Coming from the country with the shortest coffee serve in the world, going to cafés has never been a pastime of mine. However, since moving here and acquiring a taste for long 'americano' coffee, I can see why people lounge for hours in cafes in Buenos Aires.
Besides bar notables, there are many shades of cafés in BsAs and there is plenty to choose from. From elegant to modern, to traditional to chains.
I personally dislike those with pleather seats and sets, and enjoy the older fashioned ones with lots of woods, both elegant and 'rusty' like some in San Telmo. I would have never guessed I would be lounging for an appointment in a café, but tomorrow I will be visiting the Petit Colón on Libertad 505
Strolling at the Rosedal rose garden is also one of my favorite activities in Buenos Aires, though it is quite far from where we live.