The thing about Mexico City is that it rarely does just one thing at a time. A walk to grab coffee can become a history lesson, a gallery visit, a design inspiration spiral, and a people-watching masterclass—all before you’ve even had your first sip. But not every café here is built for spectacle. Some are smaller, quieter, a little less discovered. That’s exactly what makes them worth knowing.
While the city’s big-name coffee bars do a great job showcasing Mexico’s rich coffee-growing regions, it’s often the under-the-radar spots—the neighborhood favorites, the passion projects, the backstreet gems—that deliver something more textured. Less curated, more character. These are the kinds of places where you’ll linger longer than expected, maybe strike up a conversation with a regular, and leave with a small story that didn’t cost anything extra.
This guide isn’t about chasing trends or queuing for the most Instagrammed lattes. It’s about everyday stops that are actually worth stopping for—cafes with a sense of place, real flavor, and thoughtful details that quietly stay with you.
Mexico is one of the top coffee-producing countries in the world, especially known for high-altitude beans from Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Veracruz. But here’s the twist: much of its best coffee is exported. That means cafes across Mexico City often rely on independent roasters and direct relationships with small producers to bring top-quality beans to local cups.
The good news? Many of these lesser-known cafes are doing just that—offering specialty coffee without the attitude, and creating spaces that are as much for the community as for caffeine.
1. Café Avellaneda (Coyoacán)
Tiny, exacting, and rich in neighborhood soul
Café Avellaneda is the kind of place that doesn't need to shout to be heard. Tucked just off the main plaza in Coyoacán, this shoebox-sized café offers some of the city’s most precise coffee service—without ever feeling pretentious. There’s a quiet confidence here, from the minimalist menu to the way the baristas pour a Chemex like it’s second nature.
What makes it a morning win? The balance: small-batch Mexican beans, methodical brewing, and a vibe that feels like you’ve slipped into someone’s favorite routine. Grab a seat outside if you can, and listen to the buzz of the neighborhood waking up—one of the best (and cheapest) shows in town.
Try this: Ask about their current origen (origin roast). They rotate beans seasonally, often with detailed notes on the farm and processing method.
2. BUNA CUCURRUCHO (Centro Histórico)
Coffee meets culture in the heart of downtown
Centro can be hectic in the morning, but Buna Cucurucho is a welcome little break from the noise. This isn't the flagship BUNA; it’s their pared-down, takeout-focused spot near the Torre Latinoamericana. The space is barely there—just a walk-up window, a few standing counters, and a small lineup of commuters who already know what’s good.
Still, it’s a powerhouse. Coffee is sourced through sustainable, direct-trade relationships with Mexican producers, and the staff here moves with the efficiency of people who love what they do. It’s a great stop for a fast cortado, but stick around long enough and you’ll pick up on the deeper mission: building a local coffee culture rooted in transparency and care.
Morning move: Grab your coffee, then walk a few blocks to Alameda Central. Drink it like a local—on a bench, under the trees, between art deco facades and morning joggers.
3. Macondo Café (Roma Sur)
Eclectic, literary, and full of cozy contradictions
Macondo doesn’t try to be trendy. It leans into the quiet charm of slightly mismatched furniture, secondhand books, and old-school music that plays just loud enough to make you nostalgic. Inspired by the world of Gabriel García Márquez, this café is layered with whimsy but grounded in real flavor.
What makes it underrated is that it’s not trying to cater to everyone. Locals use it as a reading nook or workspace, but the vibe never slips into laptop-farm territory. The coffee is solid, the baked goods are made in-house, and the staff is happy to walk you through their favorites. It’s a morning stop that feels like a soft landing.
Fun tip: Their iced café de olla (a spiced traditional brew) is a sleeper hit—especially in warmer months.
4. Chiquitito Café (Condesa)
Small name, strong personality
If you blink, you might miss Chiquitito. But once you find it, you’ll understand why people keep coming back. This café is about doing the basics well—excellent espresso, warm service, and just enough seating to make you feel like you’ve found your spot without turning it into a scene.
The team behind Chiquitito keeps things intentionally pared-down: no overwhelming drink lists or gimmicks, just well-prepared coffee and a space that respects your time. It’s a perfect pit stop before a stroll through Parque España or a morning wander in Condesa.
Pro move: Get there early, grab a pastry, and take your coffee to go. The neighborhood rewards slow walkers.
5. Almanegra Café (Narvarte)
Dark aesthetics, bright coffee thinking
Almanegra wears its mood on its sleeve. With its dark interiors and minimalist design, you might expect it to be too cool for comfort—but the experience is the opposite. This café is one of the most intentional coffee bars in the city, offering both espresso and a wide range of manual brew methods like V60, Kalita, and AeroPress.
It’s a favorite among coffee professionals, yet it remains surprisingly unassuming. The baristas are approachable and happy to explain the process behind each brew. There's also a sense of care in the way they talk about their sourcing, often highlighting producers by name, not just region.
Insider tip: Ask about their “slow bar” options. If you’ve got time, watching the pour-over ritual here is half the experience.
6. Café Memorias de un Barista (Escandón)
Coffee with heart, and stories behind every cup
This one’s a bit off the beaten path, but it’s worth the small detour. Café Memorias de un Barista is more than a catchy name—it’s a personal project that grew from a deep love of the craft. Tucked in the Escandón neighborhood, it feels homey, unpretentious, and wonderfully welcoming.
What stands out is the storytelling. Every item on the menu has intention behind it, and the baristas often share where your beans are from and how they were processed. It makes your morning feel like more than just a caffeine run—it’s a shared moment of care.
Try pairing: Their pastries are locally sourced, with rotating seasonal picks that match the coffee selection beautifully.
7. Rococó Café Espresso Bar (Juárez)
Stylish, friendly, and surprisingly under-the-radar
Rococó blends café culture with a subtle sense of design polish that doesn’t try too hard. It's bright, intimate, and tucked into a corner of Juárez that’s just far enough from the bustle to feel relaxing. The playlist is usually great, the staff treats regulars and newcomers the same, and the espresso is consistently well-balanced.
Despite its central location, Rococó feels like a local secret. It’s a great place to stop if you’re headed toward Reforma or the museums nearby—and a solid intro for anyone curious about specialty coffee without wanting the full geek-out session.
Good to know: There’s limited seating, but turnover is quick. Use it as a touchpoint in your morning, not an all-day hang.
8. Café Passmar (Mercado Lázaro Cárdenas, Del Valle)
Humble setting, serious coffee chops
Located inside a bustling public market, Café Passmar is probably the least “Instagrammable” café on this list—and arguably the most impressive in terms of coffee skill. The baristas here have won multiple national competitions, yet they pour with zero attitude and full focus.
The contrast is part of the charm: top-tier coffee served in a humble market stall, surrounded by fruit vendors and tortilla stands. It’s a reminder that excellence doesn’t always come dressed up, and that the best cafés aren’t always where you expect them.
Suggested ritual: Come hungry. Get a coffee, then grab a taco or tamal from the market to round out your morning.
Beyond the Search
- Look for public markets: Many underrated cafes are hidden inside or next to mercados, where the energy is unmatched.
- Watch the baristas: In small cafes, technique matters. Pay attention to how they handle the espresso machine—it’s an art.
- Ask about the roast date: A fresh roast matters for flavor, especially in manual brews. Good cafes are transparent about it.
- Don’t skip the iced drinks: Mexico City's climate makes cold brews and iced lattes a thoughtful part of the menu—not an afterthought.
- Bring cash (just in case): Smaller or family-run spots may not take cards, even if they look modern.
Sip the City, One Quiet Corner at a Time
Mexico City doesn’t really do “one-size-fits-all,” and that’s especially true when it comes to coffee. The best cafés aren’t always the ones with the biggest buzz. They’re the ones that show up every morning, quietly serving quality, creating connection, and making the city feel just a little more livable.
So give yourself the time to explore without an agenda. Let the café be the destination—and the starting point. Sit, sip, observe. In a city as layered as this one, sometimes the most unexpected spots leave the most lasting impressions.
