When you think of Argentina, many things come to mind—tango, fútbol, asado—but no cultural experience is complete without trying mate. This time-honoured Argentine drink involves a meticulous ritual with a hot water kettle (not boiling, to preserve the delicate flavors), a mate (a container often crafted from a gourd, wood or metal), a bombilla (a metal straw that filters out the loose yerba leaves), and, obviously, dry yerba.
It can be enjoyed plain (bitter mate) or sweetened with sugar or citrus zest, and Argentinians typically share it in homes, parks, or among friends and family. Yet, if you’re visiting Buenos Aires or any other city near to the Río de la Plata, you’ll find that an increasing number of restaurants and cafes are offering unique ways to experience this beloved beverage. Here’s where to immerse yourself in the world of mate outside traditional settings.
The Culture of Sharing Mate
Drinking mate is not just about tasting a green tea; it’s a people’s ritual in the Argentine way of life. Families, friends, and even colleagues gather to share this special moment, passing around in the mate circle. While any time of day can be the right time, mate is often accompanied by pastries like bizcochitos de grasa (savory crackers), sweet treats, or simple toasts.
In recent years, Buenos Aires has embraced this ritual, bringing it into cafes and restaurants. With offerings ranging from toasted breads with jam to traditional tortas fritas (fried cakes), these establishments offer a fresh twist on this Argentine staple. Here are some mate bars, restaurants or coffee shops where you can experience this national drink in Buenos Aires.
1. Matea
Matea is the first boutique mate bar in Latin America, a one-of-a-kind establishment located in La Plata, not far from Buenos Aires. This innovative spot combines stylish design with an impressive selection of mate-related products and over 20 varieties of organic, gluten-free yerba mate. Customers can choose to enjoy mate on-site or take their favorite blend and a selection of gourmet pastries home.
At Matea, you don’t just drink mate; you embark on an immersive experience guided by experts who adjust water temperatures and introduce the ideal ways to appreciate mate with all your senses. It’s a unique destination for those looking to deepen their appreciation of Argentine culture through this beloved beverage.
- Location: Calle 11 533, La Plata
2. La Payuca
Known for its robust offerings of grilled meats and traditional Argentine cuisine, La Payuca also features a “Mate-Bar” after 4 p.m. Here, you’ll find different mate combos. One option includes mate served with thick slices of homemade country bread, butter, jam, and Argentina’s classic dulce de leche. The other option features mate with tortas fritas, a popular treat enjoyed across Argentina.
La Payuca is a family-friendly place with a playroom and a special menu for kids, making it a great choice for parents who want to enjoy an authentic mate moment in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
- Location: Arenales 3443, Recoleta
3. Las Cholas
Las Cholas is a popular parrilla in Buenos Aires, known for its succulent meats, empanadas, tamales, and humitas. But beyond its savoury dishes, it offers a relaxed afternoon mate service, served in a wooden mate cup with a metal kettle. Choose from two pairing options: a selection of homemade bizcochitos (savory crackers) or rustic bread with jam and butter. Las Cholas is perfect for unwinding at an outdoor table while savoring mate and watching the sun set over Las Cañitas.
- Location: Arce 306, Las Cañitas
4. Raíces
Located in a renovated 1912 building, Raíces offers a nostalgic setting to enjoy homemade Argentine cuisine. For their mate service, they present a traditional mate cup made from leather and glass, accompanied by a thermos and a generous portion of yerba. Enjoy six slices of fresh-baked country bread with raspberry jam and butter, or pair your mate with a decadent pastry like dulce de leche cheesecake, marquise, or apple crumble. Raíces is a cozy spot where history meets heartwarming flavors.
- Location: Crisólogo Larralde 3995, Saavedra
5. Cumaná
At Cumaná, a restaurant celebrated for its hearty, local dishes like pumpkin casserole with goat cheese, tamales, and cazuela de mondongo (tripe stew), mate has also found a place on the menu. They offer two variations: one with a wooden mate, a metal kettle, and bizcochitos; the other with country-style bread, jam, and butter. This inviting spot brings together rustic Argentine dishes and mate culture, making it ideal for an authentic Recoleta experience.
- Location: Rodríguez Peña 1149, Recoleta
Mate – An Argentine Ritual Worth Sharing
In Argentina, mate is more than a drink; it’s an invitation to pause, connect, and share a moment of comfort and tradition with those around you. It’s a ritual that extends beyond homes and parks and has found its way into Buenos Aires’ cafes and restaurants.
Whether you’re exploring Buenos Aires on a cultural tour or enjoying a tango show, adding a mate experience to your itinerary will give you a genuine taste of Argentine hospitality. So, find a spot, gather your friends or family, and let the warmth of mate add a memorable layer to your journey through Buenos Aires.
