Albuquerque is home to a thriving coffee culture, with a variety of local coffee shops offering unique and delicious brews. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic drip coffee or a specialty lavender latte, there’s a coffee shop in Albuquerque that will satisfy your caffeine cravings.
From cozy neighborhood cafes to trendy roasteries, Albuquerque’s coffee scene has something for everyone. Many of these local coffee shops source their beans from small, independent farms and roast them in-house, ensuring a fresh and flavorful cup every time. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or just looking for a cozy spot to catch up with friends, Albuquerque’s coffee shops won’t disappoint.
Top 5 Local Coffee Shops in Albuquerque
Albuquerque is home to many fantastic coffee shops, each with its own unique atmosphere and specialty drinks. Here are our top five picks for the best local coffee shops in Albuquerque.
1. Cutbow Coffee Roastology
Cutbow Coffee Roastology is a popular local coffee shop located in the North Valley. Known for their commitment to quality and sustainability, they source their beans from small farms around the world and roast them in small batches to ensure freshness and flavor. A great spot for coffee connoisseurs and was founded by one of the nation’s most accomplished artisan coffee roasters, Albuquerque native Paul Gallegos.
Their coffee is smooth and well-balanced, with notes of chocolate and caramel. Cutbow specializes in small-batch, hand-roasted coffee, and offer a wide variety of drinks, including espresso, pour-overs, and cold brews. Their cozy and inviting atmosphere makes it a great spot for catching up with friends or getting some work done.
Pro Tip: For a treat as for a coffee flight. They only serve it sometimes and you have to wait for it to be prepared so maybe call ahead and leave time to enjoy yourself. If you’re lucky you’ll get a guided experience from the owner himself. Also, ask about their generous educators discount.
2. Zendo Coffee
Zendo Coffee is a trendy coffee shop located in the Barelas/South Valley area. They serve delicious coffee drinks, including their signature lavender latte, and offer a variety of pastries and light bites. These women run and owned small business just celebrated their 10-year anniversary. It’s a cozy spot with a laid-back vibe.
Pro Tip: Zendo’s shaded outdoor seating area (shared with the brewery next door) is perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee on a sunny day.
3. Trifecta Coffee Company
Trifecta Coffee Company is a family-owned and operated coffee shop that has been serving Albuquerque since 2015. They roast their coffee in-house and offer a variety of drinks, including espresso, pour-overs, and cold brews. Their cozy and welcoming atmosphere makes it a great spot to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee.
The whole bean selection includes coffees from over 18 countries of origin and 5 growing regions worldwide. Trifecta coffee is rich and complex, with notes of fruit and spice.
Pro Tip: Trifecta makes all their own syrups and their in-house bakery serves up impressive selection of pastries made from scratch. Don’t miss their sweet and savory scones!
4. Little Bear Coffee
Little Bear Coffee is a charming coffee shop located in the Nob Hill area. They serve a variety of coffee drinks, including their popular honey lavender latte, and offer a selection of pastries and light bites. Plants add to their cozy and intimate atmosphere, making it a great spot for a date or catching up with friends.
Pro Tip: Their burritos (especially the green chili one) are the perfect way to fuel up before a day of hiking, and their uptown location features a large pet-friendly covered patio.
5. Red Rock Roasters
While not technically a coffee shop, Red Rock Roasters is a local coffee roastery for those looking to brew their own cuppa at home. Two generations of family work together, at this local business that’s been around for 30 years. It’s the only roaster in New Mexico ever to have scored over 90 points in a blind third-party tasting by Coffee Review, and they’ve done it four times.
They roast their coffee in-house in small batches and offer a variety of drinks, including espresso, pour-overs, and cold brews. Red Rock Roasters is a local favorite for their bold and flavorful coffee, ranging from light and fruity to dark and smoky. Their spacious and comfortable seating area makes it a great spot for studying or getting some work done.
These are just a few of the many great local coffee shops in Albuquerque. No matter where you go, you’re sure to find delicious coffee and a welcoming atmosphere.
Honorable Mentions in Albuquerque Coffee Shops
Beyond the top 5 coffee shops in Albuquerque, there are several other noteworthy spots worth mentioning. Here are a few:
Michael Thomas Coffee Roasters
This cozy coffee shop in Nob Hill is known for its small-batch roasted coffee and friendly atmosphere. They also have a great selection of pastries and breakfast items. The shop has the cutest outside area covered in greenery with a fountain in the center, just right for reading and creating a calming ambiance.
With multiple locations around Albuquerque, Humble Coffee Company is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. They offer a variety of coffee drinks, as well as tea and baked goods. Their downtown location is conveniently located next to restaurants in the food hall and their donuts are not to be missed.
Piñon Coffee House is a family-owned coffee roaster that has been serving Albuquerque for over 20 years. They roast their beans in-house and use a traditional wood-fired roaster for a unique and smoky flavor. Piñon Coffee House offers a range of blends and single-origin coffees, as well as baked goods and breakfast items. Their coffee is strong and bold, with a hint of nuttiness from the piñon nuts.
While these coffee shops didn’t make the list, they are still worth checking out if you’re in the area. Each offers a unique atmosphere and delicious coffee drinks, making them great options for a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon caffeine fix.
Criteria for a Great Local Coffee Shop
When looking for a great local coffee shop, there are a few key factors to consider. Here are some criteria to keep in mind:
Quality Coffee
The most important aspect of a great coffee shop is, of course, the coffee itself. A great coffee shop should serve high-quality, freshly roasted coffee that is brewed to perfection. The beans should be sourced from reputable roasters and the baristas should be knowledgeable about the brewing process and able to make recommendations based on customer preferences.
Atmosphere
The atmosphere of a coffee shop is also important. A great coffee shop should be a welcoming and comfortable space where customers can relax, work, or socialize. The decor should be inviting, and the seating should be comfortable. The noise level should be appropriate for the space, with enough background noise to create a lively atmosphere without being too loud.
Food Options
While coffee is the main attraction, a great coffee shop should also offer a variety of food options to accompany the coffee. This can include pastries, sandwiches, and other snacks. The food should be fresh and high-quality, and there should be options for customers with dietary restrictions.
Customer Service
Finally, customer service at a coffee shop can make or break the experience. The baristas should be friendly and welcoming, and willing to answer questions and make recommendations. They should also be knowledgeable about the coffee and food offerings, and able to accommodate special requests.
Overall, a great local coffee shop should offer high-quality coffee, a welcoming atmosphere, a variety of food options, and excellent customer service. By keeping these criteria in mind, coffee lovers can find the perfect Albuquerque coffee shop to enjoy their favorite brew.
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