In Buenos Aires, traditional newspaper kioskos are being transformed into lively cafés, blending the classic porteño love for reading with today’s appeal for quality coffee.
Canillita, located across from the Facultad de Derecho in Recoleta, is an example of this fresh shift, reconstructing an abandoned site into a bustling neighborhood café now favoured by students and locals.
Siro, a 20-year-old college student working at Canillita, explained that the place “used to be completely abandoned, but after my bosses bought and renovated it, many students began coming.”
While the older customers who once stopped by for newspapers have declined, some remain loyal and purchase a drink while getting their fix of daily news.
“A good portion of our clients are students … but the clients that were of older age that used to buy,” added Siro.
The café maintains a calm ambiance most days, though on busy days, waiting lines can stretch up to 20 metres, underlining its popularity. Canillita has even started hosting weekend events with artists and DJs, making the cafe a hotspot for activities.
One customer, Alex, noted Canillita’s welcoming atmosphere: “On a crisp day like today, the drinks were refreshing, and the staff stood out for their kindness. The gesture of the employee running out with a blanket for customers to sit on the nearby lawn was memorable and added a personal touch to the service.”
Alex said she was impressed by how picturesque Canillita and the surrounding park is. “We were all taking pictures and I even posted a few on my Instagram!” she said.
Callita’s transformation is a part of a wider movement across Buenos Aires City that has seen once-traditional newspaper kiosks being renovated into small cafes serving specialty coffee and baked goods.
In 2023, Argentina’s Labour Ministry officially authorised kiosks to sell non-alcoholic beverages including coffee, and other products such as stationery and souvenirs, allowing these new spaces to offer a variety of products for customers.
The concept has spread across several neighborhoods, with at least five specialty “coffee kioskos” in Buenos Aires alone, creatively revitalising small retail spaces.
Canillita and the success of similar projects, demonstrates the city’s commitment in redefining its urban spaces by combining tradition with modern culture. Beloved neighborhood spots are being recovered, maintaining the city’s rich cultural character.
by Anyoly Ogando
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