14 Best Cafés in Antigua, Guatemala, for Coffee Lovers

Antigua may be best known for its volcanic surroundings, but coffee lovers in Guatemala will find another reason to fall in love with this vibrant town: the plentiful café options and quality coffee scene. This post details 14 of the very best coffee shops and cafés in Antigua!

Famed for its volcano views and the colored houses that line its cobblestone streets, Antigua is one of Guatemala’s most beautiful cities. It’s also one of its most caffeinated. Every charming street of this quaint city is concentrated with courtyard coffee shops, aesthetic modern cafés, and rooftop breakfast haunts. And, it’s not hard to understand why Antigua has such a fantastic coffee scene— Guatemala is known for producing some of the best coffee in the world! With so much coffee to choose from, this guide to the very best cafés in Antigua will help you navigate to your caffeine fix.

During my week-long stay in Antigua, I indulged in a generous heap of coffee, hopping from café to café in the name of research! The quality of Antigua’s coffee, combined with the sweeping views from its café rooftops and aesthetic coffee shops, had me begging to elongate my Guatemala itinerary. I’ve rounded up my favorite cafés in Antigua so you can skip Starbucks and embrace one of Guatemala’s vital cultural and economic components— quality coffee!

 

coffee in Antigua, Guatemala faqs ↴

Coffee Farm Tours

Throughout South and Central America, you’ll find endless coffee tour options. However, the tours offered in Antigua offer a sense of adventure set against the backdrop of volcanoes. There are a number of fantastic coffee farm tours that coffee enthusiasts can book during their time in Antigua. These tours are a hands-on way for coffee aficionados to learn about the coffee production and harvest processes in Guatemala. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the time to take a coffee tour myself. However, the following tours are well-reviewed:

Coffee in Antigua

You may not know it, but Antigua is considered one of the world’s coffee capitals! The coffee here isn’t made for rushed gulps as you slide out the door to work. Here, coffee is ceremonious. Every high-quality cup is meant to be savored and sipped for pleasure.

Antigua’s longstanding history of coffee production was founded thanks to the region’s climate and soil. Volcanic soil is ideal for growing coffee plants, and the area’s high altitude makes it well-suited for slow coffee growth. Combined, the soil and altitude create the optimal atmosphere for flavorful beans with complex notes like caramel and chocolate.

On top of a perfect climate for coffee growth, traditional Guatemalan coffee cultivation and harvesting methods guarantee the highest quality coffee. Most of the region’s coffee production is done by small, family-owned farms that harvest by hand.

Coffee to take home

If you’re looking for a thoughtful souvenir to take home, consider purchasing some locally-grown coffee beans! Coffee can be a meaningful souvenir from your time in Antigua, and one that supports local farmers. To ensure you’re buying coffee from a specific region, look for beans labeled “single origin” or estate coffee.” Pro tip: grind your beans at home to get the freshest, most flavorful cup of coffee! Not ready to drink it just yet? Pop your bag of beans in the freezer until you’re ready to consume.

 
 

14 best cafés in Antigua, Guatemala ↴

ARTISTA DE CAFÉ

This specialty coffee shop is the epitome of beautiful: white walls, natural light, and the option of alfresco seating. Artista de Café sits in the southern quadrant of the city, where it’s a bit quieter and less chaotic. The staff here know good coffee. They have mastered the art of a pourover. The first flat white I had at Artista was so noteworthy I went back a second time. The creamy milk, which is delivered daily from a local farm, was laid gently on top of expertly pulled espresso to create perfect balance.

Even if you aren’t a coffee die-hard, the aesthetics of Artista are reason enough to visit. Airy and bright, the café has minimal artwork hanging on the walls and local textiles hung over wooden ladders. The sleek white counter where the coffee magic happens is spattered with manual brewing contraptions and a gorgeous blue expresso machine. In short, Artista is a café with coffee that lives up to the Instagram-worthy interiors.

RAIZ

I stumbled upon Raiz while wandering Antigua’s photogenic streets. The quiet corner café is located directly across from Samsara, one of Antigua’s best and most budget-friendly restaurants. My cortado was easily one of the strongest I’ve ever had (anywhere…ever), and its bold flavor bolstered my energy for a day of exploring. There is limited seating at Raiz, but they do offer takeaway coffee if you don’t mind. I nabbed the window seat so that I could people-watch in between sips.

CAFÉ BOHEME

Serving what I consider to be the best breakfast in Antigua, Café Boheme is a winner on two fronts: 1) gorgeous views from its bohemian terrace and 2) scrumptious menu options that include mammoth acai bowls (like literally they’re huge, Luke and I shared one).

The staff here, like most cafés I came across in Guatemala, were super friendly and welcoming. They immediately guided me up a set of narrow steps that opened to a widened terrace with a mix of large and small tables. Every wall was painted a bright, bold color, and potted plants took up every free inch of space.

CAFÉ ESTUDIO

Part of Antigua’s appeal is the volcanoes that envelop it. Café Estudio offers simple breakfast options with spectacular volcano views. The terrace is hidden-in-plain sight, making it feel like a secret gem of the city. I had a giant strawberry and Nutella crepe at Café Estudio to kick-start my first day in Antigua, and the scenery most definitely did not disappoint.

 

FERNANDO’S KAFFEE

Fernando’s is one of the most popular cafés in Antigua. Known for its delicious food options, single-origin Guatemalan coffee, and traditional drinking chocolate, Fernando’s is a hub for weary travelers and remote workers. But locals also frequent Fernando’s. The welcoming café environment is a favorite amongst residents as much as it is visitors. The café has gained a reputation for some of the most high-quality coffee in the city, sourced directly from Fernando Moscoso’s family’s coffee farm. And, after trying som myself, I have to say I agree.

I visited in December and was persuaded by the enthusiastic barista to try their peppermint mocha made with Guatemalan espresso and handmade cocoa. Feeling quite festive, I gave it a go and inhaled every last drop of chocolatey goodness. There is loads of chocolate products sold here, which makes sense given Fernando’s doubles as a chocolate factory!

For those who aren’t interested in coffee, consider visiting Fernando’s for one of their chocolate-making workshops! This hands-on workshop will give you a deeper understanding of the chocolate-making process and Antigua’s connection to chocolate. You’ll finish the workshop with two chocolate bars you’ve made to take home— a truly unique souvenir!

BRU’D

Located right along the main road, within sight of the famous yellow archway, is Bru’d. This modern café is a fantastic choice for travelers in search of satiating pastries (their cinnamon rolls are 10/10) and good coffee. You can sip your morning latte in the green café next to a handicraft market, then take a few steps and arrive at one of Antigua’s prime photo spots.

EL GRAN CAFÉ

El Gran is probably best known for its mocha, which some visitors claim is the best they’ve ever had. I, not being one for espresso-infused hot chocolate, stuck to the café’s “coffee of the day” (cafe del dia). The baristas at El Gran have remarkable knowledge about their coffee origins, flavor profiles, and keynotes, so I recommend asking questions if you have any!

ALEGRÍA CAFÉ

Alegría Café is for those who truly love a café experience. Alegría has nailed every element coffee lovers look for in a café. From the curated playlist to the flawless WiFi, from the displayed artwork to the menu offerings— this spot has every detail. The baristas here are friendly and do coffee remarkably well. My cortado was bold but balanced, served in a gorgeous piece of pottery.

The food here is equally as good as the coffee, though the coffee really is the star of the show. The avocado toast, while possibly the most basic brunch choice, had me filled and fueled for a day of exploring ahead. Luke devoured his French Toast with honey and homemade jam. Not interested in a full meal? Check out their cabinet cookies and cakes. These aren’t your average chocolate chip biscuits. Here, you can expect peanut butter dark chocolate chunk cookies with a sprinkle of sea salt— there really is nothing average about Alegría.

CAFÉ CONDESA

Café Condesa has been serving coffee in Antigua daily since 1993. The colonial courtyards that make up the café make it a quiet retreat despite being located in the heart of Antigua’s Central Park. Each courtyard opening leads to colorful walls covered in plants, centered around a lovely stone fountain. The house blend coffee here is 100% Antigua coffee, so you can take pride in supporting the local economy with every delicious cup!

As a bonus for sleepy travelers, breakfast is served all day (no need for early wake-ups). Travelers rave about their Sunday brunch, but I had lunch here on a particularly warm afternoon. I filled myself up with their guacamole platter and finished that nutrient-rich (lol) “meal” off with one of their legendary slices of cheesecake.

12 ONZAS

Something about 12 Onzas was immediately different from the moment I walked in. Within a few minutes, I realized that their coffee-crazed team roasted their own beans in-house— the mark of a standout café, for sure. As a bonus, 12 Onzas offers milk options from cow’s to soy, oat to almond, making it an inclusive café.

The brunch at 12 Onzas is as innovative as it is tasty, with offerings like red velvet beet coffee, French toast with banana cheesecake filling, gorgonzola mushroom buns, and more. Come hungry, you’ll leave happy and caffeinated.

Union Café

Union Café’s Instagram proudly says that “brunch should make two things happy: your belly and your heart.” I, for one, couldn’t agree more. The coffee and brunch menu here will knock your socks off. Made to order omelets, breakfast burritos, and beetroot lattes are just a few of the many menu items you can expect at Union. What’s more, Union creates an environment for starting your day on the right foot. Floral wallpaper and bright decor culminate in a vibrant setting you’ll wish you could start every day at. This is often a favorite amongst digital nomads and traveling friend groups.

The River Coffee House

The River Coffee House is one of Antigua’s third wave cafés, and their specialty coffee menu proves they know what they’re doing. No food distractions! That’s right, there isn’t food here, but come for a drink and stay for the atmosphere. Founded by a Guatemalan-American couple, The River Coffee House focuses on its mission to provide job opportunities to ethnic minorities in Guatemala. It’s a beautiful, bright little minimalistic spot for a delicious coffee done right.

AM BKFST

Another “breakfast all day establishment”, AM BKFST is home to some of the most talked about waffles in Antigua. Sandwiches, stuffed French toast, and traditional Guatemalan breakfasts in generous portions are served by the smiling staff at AM at all hours of the day. The open garden/courtyard setting makes AM feel like a slice of serenity. Looking for something especially hearty? Try their “egg in a basket” where an egg is fried inside a thick piece of “Texas toast”, served with a side of avocado, bacon, plantains, and cream. The coffee here is, in true Guatemalan fashion, superior.

El Portal Café

El Portal serves up aromatic coffee alongside a decadent cake selection! This café also has (you may have guessed it) a lovely terrace with a view of Antigua’s tree-swathed hillsides and colonial architecture! The coffee at El Portal is bold, so the café’s cakes really help balance the strong flavors with something sugary. If you’re looking for something other than cake, they do serve food here including sandwiches, pasta, and helados (ice cream).

 

map ↴

Find all the best cafes in Antigua, Guatemala on the map below.

brunch guide, café and brunch guide, Central America, destination guide, travel, GuatemalaSilly Little Kiwi | TaraGuatemala, Central America, South America, travel, cafe guide2 Comments