Santa Fe is well-known for its relaxed vibe, thriving cultural scene, and exceptional restaurants. The same spirit of creativity and innovation extends to the city’s charming coffee shops.
It seems that everywhere you turn, there’s another cozy cafe that’s even more fascinating than the last.
Like most things in Santa Fe, the coffee culture is remarkably varied — you’ll find everything from quiet, laptop-friendly cafes to buzzing hotspots packed with tourists and locals.
Whether you’re in the mood for a simple drip coffee or an artisan espresso drink, start here to find the best coffee shops in Santa Fe.
Sky Coffee
Sky Coffee is the perfect spot to discover new blends in the Railyard district of Santa Fe. Grab a signature coffee drink and head straight for the covered patio — it overlooks the railroad tracks, so you can watch trains rumble by. The sunny, tin-ceilinged dining room is a fantastic place to relax when it’s hot outside. The Sky Coffee guest roaster program brings in different small-batch selections from around the United States, ensuring that there’s always something new on the menu. Locally-made pastries take the edge off your appetite; try the muffins from Dolina or the lavender doughnut from Whoo’s Donuts.
Downtown Subscription
At first glance, Downtown Subscription appears to be a typical coffee shop. Head out the side entrance, and you’ll find yourself in a gorgeous walled courtyard garden with tables tucked into the lush greenery. It’s a lovely spot to enjoy your latte and breakfast burrito while you read one of the magazines on sale inside. There are plenty of places to sit inside, too; the dining area is remarkably peaceful in the morning. In addition to coffee and specialty drinks, Downtown Subscription offers various teas and a small selection of pastries. The chocolate croissants, in particular, draw rave reviews.
The Teahouse
Set inside a low adobe building, The Teahouse embraces the artistic Santa Fe vibe. It’s a great place to stop for a coffee and a light lunch or dinner as you explore the galleries and shops in the Canyon Road Arts District. The menu goes beyond coffee, offering a range of beer, wine, matcha, and chai drinks — get a boost with the turmeric ginger matcha latte or the buttery Bulletproof chai. The legendary pot pies and towering strawberry shortcake will have you planning a second visit. Grab a table on the breezy outdoor patio; expect a bit of a wait during the lunch and dinner rush, particularly on the weekend.
Henry and the Fish
Located just a few blocks from the Santa Fe plaza, Henry and the Fish is a buzzing spot for coffee and a meal. The breakfast and lunch menus are precisely what you’d expect from a coffee shop in a foodie haven: light, creative sandwiches and salads and a dessert case filled with mouth-watering cookies, muffins, and sweet treats. Relax with a seasonal specialty drink like Mexican hot chocolate or Vietnamese coffee between meals. The bright, airy dining room is an excellent spot to get out of the sun while exploring the downtown core.
Rebel House Coffee
Enjoy a jolt of caffeine during a marathon shopping trip at Rebel House Coffee, set inside the Santa Fe Place Mall in the city’s southwestern corner. The interior feels a world away from the bustling stores with its rustic wooden tables and wrought-iron accents. The cafe’s standard set of espresso drinks takes a backseat to an extensive lineup of flavored cappuccinos, lattes, and mochas. Downstairs tables and window seats offer the best people-watching, and the quiet second floor is surprisingly quiet, even on busy shopping days.
Cafecito
Tucked into the quiet Baca Railyard area southwest of downtown, Cafecito is one of Santa Fe’s hidden gems. The Acequia Trail trail starts just down the street, so runners and bikers often pop in for a meal before or after a workout. Come any time — Cafecito serves three meals daily, plus weekend brunch, all-day empanadas, and baked goods. The owners’ Argentinian roots are apparent in the menu, including mate tea and coffee drinks inspired by Buenos Aires cafes. A wall of windows floods the indoor dining area with natural light, but the best seats in the house are located by the water features on the well-shaded outdoor patio.
Iconik Coffee Roasters
There’s a spot for every mood at Iconik Coffee Roasters. This Santa Fe mainstay operates in two locations. Close to downtown Guadalupe Street, the Lupe branch has indoor and outdoor seating; you’ll feel comfortable chatting with friends or working on a laptop in the large, airy cafe or the spacious outdoor courtyard. To the south, the Lena Street branch has a colorful, eclectic vibe. Both locations offer espresso, tea, and smoothies, plus breakfast and lunch menus heavy on fresh, natural ingredients.
Opuntia Cafe
Walking into the Opuntia Cafe is a breathtaking experience — the high ceilings and stark, industrial decor are an incredible backdrop for a jungle of green plants. The result is undeniably charming and ideally suited to the cafe’s Railyards location. Tea, rather than coffee, is the star of the show at Opuntia; the selection is impressive and internationally sourced. If you prefer espresso, choose from a variety of sustainably sourced beans roasted locally for freshness. Enjoy your drink indoors or on the patio with a pastry or a meal; the menu has plenty of bowls, soups, and gourmet toasts for all dietary preferences.
Palacio Café
Sample New Mexican cuisine with your coffee at the Palacio Café. This cozy, family-owned joint serves breakfast and lunch with a southwestern flair. Start your day with diner classics like pancakes and bacon, or go local with breakfast tacos served on corn tortillas. You can’t go wrong with enchiladas smothered in green or red chile at lunch. The restaurant offers coffee and espresso drinks if you’re exploring the nearby boutiques.
Counter Culture
The vibe is always busy and buzzy at Counter Culture. You’ll understand why when you see the menu — packed with globally inspired dishes ranging from spring rolls to carne asada, this funky spot has something for every palate. Counter Culture focuses on food, but the coffee menu includes gems like Vietnamese coffee and a killer hot chai. Take your morning brew to the next level with a cinnamon roll the size of your face. The cozy, slightly cramped dining area is fun and lively during breakfast and dinner; head to the outdoor tables for a more relaxed atmosphere.
35 Degrees North Coffee
Bring your laptop or textbooks to 35 Degrees North Coffee. Spacious and calm, it’s the perfect spot to get some work done. A variety of pastries and light meals — try the beignets or the smoothie bowls — makes it easy to power through. The sustainably sourced coffee is known for its freshness and depth; the team roasts the beans in Santa Fe, so the flavors are always on point. Stick with a drip coffee or a pour-over, or get creative with the signature Latitude Adjustment, made with butter and coconut oil. Although this coffee shop is located inside The Pink Giraffe Of Santa Fe shopping mall, it offers a lovely outdoor patio.
Ohori’s Coffee Roasters
Suppose you’re unapologetically picky about your coffee; head straight to Ohori’s Coffee Roasters. Since 2001, this family-run business has been roasting its beans and dreaming up small-batch blends with unique flavor profiles. Ohori prides itself on offering an option for every taste, so it’s a beautiful place to find a smooth dark roast or a lighter coffee with fruity notes. Of course, this is Santa Fe, so you can still find local standbys such as matcha lattes or chai lattes infused with turmeric. The company runs two locations, one in the Luna area and one on Pen Road. Both sites have an eclectic vibe and an excellent selection of coffee paraphernalia.
Cacao
Do you like something sweet with your coffee? Cacao Santa Fe, also called Art of Chocolate, is the answer. As you might guess from the name, this spot specializes in fine chocolate and locally roasted, single-origin coffee. The coffee drinks are delicious, but the drinking chocolate and historic hot chocolate elixirs are the real stars of the drink menu. If you can’t decide, try multiple flavors with the hot chocolate flight. The chocolate section is about craft sweets: think bean-to-bar chocolates, artisan truffles, and gluten-free gourmet brownies. Don’t be afraid to ask the knowledgeable staff for recommendations. Savor your treats in the pretty seating area, which offers tables, sofas, and a group room.
Plaza Café
Gaze out over the Santa Fe Plaza from an outdoor table at the Plaza Café, Santa Fe’s oldest restaurant. Patio seats are perfect for people-watching; the diner-style interior transports you back in time with vintage red banquettes and Art Deco detailing. The menu includes typical diner fare with a distinctly New Mexican flair — check out the green chile meatloaf and burgers, or start the day with blue corn breakfast enchiladas. This charming diner goes beyond traditional drip coffees, offering mochas, lattes, espresso, and more. Check out the small selection of beer and wine at lunch and dinner. The Plaza Café Southside location offers a similar menu and a modern vintage diner vibe if you are in southwest Santa Fe.
Holy Spirit Espresso
Holy Spirit Espresso claims to have the best coffee in Santa Fe. Whether or not that’s true is a matter of opinion, but this legendary to-go coffee joint is well worth a visit. It’s tiny, with room for just a few people to stand and wait. The single barista (also the owner) makes every drink with care, serving coffee with a side of friendly conversation. Don’t expect complicated drinks or seasonal lattes here — it’s all about the espresso and coffee. The most exotic options are cappuccino and chai, but you can also get tea or hot chocolate. Hours are limited, and there’s just one small table outside; if you want to sit, the Plaza is just a couple of blocks away.
Dulce Capital
Dulce Capital has been voted one of the best bakeries in Santa Fe for a good reason. The on-site bakers keep the bakery case filled with fruit tarts, indulgent cupcakes, cakes, pies, and so much more. It’s nearly impossible to choose just one; bring a friend and share several sweets. A full menu of coffee, espresso, and specialty drinks keeps the caffeine flowing, and the cheerful interior encourages lively conversation. Each batch of treats comes in limited quantities, so you’ll find the best selection in the morning.
Collected Works Bookstore & Coffeehouse
Collected Works combines an independent bookstore and a beautiful coffee shop. Grab a seat on a sofa or a window table and settle in with a novel or a laptop. A small menu offers the usual coffee drinks, each made with locally roasted beans from Iconik Coffee Roasters. If you’re popping in for a rest while exploring downtown Santa Fe, pick up a bagel or a light snack to keep you going. The book selection, which includes many titles by Native American authors, is carefully curated to appeal to serious readers. Check the calendar and plan your visit around one of the regular author readings.
Visiting the Best Coffee Shops in Santa Fe
With so many fantastic coffee shops, it’s easy to try a different place every day in Santa Fe. Many local hotspots embrace the city’s commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship — ethical sourcing and local artisan roasting are the norms. Enjoy a cup of coffee with breakfast in the busy downtown area, or seek out the hidden gems scattered around town. With so many options for world-class baked goods and excellent meals in New Mexico, the Santa Fe coffee experience is second to none.