An obligatory stop for anyone passing through the city center, Café Girondino surprised everyone by closing its doors earlier this month. So this farewell was not expected by visitors to the house and generated great emotions in the coffee fan community.
One of the city’s oldest coffee shops has served generations of São Paulo residents since 1875. Initially, it was located in Rua 15 de Novembro and Sé and, in 1998, it moved to next door to the St. Benedict’s Monastery where it made history in the lives of tourists, traders and admirers of the coffee delicacy.
Why did Café Girondino close?
According to the note posted on the café’s official profile: “The pandemic has left scars that haven’t healed.” Unfortunately, even though we are moving further and further away from the criticality that Covid-19 established here, many businesses are still feeling the consequences of the time and, this time, it was Café Girondino that couldn’t stand it, even though it is a symbol of resistance in São Paulo’s memory.
The house was the first to appear on our list of the most charming cafés in the center of São Paulo. She was also very involved in disseminating the city’s coffee culture: she took part in festivals and received those who made the special National Coffee Day tour in May of this year.
To kill the nostalgia:
Although the headquarters, which conveyed all the glamor and refinement of the last century with its architecture, is now closed, it is still possible to try the traditional coffee at the unit located inside the CCBB SP.
Opened in 2021, the café is located on the first floor of the cultural center and incorporates a dose of coffee into the space’s artistic programming. It also offers cold drinks, snacks and sweets for visitors.
So, when you feel nostalgic, visit the Café Girondino at CCBB.