Cafe Buenos Aires

4.6 (216 reviews)

InexpensiveArgentine, Cafes, Empanadas

Open • 7:30 am - 5:00 pm

Updated 3 months ago

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Cafe Buenos Aires - Chicken Empanada - Argentine Near Me - Berkeley, California

Cafe Buenos Aires - Front Counter - Argentine Near Me - Berkeley, California

Cafe Buenos Aires - Mushroom Empanada - Argentine Near Me - Berkeley, California

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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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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 .

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.

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.

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Irene C.

115

7 years ago

I live a block away from this cafe, so when it first opened I had hoped it would eventually be a go to place. I tried it twice the first month it was open and had I rated them then, I would be giving far less stars than I'm giving it now. But I also understood that they were just starting and decided to give it another try. Well, I've been back many times since! The empanadas and quiches are delicious, and I plan on trying their burritos next time. Chimichurri sauce is tasty. Coffee is very good. The owner and people working here are very friendly and very kind. Twice that I've been here, they've passed around a free mint chocolate and a warm, freshly baked chocolate cookie to everyone. Excellent customer service! I am very impressed. For those who gave bad reviews and came the first month or two while they were still starting up and maybe trying things out, I implore you go give them another chance as they have changed my mind completely about the place. Only one thing, if they made their empanadas a dollar cheaper, I'd probably buy an extra empanada or two each time. But either way, very tasty, and I see myself coming here many more times. read more

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Hannah C.

5 years ago

The staff is very friendly, the woman who is almost always there (I believe the owner) is incredibly kind and attentive. I have been going here often with the man I caregive for and they are so kind to us, even practice Spanish and Italian with him. Amazing service and delicious coffee & empanadas. Much appreciated! We will be back!!! read more

Cafe Buenos Aires - Enjoying delicious Buenos Aires Café mochas!! - Argentine Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Laura L.

Elite 26

8 years ago

I stopped in on Sunday, and didn't realize they were technically closed (had construction going on). Nevertheless, the owner was very kind and served me an assortment of their empanadas and a broccoli quiche. I also enjoyed a lovely locally-made alfajore with an Argentinian cafe con leche. This is the kind of small business that we all should be patronizing! read more

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Diana D.

Thank you Laura!!! Just like you said some nice things about my…

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Jodi E.

3 years ago

First time trying Cafe Buenos Aires. We were all pleasantly surprised! The empanadas were all very tasty from the vegetarian choices, chicken, and beef. Will definitely be repeat customers! read more

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Carroll B.

5 years ago

OMG, so glad we did the research and found this gem. So good, so filling, so reasonable priced. The dipping sauce is sublime. Next time we are over this way, I will get several and take them home. We tried a beef, a chicken and a mushroom. The mushroom was my favorite and I want to try the hummus . Chocolate croissant going home for later. read more

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Al X.

8 years ago

This cafe doubles as a corner store shop with packaged snacks and bottled drinks (including beer and wine to go). I enjoyed that they play music to suit the Argentinian vibe. We had an assortment of their offerings and the cortadito was my favorite. It was strong, just the way I like my espresso. It truly helped me get through my Friday work day--en serio I was buzzing all day. And it was even more enjoyable with an alfajor to nibble on. OVERALL, it's a very casual spot worth stopping by. Friendly owner, tasty South American treats, and fantastic coffee! read more

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Janine D.

5 years ago

This is such a gem of a place!! Argentine empanadas were a new discovery for me - they are simply wonderful and the coffee is unpretentious, rich, strong and delicious. I think someone else described the vibe as totally welcoming, absolutely true. Three cheers for a woman-owned company! read more

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Shannon R.

7 years ago

This place is so cute, friendly and cozy. I live up the street from Cafe Buena Aires and I finally walked in last week. The owner and staff are really sweet, but the owner especially. She greets you with a sincere and warm welcome. The empanadas are soooooo good. Coffee and empanadas in the morning are such a good way to start off your day. This is going to be my new favorite little coffee shop. read more

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Rick A.

120

5 years ago

Riquisima comida. Las empqnadas mas ricas q he comido. Great service. Great price. I recommend. Great service. Great price. I recommend. Great service. Great price. I recommend. read more

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Pat W.

7 years ago

My second time here, just as good as the first. The people, the coffee and the empanadas. I wish I lived closer! The cordalita is terrific- strong and dark. Served in a beautiful glass cup, yum! read more

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Maria Elena A.

8 years ago

Cafe Buenos Aires is a relaxing stop with excellent customer service and providing a warm and homey feeling the moment you step into the place. Diana, Lupe, and the rest of the staff go out of their way to make you feel at home and are so attentive. Diana makes a bomb ass mocha which complements the empanada or breakfast burrito perfectly. I can see that she has big plans for this little spot on the corner and I'm excited to see how this little gem in the neighborhood shines. read more

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Gabriel D.

6 years ago

Ordered empanadas and pastries through Yelp for pickup. So delicious and they were very kind!

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Randy R.

5 years ago

Incredible!!! Had the chicken and a bite of friend's fugazzetta. Can't wait to return to the area.

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Diana D.

Thank you so much Randy!!!

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Kristin H.

216

6 years ago

I've come in for empanadas a few times since my first review, and they've always been quite tasty, especially with the chimichurri sauce - the mushroom empanada is my fave. I like that they have their own online ordering/pickup website, and I haven't run into a long wait since my earlier review (although I've never come in with a line of more than 2 people) so it seems that they have gotten more into the flow of being open. read more

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FA T.

145

4 years ago

Very tasty variety of empanads. Only $4.99 each with chimchurri sauce. Yummy. They have mate too that they prepare the traditional way. Cool location too on the corner. Good sun read more

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Gabriel W.

4 years ago

Ordered online. Waited 15 minutes before showing up. I waited 25 more minutes, continuously checking in and they were reassuring me my order was being prepared. After 25 minutes waiting I'm told they gave my order to the wrong person and haven't even started it. Wait another twenty minutes, turns out it's been sitting on the counter all along. Very spacey people working here. Expect mistakes. read more

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Belle B.

6 years ago

Perfection is the only word I can use to describe her mushroom empanadas ...the most amazing combination of savory , cheesy, crispy, mushroomy...and I'm an empanada snob. Her iced cafe con Leche is so good too. I love this place read more

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Diana D.

Thank you so much Belle! Your beautiful words make this all…

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Laura W.

5 years ago

We found this top-rated house-made empanadas cafe by chance via google maps and we are so glad we did! Definitely try the beef, but my mom and son got the chicken and mushroom and they were all mouthwateringly delicious. If you are trying to decide, definitely stop in- you too will be glad you did!! read more

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Sarah R.

5 years ago

What a wonderful little cafe! Between the scrumptious vegan empanadas and exceptionally warm, thoughtful service-- you won't be disappointed by the genuinely welcoming inclusive atmosphere. Scrap the cold corporate coffee environment asap for this delightful Argentinian cafe-- and let them fill your cup with heart and soul, as nature intended. read more

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Brandi B.

5 years ago

I know this is more of a snack with coffee but I always order several empanadas to try because they are divine. I love the variety of all vegan, vegetarian, and omnivore empanadas. My wife's absolute favorite is the mushroom, and as someone who doesn't care for mushrooms, I also enjoy it. I'm a fan of all of the vegetarian ones and the fruit pies. One thing I hope for the future is that there is a catering box just so it's easier for order a large quantity. read more

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Vrinda Z.

194

7 years ago

Great coffee and sandwiches! love the service here too :) Its also got some really comfy spots to work from! read more

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Diana D.

Thank you so much!! It was a pleasure having you over!…

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Debra D.

Elite 23

183

285

6 years ago

Looove the empanadas here! My fave has to be their ham & cheese. My bf's is the chicken. They also have a great beef one, spinach, and tons of other veggie options. They have quesadillas as well here! A plus is that you can also purchase empanadas to take home & bake yourself if you want some for later. Overall cute homey place, and did I mention the owner is a sweetheart? read more

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Lei B.

4 years ago

Stop by Cafe Buenos Aires for some lovely empanadas. I can recommend the spinach empanadas and also the chorizo! Pair with a delicious latte and enjoy the friendly service. read more

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Diana D.

Lei - you are the best. Thank you so much for leaving such a great…

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Jon M.

6 years ago

So good! We tried 4 different empanadas, chicken, Caprese, spicy Italian sausage vegan, and bacon vegan, and all are equally as good. We also got a cappuccino and a hot chocolate with oat milk. read more

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Charles G.

5 years ago

Empanadas are much too expensive given the dough doesn't taste homemade. They don't seem that healthy either, full of greasy cheese and canned vegetables. Customer service is alright sometimes but very inconsistent and slow. I am a bit concerned by the food safety. I saw flies everywhere, someone should do a health inspection (didn't see a health grade posted up, let's go Berkeley!) Plenty of other better, more healthy options right next door, unless you want to spend a lot of money and still be hungry. read more

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Alexandra G.

6 years ago

Delicious empanadas and cafe! Beef is the best claro but they also have yummy vegan (including soy free) empanadas and sweet empanadas. Coffee us delicious and have a wide variety of dairy free milk. Excited to try their breakfasts which are coming soon! A must have when coming to Berkeley. We picked some up on the way to a walk by the Marina for a perfect Saturday morning. read more

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Carlos R.

5 years ago

Very nice women working in this spot, empanadas are my favorite. If you want to blowup your mind you should have the mushroom empanada, the umami flavor with the melted cheese is out of words. I love the chimichurri sauce they give you with it. read more

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Ado M.

5 years ago

We got various empanadas, beignets, and a carrot cake. All the food was absolutely delicious. The empanadas are small to medium sized and were light, crunchy, not oily and clearly made with great ingredients. Highly reccomended read more

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Melissa D.

1391

4 years ago

Delicious alfajores!!!! So delicious! The apricot pastry was delicious too. My buddy ran in really quick to get a few things. Next time I'll go in myself and pick a few things up. My buddy said the staff are super sweet and I loved it all the pastries I tried. read more

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Diana D.

Thank you so much Melissa!!!

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Lucy F.

7 years ago

Came in for a quick iced coffee and stayed for a chat with the loveliest soul, Diana, the owner. The alfajores are delicious and brought me right back to Argentina. I am not from the area but will definitely be back for a chat my favorite treat. The coffee hot the spot as well! Thank you Diana!!! read more

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Fernando G.

7 years ago

Traditional breakfast with very fresh ingredients. We are up in the area visiting and I highly recommend this as a stop if you happened to be nearby. The empanadas are delicious. The place is very charming and quaint. The staff is super friendly and will customize your menu to your choosing read more

Cafe Buenos Aires - Traditional breakfast - Argentine Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Peter W.

219

7 years ago

Great coffee with compassion! Nice start to my day with scrambled eggs and a side of perfect little potatoes. Americano was bold not bitter. Service was awesome. WiFi was great to get work done. Atmosphere was friendly and quiet and productive. See you when I return to Berkeley! :) read more

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Cari J.

118

7 years ago

What a lovely experience! Amazing empanadas and coffee. But what makes it most especially is Diana, the joyful, contagious owner who welcomes everyone like great friends. read more

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Veda H.

6 years ago

Extremely good coffee, and the best empanadas I've ever had. The spinach feta one is exceptional. Diana, the owner, is friendly, funny, and an engaging conversationalist. She and her cafe are the true gems of this neighborhood. read more

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Emily G.

6 years ago

I can't believe I've been in Berkeley for several years and last week was the first time I tried Cafe Buenos Aires. If you love empanadas you HAVE to stop by this cafe. Also, the store owner is so lovely and kind. She was incredibly welcoming! I only tried two kinds (Chicken and Eggplant) and they were amazing. Can't wait to bring some of my friends to the cafe to try some of the other fillings! read more

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Bonnie M.

7 years ago

I love this cafe!! The owner is so kind and personable. The food is delicious and there's options for vegans as well. There is outdoor seating and plenty of indoor seating as well. We got a veggie breakfast burrito, a chorizo breakfast burrito and coffee and everything was so good! We will definitely be going back here! read more

Cafe Buenos Aires - Chorizo breakfast burrito - Argentine Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Diana D.

Thank you so much for saying that Bonnie!! Your words makes this all…

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Mar M.

4 years ago

Pretty disappointed. First, no restroom. I was told to go to the gas station across the street. Then , the alfajor was 1 inch in diameter. The place looks like half built inside. I give it 2 stars because the coffee was decent. For the price you guys need to step it up read more

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Frank M.

8 years ago

OK, a little honesty, please consider this, it's new and still trying to find it's footing. With that in mind it has zero ambiance, was looking for "some". The empanadas are small and I mean small and to my way of thinking way pricey, approximately $5.00 apiece. And they are not quite fresh, precooked, then microwaved and convectioned and placed solely on a plate. Quite barren with a leftover's taste and consistency. The cookie sized pastries were also approximately $5.00 each, but fresher. Add a drink from the cooler and well, you get the picture. Buena Suerte. read more

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Diana D.

Seems like this review was written at the same time as the other…

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Jennifer L.

5 years ago

Came here to grab coffee w/ my mom and we ended up getting empanadas, delicious empanadas along w/ the cappuccino!

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B L.

4 years ago

Absolutely delicious, and the owner Diana is a gem! I was craving empanadas today, and these are the real deal. Today I tried the chicken and the spinach feta, and can't wait to return for more. The cafe has a great atmosphere, and glad to have discovered it! read more

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Page 4 of 6

2999 Shattuck Ave
Berkeley, CA 94705
South Berkeley
Directions
(510) 841-3030
Call Now
Order Takeout or Delivery
Start Order
Visit Website
http://www.theba.cafe

Full menu

Hours

What time does Cafe Buenos Aires open?

Cafe Buenos Aires opens at 7:30 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.Cafe Buenos Aires opens at 8:30 AM on Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Cafe Buenos Aires close?

Cafe Buenos Aires closes at 5:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday.Cafe Buenos Aires closes at 6:00 PM on Saturday.

Mon-Fri 7:30 AM - 5:00 PMSat 8:30 AM - 6:00 PMSun 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Cafe Buenos Aires take Bitcoin?

No, Cafe Buenos Aires does not take Bitcoin.

Does Cafe Buenos Aires take credit cards?

Yes, Cafe Buenos Aires takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Cafe Buenos Aires have catering options?

Yes, Cafe Buenos Aires does have catering options.

Does Cafe Buenos Aires serve alcohol?

Yes, Cafe Buenos Aires serves alcohol. Beer & Wine Only

Indoor Amenities

Does Cafe Buenos Aires allow dogs?

No, Cafe Buenos Aires does not allow dogs.

Does Cafe Buenos Aires have TVs?

No, Cafe Buenos Aires does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Cafe Buenos Aires have bike parking?

Yes, Cafe Buenos Aires has bike parking.

Does Cafe Buenos Aires have outdoor seating?

Yes, Cafe Buenos Aires has outdoor seating options.

Does Cafe Buenos Aires have parking?

Yes, Cafe Buenos Aires has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Cafe Buenos Aires wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Cafe Buenos Aires is wheelchair accessible.

Does Cafe Buenos Aires have free WiFi?

Yes, Cafe Buenos Aires has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Empanadas, Vegan Empanadas, Sandwiches, Salads, Coffees, Teas

History

Established in 2018.

We opened July 9th, 2018

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1 Review

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Kuboba Spot

4.8(247 reviews)

0.6 mi

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I had just wrapped up my visit to the dentist where I received a clean bill of health. So I decided…read moreto balance things out with a nice, sugary boba drink from Kuboba. Kuboba specializes in Filipino-inspired empanadas and boba drinks. And has a pretty nice variety of tasty boba flavors to choose from. I went with the Mango with Fresh Mango Wall and really enjoyed the fresh mango taste. Added some boba as an optional topping and was delighted to see that their boba toppings were fresh and had a great, chewy consistency to them. Service was nice, and the interior has some great decor that make for some great photo ops. Metered parking is available on Telegraph.

The empanadas were everything!!! super flaky, stuffed all the way through, and packed with flavor…read more I tried the chicken adobo, beef kaldereta, longanisa, spicy curry, cheeseburger, and mango cheesecake, and honestly... no skips. The savory ones were bold and comforting, and the mango cheesecake was the perfect sweet ending. Plus, the spot itself is cute and they even have a little kubo photo-op inside. Great food, great vibes, and definitely worth the stop. I'll 100% be back.

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9 Julio Empanada Kitchen

4.7(109 reviews)

1.2 mi•North Oakland, Rockridge

•$$

I love 9 Julio! Their empanadas are amazing.. they are not greasy and filling is perfectly…read moreseasoned. My second favorite item is the smashed potatoes... I could eat these all day. Lastly, the chicken is generally well seasoned and even the white meat is tender. Service is friendly and as folks have mentioned, each item is clearly labeled with care. Restaurant itself is clean if if you decide to dine-in. I'm a huge fan... check them out! (I want them to stay in business forever!!!)

While searching for parking I stumbled upon this gem…read more I ordered on line (super easy) I got one chicken salsa verde empanada $4.35, super GOOOD Very flavorful and fresh, every bite was amazing One chicken rojo empanada $4.35 also very good Side of avocado jalapeno dip$2.50 Side of salsa verde $2.50 (loved the Salsa) Inside has a lot of seating, very clean, very well organized, they do sell beer and wine, parking is street parking only (limited parking) I cant wait to come back and try other flavors

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Cafe Buenos Aires

4.6(17 reviews)

1.4 mi•West Berkeley

This location has the best tasting empanadas in my opinion! They're consistently bomb. I've never…read morebitten into one and had to spit it out like other locations... They have good coffee, good service, and recently added refreshers. I am obsessed with them! Soooo good. Def a hidden gem.

WOW! Drove through this place on our way back to Texas from Sausalito and we absolutely loved the…read morefood! My teenagers devoured the empanadas and were fighting over the chimichurri (not that they give you a small portion, it was just that delicious) BTW don't worry about getting too much, get the third or fourth empanada per person because despite the empanadas being a very good size, they are absolutely delicious and you will be left wanting more. The mushroom and Nopales empanadas were absolutely divine, the carne picada was to die for. My kids said the Chorizo was super yum as well, and the peach one was chefs kiss!!! The smoothies were so yummy and refreshing, we got the Mango Banana, Strawberries & banana and the Açaí one which was perfect. The service was super friendly, and I will make sure to stop by again next time we are in town.

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Indoor coffee bar

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Freshly warmed pumpkin empanada

JAVI’S COOKING "Empanadas Argentinas"

4.6(221 reviews)

2.1 mi•West Oakland

•$

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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Empanadas de Champinones (ChA)

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Outdoor seating

Cafe Buenos Aires

4.4(47 reviews)

1.6 mi

Still a solid place to get a quick but tasty lunch. Staff…read morewas friendly and quick to help. This time I ordered a ham and cheese and a peach empanada along with a Reishi Mocha. It was nice outside so I sat at the two tables in front to enjoy the food.

Yes, yes, and yes! Best empanadas EVER and today they put…read morea big smile on my face. They ran out of what I ordered and they gave me extra goodies- vegan goodies. Gracias and HAPPY holidays!! -Yummmmmmm

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El Patio

4.3(338 reviews)

1.7 mi•West Berkeley

•$$

Cute and funky back area is great for drinks or dinner on a warm day/evening. It's covered so not…read moresure if it might even work when it's cold. The inside consists of a long bar with a handful of tables. Inside or out, you order and pay at the bar with food/drinks brought to your table. We came with friends, expecting just a happy hour drink and apps but ended up staying much longer. We shared chips and guacamole, nachos and a vegan oyster mushroom ceviche. The ceviche was a surprising standout to myself and my friend who is a meat-eater. Chips were perfect with the yummy guac and nachos. Staff informed us in advance of a private party so we had time to sit outside then move inside.

This was my first time eating an arepa and El Patio blew my mind! Nestled on San Pablo, parking can…read morebe a little bit challenging. But don't let that turn you away from enjoying good vibes and even better food. Order at the bar and choose either the super cute back patio or inside seating. There's colorful decor everywhere, plus a full bar and a photo booth! We got two drinks, two arepas and the guac and salsa. The masarepa flatbread was so fluffy, dense, and moist with a crispy exterior. The arepas were both loaded up with super flavorful filling that was so addicting. The guac is a bit on the citrusy side with the lime, but I loved it! Will def come back especially as the weather gets warmer!

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From the inside

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Casa Latina

4.2(1.7k reviews)

1.8 mi•West Berkeley

•$$

Casa Latina is a real authentic Mexican restaurant. If you're looking for some of the best food in…read morethe Bay Area try Casa Latina. I tried their potato tacos and pupusas. My wife had a veggie mol'e burrito and it was fire we also got some fresh baked pastries to go. I had the bread pudding and my wife had chocolate flan I give Casa Latina 5 stars

I'm very disappointed with this place. It used to be one of my favorites, but the quality keeps…read moregetting worse, and this last visit was the final straw. I ordered the enfrijoladas, and to start with, the presentation was terrible, not appetizing at all. It literally looked like tortillas with a few spoonfuls of beans thrown on top. And as a Mexican, I can absolutely tell when refried beans come from a can... the flavor tasted artificial and completely lacked seasoning. On top of that, the dish was supposed to come with avocado, and it didn't even have that. My husband ordered a burrito, and it was also extremely bland, flavorless, and the portions were surprisingly small for the price. It's honestly sad to see a place that used to be worth visiting now serving food with so little care, flavor, or effort in presentation and quality. I really hope they pay attention and improve, because this place is definitely not what it used to be.

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Dining room

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Hola primos. Estrada.

Pupuseria Y Restaurante Platano

4.0(1.1k reviews)

1.1 mi•Downtown Berkeley

•$$

I have eaten Platanos food several times and each time it has been a delivery order…read more Today's delivery was delicious. There were vegan options, cheese and loroco, bean-cheese and pork, chicken and cheese...I tried 3 different ones and they were all great. The order came with curtido and salsa. I will order from them again, the food was such a hit, per usual!

22 Feb 2025. 3.7 stars. 12:56 pm…read more Hello! Make sure you check their hours. Some days they are only open from 11am to 3pm. On our first 20 mile drive to visit, they blocked us at the inside of the unlocked front door at 3:12pm. Street parking can be difficult but a short drive\walk distance about a block away is a $3 an hour parking garage. The place looks clean and not too busy. We sit and our waitress Yanira M was perfect. Very nice, patient and attentive. We three shared two carne asada dinners with rice and refried red beans, two coffees, a coke and three pupusas. $101.36 before tip. The menu was confusing to us. First, the use of the menu words "red refried beans" confused us as refried beans have never been red in our lifetimes and these were pretty standard brown pinto bean looking and tasting. Maybe less confusion if they were called refried red beans. Then, we thought dinners came with pupusas. No. They came with two each thick tortillas (same as half pupusas with no filling as I could tell.) I enjoyed these thick homemade tortillas. The steak was not bad but I wish it had been served with its sizzle in tact. Salsa and coleslaw came as condiments though they might have been introduced with different names by Yanira. The coleslaw was a nice touch-served in a small jar with serving tongs. The salsa was tasting a bit like the V8 vegetable juice that you had as a kid or teen if you are a boomer. This meal could have really used some homemade spice sauce to add some kick to it. The main negatives today were the high music level at the back where we sat. That, and a busser man dragging some screeching and protesting chairs across the floor - to set up for a large party I believe. Real ear busters. The best part of the meal was the piping hot pupusas and our coffee. I would go back for those.

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Avocado Salad

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Picnic

4.5(74 reviews)

3.0 mi

•$$

A true hidden gem right at the bottom of Solano Ave in Albany!…read more I'm embarrassed to admit that Picnic has been around for about 5 years in the east bay and I've just tried it for the first time this week. But I'm so glad I was finally introduced to it. The staff greet you promptly when you enter and you can even watch them work effortlessly together in the open prep-station behind the counter. They have a gorgeous display of deli items, wines, cheeses, cold sides, and even some cute candles & house made croutons. They've got everything you would need for an elevated picnic or even a barbecue with the family. They have an intriguing selection of house made sausages-- the Chicken Tikka Masala sausage caught my eye and I can't wait to try it. They also sell whole smoked quail that are seasoned heavily yet each bite has just the right amount of smokiness, spices, and salt. Their hot food items and sandwiches are perfect for a quick lunch during your break from work or on your way home. There are also a few counter seats if you want to enjoy your meal there. So far I've tried the smoked quail, the Muffaletta sandwich, and their green lentil soup with chicken + veg. The sandwich was filled to the brim and each bite was a flavor bomb. The lentil soup was very comforting & paired well with the smoked quail. I'm looking forward to trying everything they have to offer.

I really wanted to love this place. Very small and quirky, limited menu. I'm not really a "salad is…read morea meal" person, although my two best friends are. They were very happy with their arugula salads. I ordered the mac n cheese which was okay. Even though I grew up in El Cerrito, I sometimes feel like my NorCal green card has expired. I've lost touch with my small batch, organic self. (Although I have never liked arugula) This store is adorable and just the kind of independent neighborhood place that should be frequented and appreciated. Unfortunately I also had to use the bathroom and they don't have one for customers. So they recommended walking a block away to the BevMo. So I guess that added some negative feelings.

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Interior

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El Porteño Empanadas

4.1(1.2k reviews)

8.1 mi•Embarcadero, SoMa

•$$

Love me an empanada…read more Made fast and price was not too bad considering we were in a high tourist area. Nice variety and a side of chimichurri. All was good and tasty little snack

This one is definitely on me. I did not study the menu…read more Spinach empanada- spinach and cheese, right? Nope. Think thick bacon chunks show up and take over. There is nothing I hate more than bacon, I even run away from the bacon smell alone in public places. I'll be back for veggie options only - this one was a no for me.

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El Porteño Empanadas 5/2025

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Store front

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

10 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Yih R.

Elite 26

190

544

1646

2 years ago

I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at this laid-back spot. The ambiance was relaxed, and the young, friendly guy who assisted me was not only cute but also incredibly helpful and always had a smile on his face. Following his recommendation, I tried the ground beef dish, and it exceeded my expectations - a burst of flavors that left me satisfied. However, I do have a small suggestion for improvement: the water cups were noticeably small, and it would enhance the overall experience if they were replaced with larger ones. Despite this minor detail, the delightful service and delicious food make it a place worth revisiting. read more

Jeannine C.

3 years ago

ME ARREPIENTO de haberme parado a comprar un café ...EL PEOR SERVICIO DE MI VIDA.. Con el cajero MAL ENCARADO Y DE LO PEOR !!! Búscate un trabajo que te guste amigo ... Para que atiendas Feliz a tus clientes ....Se nota que es el dueño o encargado LOL read more

Jenny N.

3 years ago

The chimichurri is fantastic but unfortunately the empanadas don't compliment it. They should work on the empanada recipe more. Service was ok and the vibe is a little off read more

Diana D.

127

7 years ago

Great food! Friendly staff! High speed WiFi! Woman owned and LGBTQ friendly! I can't help but to keep coming back almost every day!!!

Valarie P.

3 years ago

such delicious food and great quality!!! I told all my friends about it. I will be getting food from here soon :)

Olga Y.

7 years ago

Delicious food! And great service. We had empanadas and sandwiches. All were exceedingly good.

Shaina S.

7 years ago

Wonderful owner and selection . Had a great convo and great morning there ! Dog friendly too

Gregory G.

6 years ago

The empanadas are great. Workers are really friendly and attentive. Will definitely return.

Holly H.

7 years ago

Friendly, wonderful owner! Their specialty baked goods are wonderful. My favorite cafe!

Sonia Y.

5 years ago

I really like coffee in this cafe and empanadas are good too!

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Cafe Buenos Aires

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10 reviews that are not currently recommended

Cafe Buenos Aires - argentine - Updated May 2026

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Cafe Buenos Aires

Order Cafe Buenos Aires Takeout or Delivery

Cafe Buenos Aires Photos

Cafe Buenos Aires Popular Dishes

Cafe Buenos Aires menu photos

CAFE BUENOS AIRES ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Cafe Buenos Aires

Reviews With Photos

More info about Cafe Buenos Aires

Payment methods

Food & Alcohol

Indoor Amenities

Outdoor Amenities

Other Amenities

Cafe Buenos Aires Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Cafe Buenos Aires

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10 Cafe Buenos Aires reviews that are not currently recommended

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

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Cafe Buenos Aires - argentine - Updated May 2026

Best of Berkeley

People found Cafe Buenos Aires by searching for…

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