Introduction
The Rise of Specialty Coffee in Mexico City
Do you want to know about best coffee shop in mexico city? Over the past decade, Mexico City has experienced a coffee renaissance. Specialty coffee shops have sprouted across the metropolis, each offering unique brews and experiences. This surge is driven by a growing appreciation for high-quality, ethically sourced beans and a desire for artisanal preparation methods. The city’s diverse neighborhoods, from the historic Coyoacán to the trendy Roma Norte, have embraced this coffee culture, making Mexico City a haven for coffee enthusiasts.
Why Mexico City is a Coffee Lover’s Paradise
Mexico City’s coffee scene is a blend of tradition and innovation. The city’s proximity to coffee-growing regions like Chiapas and Veracruz ensures a fresh supply of beans. Moreover, local cafes often prioritize sustainability, sourcing beans directly from farmers and emphasizing fair trade practices. The result is a vibrant coffee culture that caters to all tastes, whether you prefer a classic café de olla or a modern cold brew.
Café El Jarocho: A Coyoacán Classic
History and Legacy
Established in 1953, Café El Jarocho is a cornerstone of Mexico City’s coffee history. Founded by Gil Romero and Bertha Paredes, this family-run establishment began as a small grocery store offering coffee to neighbors. Recognizing the demand, they transitioned into a dedicated coffee shop. Over the years, Café El Jarocho has expanded to multiple locations, but its original Coyoacán branch remains a beloved institution, known for its traditional preparation methods and community-centric approach.
What Makes It Special
Café El Jarocho stands out for its commitment to tradition. The café offers a range of beverages, from classic black coffee to cappuccinos, all prepared with care. The original location, devoid of seating, encourages patrons to enjoy their drinks while strolling through the picturesque streets of Coyoacán. This unique experience, combined with the café’s rich history, makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Mexico City’s coffee culture.
Café Avellaneda: Artisanal Excellence in Coyoacán
A Cozy Corner for Coffee Connoisseurs
Nestled in the heart of Coyoacán, Café Avellaneda is a small but mighty player in the city’s coffee scene. Named after Cuban poet Gertrudis Gómez de Avellaneda, the café embodies a blend of cultural homage and coffee craftsmanship. Its intimate setting, adorned with literary references, creates a welcoming atmosphere for both locals and tourists seeking a quality cup of coffee.
Brewing Techniques and Offerings
Café Avellaneda prides itself on its diverse brewing methods, including French press, cold brew, and the traditional café de olla. The café sources its beans from local Mexican farms, ensuring freshness and supporting sustainable practices. Each cup is a testament to the baristas’ dedication to their craft, offering patrons a rich and flavorful experience that highlights the nuances of Mexican coffee.
Café Nin: Elegance Meets Flavor in Roma Norte
Ambiance and Aesthetic
Located in the trendy Roma Norte neighborhood, Café Nin offers a sophisticated coffee experience. The café’s interior, characterized by exposed brick walls, vintage chandeliers, and a mezzanine floor, exudes charm and elegance. This stylish setting provides the perfect backdrop for leisurely coffee breaks, casual meetings, or solo reading sessions.
Menu Highlights
Café Nin’s menu is a delightful fusion of traditional and contemporary offerings. Patrons can enjoy expertly brewed coffees alongside a selection of pastries and savory dishes. Notable items include scrambled eggs with pumpkin flowers and freshly squeezed juices. The café’s commitment to quality ingredients and meticulous preparation ensures that every item, from the affogato to the artisanal bread, is a treat for the senses.
Finca Don Porfirio: Coffee with a View
Location and Atmosphere
Perched atop the Sears building in downtown Mexico City, Finca Don Porfirio offers more than just coffee—it provides an unparalleled view of the Palacio de Bellas Artes. This rooftop café combines the pleasures of a well-crafted beverage with the visual delight of the city’s architectural marvels. The ambiance is serene, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and reflection.
Buna Café: Championing Mexican Coffee
Direct Trade and Sustainability
Buna Café isn’t just another trendy café—it’s a movement. Located in the lively Roma neighborhood, Buna stands at the forefront of Mexico City’s third-wave coffee revolution. What sets Buna apart is its deep commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing. The café works directly with farmers across Mexico, cutting out the middleman to ensure fair compensation and stronger relationships. This model promotes transparency in the coffee supply chain, giving patrons peace of mind that their cup of joe is contributing to positive change.
Their beans hail from Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Veracruz, with each origin telling its own story through complex flavor profiles. Buna takes pride in educating consumers about the journey of their coffee, often displaying information about the farmers and processing methods. This direct-trade approach isn’t just good for the environment—it also enhances the taste, allowing nuanced flavors to shine through in every cup.
Coffee Selection and Experience
Buna’s interior is minimalist yet warm, fostering an atmosphere that invites relaxation and conversation. Their baristas are more than happy to guide you through their extensive menu, which features pour-overs, cold brews, espresso-based drinks, and rotating seasonal specials. For those new to specialty coffee, Buna also offers tasting flights that highlight different roasts and brewing methods.
You can also purchase their beans to enjoy at home, complete with details on grind size and recommended brewing techniques. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or just beginning your coffee journey, Buna is a must-visit destination that offers an enlightening and flavor-packed experience.
El Péndulo: Where Books and Coffee Collide
A Literary Haven
Imagine sipping a cappuccino while flipping through a novel or admiring bookshelves that stretch to the ceiling—El Péndulo makes that dream a reality. With several locations throughout Mexico City, this bookstore-café hybrid offers a one-of-a-kind experience that caters to bookworms and caffeine lovers alike. The vibe here is intellectual yet cozy, with soft music, reading nooks, and artsy decor that creates an inviting escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Each El Péndulo branch has its own character, but all are united by a commitment to culture. They host regular readings, art exhibitions, and music nights, making them a hub for creatives and thinkers. The atmosphere encourages lingering, so it’s the perfect place for solo work sessions or deep conversations over coffee.
Culinary Delights
El Péndulo’s menu goes beyond basic café fare. In addition to their rich coffee selection—which includes espresso, lattes, and more—they offer a full menu with salads, sandwiches, and even entrees. Their breakfast options, like chilaquiles and eggs benedict, are popular for a reason. They also have vegetarian and vegan options, so there’s something for everyone.
Their coffee is typically sourced from Mexican growers, and the quality is consistently impressive. If you’re looking for a space where you can nourish both your mind and your palate, El Péndulo is a top-tier choice.
Panadería Rosetta: Pastries and Coffee Perfection
Bakery Excellence
Located in the fashionable Roma Norte, Panadería Rosetta is renowned for its exceptional baked goods, but the coffee is equally noteworthy. Run by Chef Elena Reygadas, one of Mexico’s most celebrated culinary talents, this bakery delivers an artisanal experience rooted in tradition and creativity. Every pastry is handmade using local, seasonal ingredients, and the result is nothing short of heavenly.
From buttery croissants to guava-filled rolls and their famous rol de cardamomo (cardamom roll), each item is crafted with meticulous attention to detail. The warm, rustic decor and the scent of fresh-baked bread create an atmosphere that feels like a warm embrace.
Coffee Pairings
Though known as a bakery, Panadería Rosetta takes its coffee seriously. They serve high-quality Mexican beans brewed to perfection, making it a fantastic spot for a quick espresso or a lingering breakfast date. Their lattes and cappuccinos strike a balance between robust flavor and creamy texture, and they even offer non-dairy milk options for the lactose-sensitive.
Pair your pastry with a freshly brewed café americano or a smooth cortado, and you’re in for a treat. This place is consistently buzzing with locals and tourists alike, all drawn by the irresistible combo of world-class pastries and expertly prepared coffee.
Café Passmar: Market Fresh Brews
Location and Vibe
Tucked inside the Mercado Lázaro Cárdenas in the Del Valle neighborhood, Café Passmar is a hidden gem in the truest sense. It’s not where you’d expect to find award-winning coffee, but that’s part of its charm. This family-run café is rooted in tradition and community, bringing high-level coffee craftsmanship into an everyday setting.
The market vibe adds a unique dimension—you can sip on a world-class espresso while watching local vendors sell fruits, spices, and handmade goods. The café itself is modest in appearance but rich in passion and flavor.
Award-Winning Coffee
Passmar has earned accolades in various national and international barista competitions, and their coffee lives up to the hype. The owners, passionate about quality, roast their own beans and frequently experiment with blends and brewing methods. Whether you go for a traditional espresso or a pour-over, you’ll taste the difference in freshness and balance.
They offer a rotating selection of beans, many of which are sourced from high-altitude farms in Chiapas and Oaxaca. Each cup is a celebration of Mexican coffee culture, grounded in authenticity and elevated by expertise.
Madre Café: Outdoor Oasis in Roma
Garden Setting
Madre Café offers something rare in Mexico City—a lush, garden setting where you can enjoy your coffee surrounded by greenery. Located in a refurbished colonial-style house in Roma Norte, this café combines old-world charm with modern sensibilities. It’s the kind of place where you could spend hours, especially on a sunny afternoon.
The indoor-outdoor design, with its open courtyard and chic interiors, creates a tranquil oasis in the heart of the bustling city. It’s a favorite among creatives, couples, and anyone looking for a beautiful place to relax and recharge.
Brunch and Beverages
Madre Café is as much about food as it is about coffee. Their brunch menu is extensive and beautifully plated, featuring everything from avocado toast to huevos rancheros. Their coffee, sourced from local roasters, is prepared with precision—whether you’re ordering a basic drip coffee or an Instagram-worthy matcha latte.
They also serve cocktails and fresh juices, making it a great spot for transitioning from brunch to happy hour. The mix of aesthetics, ambiance, and quality makes Madre Café a standout destination in Mexico City’s coffee landscape.
Cucurucho: Bean-to-Cup Experience
Coffee Bean Selection
Cucurucho is all about authenticity and connection—between the grower, the roaster, the barista, and the customer. Nestled in Polanco, Roma, and Centro Histórico, this minimalist café is a beacon for those who appreciate the journey their coffee takes. Cucurucho partners with small-scale Mexican coffee farmers and takes care in every step from bean to cup. The name itself means “cone” in Spanish, which hints at the unique presentation style of some drinks served in paper cones, making it fun and memorable.
Their selection includes a rotating cast of single-origin beans, often from regions like Oaxaca, Puebla, and Guerrero. Each batch is chosen for its unique profile, and customers are encouraged to ask questions and explore new flavor notes. It’s an educational experience as much as a sensory one.
Brewing Methods
Cucurucho doesn’t just stop at good beans—they focus heavily on how the coffee is brewed. You’ll find traditional espresso machines alongside pour-over stations and even siphon brewers for the adventurous. The baristas here are experts and enthusiastic educators, happy to share their knowledge with curious guests.
This place is ideal for those who enjoy learning about coffee and appreciate quality over quantity. Whether you’re grabbing a quick espresso or settling in for a tasting session, Cucurucho ensures your experience is thoughtful, deliberate, and delicious.
Boicot Café: Trendy and Innovative
Unique Offerings
Boicot Café breaks the mold with creativity and bold flavors. Found in Condesa and Roma, it has quickly gained a following for its edgy vibe and equally daring drinks. This café embraces innovation, offering concoctions like lavender lattes, beetroot cappuccinos, and seasonal drinks that use ingredients like pumpkin spice or cardamom.
Their coffee beans are locally roasted and traceable, ensuring that every cup has a story. But what really draws the crowd is how they push boundaries. Think coffee cocktails, vegan cold brews, and a focus on plant-based alternatives that cater to a modern, health-conscious audience.
Community Engagement
Boicot isn’t just about the drinks—it’s also a hub for the community. The café hosts live music, art exhibits, and barista throwdowns, turning an ordinary visit into an immersive experience. You’ll often find local artists’ work displayed on the walls, and the crowd is a lively mix of students, creatives, and digital nomads.
Their commitment to inclusivity and innovation makes Boicot more than just a place to grab coffee—it’s a cultural staple where new ideas percolate as freely as the espresso.
Café Memorias de un Barista: Educational Sips
Coffee Tasting Classes
If you’ve ever wanted to dive deeper into the world of coffee, Café Memorias de un Barista is your launchpad. Located near Parque México in Condesa, this intimate café is run by professional baristas who love to share their craft. They offer classes on coffee tasting (cupping), latte art, and even home brewing techniques. It’s a hands-on experience for anyone eager to learn beyond the basics.
The tasting sessions are especially popular, where guests can sample beans from different regions and learn to identify flavor notes like citrus, chocolate, or floral undertones. This café bridges the gap between casual drinker and coffee aficionado in the most welcoming way possible.
Learning and Enjoyment
Aside from workshops, Café Memorias de un Barista serves exceptional coffee brewed with precision. The staff treats each cup as a form of expression, often sharing the background of the beans and why certain brewing methods were chosen. Their emphasis on education doesn’t come at the cost of atmosphere—it still feels warm, cozy, and accessible, making it perfect for learning without pressure.
This café is a gem for anyone wanting to transform their coffee hobby into a true passion.
Quentin Café: Minimalist Charm in Condesa
Design and Atmosphere
Quentin Café is the embodiment of “less is more.” Its sleek, modern design features white walls, light wood accents, and industrial-style lighting that give it a clean, airy vibe. Located in Condesa, it attracts a chic crowd who come for the serene atmosphere as much as the coffee. It’s perfect for remote work, casual meetups, or solo breaks from city life.
The layout promotes simplicity—there’s a small counter, a few tables, and just enough seating to feel intimate without being cramped. Every detail, from the curated music to the typography on the menu, is thoughtfully designed.
Coffee Quality
Quentin serves specialty-grade beans from regions like Nayarit and Veracruz. Their approach to coffee is purist—focusing on clarity, balance, and respect for the bean’s natural flavors. They offer both espresso-based drinks and slow brew options like Chemex and V60, giving customers a chance to savor the subtleties in every cup.
If you’re someone who values aesthetic and substance equally, Quentin Café will likely become a favorite.
Exploring Coffee Culture in Mexico City
Neighborhoods to Visit
Mexico City’s diverse coffee culture is deeply intertwined with its neighborhoods. Roma and Condesa are hotspots for trendy, design-forward cafes, while Coyoacán offers a more nostalgic and traditional experience. Polanco brings a luxury vibe, and the Centro Histórico is full of hidden gems that offer a peek into the city’s rich history.
Each area provides a distinct flavor of Mexico’s coffee scene. A walking tour through these neighborhoods not only offers excellent brews but also reveals the local color, culture, and community spirit that make Mexico City’s café life so vibrant.
Coffee Tours and Events
For those looking to explore deeper, several tour companies offer guided coffee tastings and café crawls. Events like the Mexico City Coffee Festival draw enthusiasts from across the globe, featuring workshops, barista competitions, and product showcases.
You can also find pop-up markets, specialty coffee expos, and farm-to-cup seminars hosted by local roasters. These experiences not only introduce you to great coffee but connect you with the passionate people behind it.
Conclusion
Final Thoughts on Mexico City’s Coffee Scene
When it comes to coffee, Mexico City is an undisputed powerhouse. It’s not just about grabbing a quick caffeine fix—it’s about culture, connection, and craftsmanship. From traditional legends like Café El Jarocho in Coyoacán to trendsetting spots like Boicot in Condesa, there’s something for every kind of coffee lover.
What makes this city’s coffee scene so special is the blend of old and new. You’ll find cafés that have been serving the same traditional brews for generations right next to minimalist shops using high-tech gear and serving rare single-origin beans. This contrast gives Mexico City its charm—it embraces innovation without letting go of its roots.
Moreover, the city’s proximity to some of the world’s best coffee-growing regions means the beans are not only fresh but also deeply connected to local communities. Many cafés go out of their way to partner with Mexican farmers directly, focusing on ethical practices, fair trade, and environmental sustainability. Every cup tells a story—not just of flavor, but of heritage, hard work, and passion.
Whether you’re a tourist planning your first visit, a remote worker in need of the perfect Wi-Fi-and-espresso combo, or a hardcore coffee geek looking to explore new brewing methods, Mexico City offers a rich and rewarding journey. And the best part? This scene keeps evolving. Every year, new shops pop up, baristas push boundaries, and local beans continue to gain international recognition.
So, next time you’re in CDMX, skip the generic chain cafés. Go local, explore the neighborhoods, talk to baristas, try something new—and sip your way through one of the most exciting coffee cultures on the planet.
FAQs
1. What is the best time to visit coffee shops in Mexico City?
The best time to visit is typically in the mornings between 9 AM to 11 AM when cafes are less crowded, and you can enjoy a quiet atmosphere. Weekdays tend to be calmer than weekends, especially in popular areas like Roma and Condesa.
2. Are there coffee tours available in Mexico City?
Yes! There are several specialty coffee tours that take you through local cafés, roasting houses, and even coffee tastings. Some tours also include workshops on brewing and coffee appreciation, ideal for tourists and enthusiasts alike.
3. Do these cafes offer vegan or gluten-free options?
Many of the cafes mentioned offer vegan milk alternatives such as almond, soy, or oat milk, and have gluten-free pastry options. Especially in more progressive neighborhoods like Roma Norte and Condesa, dietary preferences are widely accommodated.
4. Can I buy coffee beans to take home?
Absolutely. Most specialty coffee shops in Mexico City sell their house-roasted beans, often with detailed tasting notes and grind size recommendations. This makes for a great souvenir or gift, and a way to continue enjoying Mexican coffee back home.
5. Are these cafes laptop-friendly?
Yes, many of the cafes—particularly those in Roma, Condesa, and Polanco—are laptop-friendly and popular with remote workers. They typically offer free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and a chill vibe perfect for working a few hours. Visite here and read more…..
