Colombia is renowned for its world-class coffee beans, and Cartagena knows how to flaunt the goods. The café culture is booming—here are our fave spots to relax with a good cup of (locally sourced) coffee.
Cartagena, a vibrant jewel nestled on the Caribbean coast, is experiencing a renaissance in the world of gourmet coffee, mirroring a nationwide appreciation for the art and science of the perfect cup. This isn’t a sudden surge, but rather a slow and steady transformation, a percolation of passion that has, in recent years, blossomed into a full-fledged coffee culture. Today, the intoxicating aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans permeates the air, weaving its way through the city’s historic colonial plazas and charming, cobbled streets.
A new generation of entrepreneurs, driven by innovation and a love for quality, are brewing up intriguing and inventive takes on traditional coffee drinks. These aren’t just your average cups of joe; they’re carefully crafted concoctions, often served alongside delectable pastries that perfectly complement the rich, nuanced flavors of the coffee. Think of indulging in delicate *lonjas de almendros* (almond croissants), their flaky layers melting in your mouth, or savoring the sweet, tropical goodness of *cocadas* (baked coconut confections), a local favorite.
The gourmet menus in Cartagena’s burgeoning café scene are as diverse as they are enticing. You’ll find everything from expertly prepared frothy cappuccinos, crowned with delicate foam art, to intensely flavored stove-top espressos, a testament to traditional brewing methods. But the innovation doesn’t stop there. Many establishments are pushing the boundaries of coffee culture, creating specialty brews that incorporate local flavors and spirits, such as rums and even mezcal, adding a unique Cartagenan twist to the coffee experience.
The city boasts a bevy of must-visit coffee shops, each with its own unique personality and charm. From cozy, locally owned spots where you can mingle with residents and soak in the authentic atmosphere, to chic bohemian cafés that evoke the elegance and charm of an authentic French patisserie, there’s a coffee shop to suit every taste and mood. To help you navigate this exciting coffee landscape, here are our carefully curated recommendations for seven places in Cartagena that are undoubtedly worth a stop. These are establishments that not only serve exceptional coffee but also offer a unique experience, a glimpse into the heart of Cartagena’s coffee culture.
## Ábaco Libros y Café
**(Image of Ábaco Libros y Café)**
Nestled within Cartagena’s vibrant bohemian circle, the charming Ábaco Libros y Café stands as an oasis for bibliophiles and coffee lovers alike. Its allure is particularly strong during the annual Hay Festival of literature in January and February, when the city comes alive with literary events and discussions. Discovering this hidden treasure in the heart of the Walled City is akin to being transported to a tropical reimagining of Paris’s Left Bank or London’s renowned Charing Cross district, havens for bookworms and intellectuals.
Beyond its unassuming exterior, the café reveals a cozy ambiance, defined by red-brick arches and a classic terra-cotta tile floor. This inviting setting encourages patrons to browse the wall-to-wall bookshelves, stocked with a diverse collection of titles in both English and Spanish. Once you’ve selected your reading material, settle in and indulge in one of the café’s specialty house drinks. Options include the sweet Soul Brew, designed to uplift your spirits, the bitter Mind Brew, crafted to stimulate your intellect, or the licorice-flavored Love Brew, a romantic and intriguing concoction. These unique brews are made using beans sourced from the acclaimed Hacienda Samaria, located in Colombia’s picturesque Risaralda region, known for its high-quality coffee production. Adding to the café’s appeal, barista Juan Daniel Barón is not only a skilled coffee maker but also a talented mixologist, capable of conjuring up a variety of tasty and inventive cocktails to suit your preferences.
*Calle 36 #3-86, Centro, Cartagena*
## ADN Coffee
**(Image of Bags of coffee in Caldas)**
Located in the heart of the Walled City, ADN Coffee can be described as quaint, pretty, and endearingly quirky. This unpretentious café features a distinctive spiral staircase and a cozy loft area, adding to its unique charm. Owner Angélica María Osorio is a passionate *barista suprema* who serves premium organically grown coffees sourced from the Caldas, Risaralda, and Sierra Nevada regions, all known for their exceptional coffee beans.
ADN Café is more than just a place to grab a caffeine fix. It’s a welcoming space where you can take a break from exploring the city, learn about the intricacies of coffee brewing, and enjoy the free wifi. In addition to its impressive coffee selection, the café also offers a tempting array of sweet treats, including a delectable guava cheesecake and an awesome chocolate rote topped with generous dollops of whipped cream. It’s the perfect spot to satisfy your sweet tooth while enjoying a meticulously crafted cup of coffee.
*Calle del Cuartel #36-122, Centro, Cartagena*
## Boundless Mezcal Café
**(Image of Boundless Mezcal Café)**
With a name as intriguing as Boundless Mezcal Café, it’s hard to resist the urge to explore what this unique establishment has to offer. The café is the brainchild of three owner-buddies: an Aussie, a Dutchman, and a Mexican. Their diverse backgrounds are reflected in the café’s eclectic menu, which seamlessly blends cool coffees with the distinct flavors of mezcal, an agave-derived liquor akin to tequila.
This hip spot, which functions as both a bar and a coffee shop, is located in Plaza del Reloj, a bustling hub in Cartagena. The trio, who also grow and market their own organic coffee in Caldas province, have ingeniously turned coffee into a party by offering mezcal tasting experiences alongside their coffee offerings. Consider ordering an espresso mezcal martini, a daring and delicious combination of coffee and spirits. Then, settle into a cool leather couch, chill out to groovy music (often live at night in the upstairs lounge), and satisfy your hunger with a flavorful mezcal ceviche, followed by a decadent brownie with vanilla ice cream.
*Calle 34 #7-33, Plaza de los Coches, Centro, Cartagena*
## Café de las Novias
**(Image of Café de las Novias)**
Tucked away on a quiet street in Getsemani, the vibrant and historic neighborhood of Cartagena, lies the Café de Las Novias (“Brides Café”). Stepping inside is like entering another world, a whimsical and elegant space that might make you do a double take. The café is adorned with gilt Louis XIV-style furniture, meticulously arranged floral arrangements, and delicate porcelains, all reminiscent of a Parisian boudoir.
As the name suggests, this gorgeous coffee shop evolved from a wedding planning business, and wedding cakes and other gourmet sweet treats are its claim to fame. While the desserts are undoubtedly a highlight, the café also serves a selection of salads, sandwiches, and savories. These can be best enjoyed with a refreshing fresh-made *limonada de coco* (coconut limeade), a local specialty. The lattes here are expertly crafted and visually appealing, but the café is particularly renowned for its rich, chocolaty mochaccinos, perfect for those seeking a decadent and comforting treat.
*Calle 25 (Larga) #8B-126, Getsemani, Cartagena*
## Café La Presentación
**(Image of Café la Presentación)**
More than just a gourmet café, Café La Presentación also serves to edify its patrons by functioning as part of Casa Museo La Presentación, a hip art space that features a gallery, theater, and a year-round calendar of engaging and thought-provoking events. The café seamlessly fuses bare colonial walls with chic contemporary touches, creating an atmospheric and visually appealing space.
But the ambiance is not the only draw; this café also serves up some seriously impressive coffee drinks. We highly recommend trying the cold brews, which are expertly prepared to bring out the rich and nuanced flavors of the coffee beans. For a more immersive experience, consider participating in the one-hour “Coffee Trip” tastings, which offer a fascinating exploration of different brewing methods and their impact on the final cup of coffee.
*Calle Estanco del Aguardiente #5-63, Centro, Cartagena*
## Café San Alberto
**(Image of Café San Alberto)**
The team at award-winning Hacienda San Alberto, located in Buenavista in the Quindío province of the Zona Cafetera (Coffee Country), take their coffee very, very seriously. They are known throughout Colombia for their innovative and creative approach to educating the public about the science and the sheer enjoyment that coffee can provide. Therefore, there was considerable excitement when they opened their own coffee shop in the Walled City in 2015.
As you approach, the wonderful aromas of freshly brewed coffee will undoubtedly draw you inside this cozy bi-level café. The downstairs area is relatively small, but an upstairs lounge provides ample space to relax and enjoy your coffee. While their “super-premium” coffees, ranging from expertly pulled espresso shots to delicately layered macchiatos, are undoubtedly awesome, the main attraction is the “Coffee Baptism” tour. This engaging and informative tour is led by knowledgeable baristas who guide customers on a fascinating coffee-bean journey, from the tree to the cup, culminating in a rewarding coffee tasting session.
*Calle de los Santos de Piedra #3-86, Centro, Cartagena*
## Época Café
**(Image of Época Café)**
The stylish Época Café, conveniently located just off Plaza de la Proclamación in the heart of the Walled City, is a superb spot to unwind and relax with a freshly roasted cup of joe. For a more adventurous experience, consider trying one of the café’s unique house specials. The smoked Carajillo Epoca, spiked with *aguardiente*, the local sugarcane firewater, offers a bold and intriguing flavor profile. Alternatively, the divine Campesino, spiced with sugarcane, cassia, and lime, provides a warm and comforting taste of local traditions.
The owners, Colombian couple Nikole Cobo and Julian Gutiérrez, are both trained baristas with a deep passion for coffee. They use fair-trade coffees directly sourced from eight small farms, ensuring both quality and ethical sourcing practices. They are also eager to share their knowledge, teaching you the essentials of brewing as they prepare your drink tableside. Begin your day with a flaky pastry, or stop in for a light lunch, such as the Diablo sandwich or flavorful chicken *chilaquiles*.
*Calle de Arzobispado #34-56, Centro, Cartagena*
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