chickpeas in it. The Peach ones were gobbled up and was told they were good. I managed to have blueberry one and loved that not too sweet or with that cornstarch thickness. I will be back. Quick and healthy bites. Also good for bringing to parties or if you are hosting one.

    Quynh M.

    Stopped by this cafe as I was intrigued by their selection of empanadas. They all sounded SO tasty, but I opted to go for the beef empanada and the spinach/feta empanada. Both were really good but the spinach/feta was incredible -- everything tasted so fresh, and love that this empanada had such a thin flaky crust with a nice bite to it on the edges. The dipping sauce was a nice touch and spiced it up which was very addicting. The cafe itself has plenty of space for seating and the service was nice and friendly. I definitely think this will be my new go to spot for empanadas... I got to try them all eventually!

    Nina M.

    5/5 for the fact there is a place with so many options when it comes to empanadas! 3/5 for the price - a little over $5 depending on which kind you get. I do think for what it is it should not cost $5, but then again everything costs an arm and a leg. Parking - there is street parking Service - nice guy who assisted and heated up the empanadas Inside - there are a couple spots to sit inside. This is a very chill/calm environment inside. You have people on their computers working and people having casual conversations. Flavor - 3/5 wish it was higher. I have now tried a number of different empanadas and must say I have had better. Apple Empanada - was ok a little too sweet Chicken Empanada - not bad flavor just missing something Spinach and Feta - my favorite must have Fugazzatta - just ok Bottom line - if you want a variety of empanadas to pick from come here. BUT keep searching. They have a variety but the flavors still leave me looking for another place.

    Nadav M.

    Service is nice. I seemed to be the only one and the only staff member there but he seemed to be very efficient. I went for the beef and chicken empanadas. Very warm and crispy when I got them. I ordered the chai latter, cold. The drink did take a while but was fresh and nice with the empanadas. The atmosphere is a little odd. Not many tables were out and a lot of boxes but that's fine. Place seems nice to study or any computer work. There's images of tango, political movements images, art, the calligraphy of the exterior is fascinating. AC Transit 18 stops on shattuck also not too far there's the 6 on Telegraph with a good walk enough to digest some yum Argentinian snacks.

    Empanada menu Jan 2024
    Jessica G.

    Been on a real empanada kick lately and one day my fiancé and I decided to go on a little East Bay empanada tour. Cafe Buenos Aires was stop #1. The cafe is located on the corner and there's some metered street parking available nearby. Super easy to find parking on a Saturday afternoon. It's not a huge cafe but it's got seating inside if you plan to stay awhile. They have a lot of different empanada options to choose from. We had to take a couple of minutes to look over the menu and decide. We ordered at the counter and there was some confusion about the Yelp check in offer but not a big deal. We went for a chicken empanada ($6) and a carne picada ($7). They're hefty empanadas so it feels like a fair price. Both were pretty good. I liked the flavor of the chicken one better especially with the chimichurri sauce. Along with empanadas, they also offer a full coffee/tea/drinks menu and pastries. Seems like a great place to meet up with a friend over a cup of coffee. Excited to try more flavors next time!

    ham and Ham & Cheese Empanada
    Emma C.

    Wanted to try a new cafe in Berkeley and settled on Cafe Buenos Aires. Parking was relatively easy, but we may have gotten lucky because street parking is super limited. Plenty of seating and not crowded as many spots in Berkeley are on a Friday morning. Service was fast and the person who helped us was very friendly! Tried the iced latte and a drip coffee (not pictured). The drip coffee was really good and strong! The iced coffee was just ok, didn't have a very strong coffee flavor. The menu has a lot of different options for empanadas, both sweet and savory. I tried the ham and cheese which was pretty good. Plenty of filling and the chimmichurri sauce that came on the side was delicious!

    House Made Chicken Empanada
    Joe V.

    The coffee was delicious and so were the empanadas! I definitely recommend the feta and spinach but the chicken and beef aren't that bad too! Not the best place to sit and eat due to the amount of flies that accumulate inside with the door open but I'd still go back to this place just for the empanadas.

    Stale & cold beignets
    Lakisha T.

    I went here after working a night shift. Thought I would have a lovely bite before heading to sleep and I was so disappointed . I have never had a cold/stale beignet in my life. Like don't even call it a beignet if you want to serve it like this ... chai latte is usually my go to and when I saw it on the menu I knew I must try as I didn't want to have anything to strong before going to sleep. It was literally just oat milk. No chai flavor at all. Will never go again and would not recommend to get these items... they are know for the empanadas ... I hope they don't serve those cold too .

    Iced Mocha
    Emmeline W.

    Some of the best empanadas we've had. We literally... Could not stop ordering. We would finish an order of two empanadas, look at each other, then sheepishly walk back up to the register. Repeat x4. They're that good. (as of March 2022) For COVID safety purposes, masks are required, hand sanitizer is provided, and tables are cleaned thoroughly. We parked in a nearby residential street and walked 5~ mins. The walls are decorated with local art and activist phrases. Display case also features other small biz. We saw the owner, Diana, chatting away with regulars and welcoming newcomers in. Really just a lovely environment she's curated here. Coffee was great! Our favorite empanadas were: - Chicken (as buttery and light as the dough) - Mushroom (very umami, super flavorful) We've driven past this colorful corner so many times and finally made a point to stop in-- undeniably worth it.

    5/16/22 Interior and counter service
    Lee D.

    Our favorite empanadas are still from Empanash from South Lake Tahoe. Quality/Quantity - We got the following Empanadas: 2 Beef - Wife's favorite. 2 Chicken - Good but not that much flavor. 2 Mushroom - My favorite. Filled with mushrooms. 2 Chorizo - Did not taste the sausage at all... Had a lot of beans. Vegan - Roasted Eggplant & Tomatoes - Good. Vegan - Kale Butternut - My daughter's favorite. She says the flavor was good and the crust was flaky. Peach Cobbler - Sorry, it did not taste fresh. Or maybe it is just not peach season. Sorry, all the empanadas (with the exception of the mushroom) were bean forward. I had a hard time tasting the difference between all the different empanadas. I am sure it did not help that I used the one and only chimichurri sauce for all. I did like the labeling/branding of the empanadas, see picture. It was helpful to know all the different fillings we got. All empanadas were a good size. Also offer catering. Also known for their coffee. Atmosphere - Small local business. Indoor/outdoor seating. NO restrooms, they asked us to go to Chevron across the street... They should at least offer wipes??? Since they offer dining in, there should at least be a hand washing station. Open 7 days a week until 4:30pm. Service - Counter service. Good, cleaned and sanitized our table before we sat. Price - $62.89 + tip. Owner Comment - Congrats on all your success since 2018 and your new location in Emeryville.

    Empanadas for breakfast. Why not?

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    6 years ago

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    4 years ago

    No restrooms for customers. Beef and chicken empanadas were flavorless. The chimichuri sauce was too oily and the cortadito wasn't great.

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    4 years ago

    Delicious empanadas! Also very kind and quick customer service. Clean café with plenty of places to sit both indoors and outdoors.

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    3 years ago

    So yummy and welcoming. Definitely coming again base on the staff and taste of the place

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    3 years ago

    The empanadas were so delicious, tried multiple flavors. Will definitely be brining my family!

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    3 years ago

    The empanadas were incredible!! Amazing staff and food! Definitely will be coming back to support this local business !!

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    3 years ago

    The food never disappoints :) Such good service and good vibes. I recommend this place all the time!!

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    3 years ago

    I LOVE THEM!! quality food with an amazing taste!! as a latin american myself i was so excited to find authentic food like this!! 10/10

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    5 years ago

    I literally just placed an order to have delivered to my daughter at work and she said everything was amazing!!

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    Thank you so much!!!

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    5 years ago

    Awesome empanadas and excellent coffee. Very good vibe there as well! Both their savory and sweet empanadas are excellent.

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    8 years ago

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    Page 3 of 6

    Cafe Buenos Aires Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Cafe Buenos Aires

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    JAVI’S COOKING "Empanadas Argentinas" - Empanadas de Carne (CA) & Empanadas de Champinones (ChA)

    JAVI’S COOKING "Empanadas Argentinas"

    4.6(221 reviews)
    2.1 miWest Oakland
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    1st time back in a few years and Javi still make the BEST empanadas I've ever had…read more The Carne & the Champiñones are still my favorite. This time I had it with Javi's home made Chimichurri Sauce, let me just say, WOW!!! I have been back twice already with in a week. The service was excellent!!!

    Little gem in the corner! When you least expected it too…read more Ok - my husband and I happen to drive by this place and oh my, were we pleasantly surprised. Not only did we strike up a conversation with Carolina (the owner) but man she was just wonderful. It is so refreshing to see someone so cheerful and passionate about their job. She was wonderful when it came to asking us what we were looking for. We decided to get several options - apple empanada, chicken, ham and cheese, and veggies. Ham and cheese 10/10 - the amounts of ham added to the empanada was surprising. Usually, I find it hard to get enough filling but it was just enough. Veggie 9/10 - spinach, corn, squash, mushroom. The seasoning on this was amazing, and before I knew it I was more than halfway through it. Apple empanada - was a nice little treat. Omg! They have Peruvian beer and I love that for me because it's delicious, and also very uncommon! My only regret is not getting more empanadas (you can get a pack to go that is frozen), because they had some many options.

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    Outdoor seating

    Barbaro - the all protein kitchen sink with chimichurri is a great deal!

    Barbaro

    4.5(2 reviews)
    1.3 miNorth Oakland

    5333 Adeline St Emeryville, CA 94608…read more "Barbaro" is a commercial kitchen (aka a ghost kitchen) at the Adeline Food Hall. Barbaro is one of several brands of Comidazo Kitchens. Using the DoorDash app, I ordered from this menu on a Wednesday evening. I ordered: - Meal Milanesa With Fries, with a chimichurri dip - Eggroll Lechon (1) Service was prompt and quick, and my food arrived quickly. Grade (4/5) - The Meal Milanesa was very good. It arrived hot, fresh and moist. The chicken cutlet was lightly breaded with just the right seasoning. The crinkle cut fries were a bit soft, but held together pretty well. A chimichurri dip was included, and it added a zesty flavor to the dish. Grade (5/5). - The Eggroll Lechon, Grade (3/5): This eggroll was made of cabbage, cheese and lechon (roasted suckling pig). Not the same as Chinese eggrolls. This eggroll was fat and packed with meaty flavor. The problem I had with it can be fixed. It arrived in a small box, and the eggroll was sitting in a small pool of oil. I'm guessing someone was in a big hurry to get the order out, and forgot to properly drain or blot the excess oil from the eggroll. I tried to drain the excess oil, but half the eggroll was a bit greasy. Overall a 4-star experience. I would order again. -

    I rarely write reviews, but this spot absolutely deserves it. I ordered the Barbaro Kitchen Sink,…read moreSalad with Grilled Chicken, Maduros, and the jerk chicken and lechon empanadas. Every single dish was cooked to perfection--flavors were bold, balanced, and the sauces were incredible. Even the vegetables were packed with flavor. This place is an absolute must-try, and I guarantee you won't be disappointed!

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    Barbaro - Logo of Authenticity

    Logo of Authenticity

    Barbaro - Lechon Eggroll

    Lechon Eggroll

    Barbaro - Ravioli with parmesan and oregano , and love the red sauce!

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    Ravioli with parmesan and oregano , and love the red sauce!

    La Marcha Tapas Bar - Close up of Paella Tres Cerditos ($52) - roasted pork shoulder, panceta, chorizo, cider, arugula. Good. A bit on the saltier side.

    La Marcha Tapas Bar

    4.0(1.6k reviews)
    1.7 miWest Berkeley
    $$$

    Arroz negro- squid ink. Portion says it's for 2 but I think it's for 2 if that's all you eat. It…read morelacked protein and was mostly rice but it was good. Just a little salty after a few bites. I recommend sharing this with 4 people and getting tapas. I'd be interested in trying a different paella next time. Croquetas de champiñones- mushroom. Really good. Came with 3 pieces. I'd get this again Patatas cargadas- tasty but meat was a bit dry. Good sized portion. I'd get this again Tocino- really crispy fatty pork belly. Yummy. I'd get this again. Calamares- perfectly cooked. I'm a sucker for squid ink and liked the aioli. Good portion. Wouldn't mind getting this again but would want to try something else Overall pretty good.

    La Marcha was a solid tapas spot and a great option when you want flavorful bites without leaving…read moreoverly full. We loved the concept that every cocktail comes with an amuse-bouche style tapa of your choice since it lets you sample different dishes before committing to more. The mushroom croquettes were flavorful, though the mojo verde could've used a little more acidity. The patatas bravas/aoli were perfectly crispy outside and soft inside with great sauces. We also enjoyed the shrimp and onion fritter (buñuelos) and the lamb sliders (hamburguesa), where the mint paired really nicely with the richness of the lamb. The broccolini (bimi) was the only miss for us. It needed a bit more time on the grill and some salt since it came across bland. Service was good and balanced. Staff checked in enough without hovering. Overall, a good experience with solid tapas and cocktails.

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    Dining area

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    Croqueta de Ternera

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