Best Coffee Shops in Guadalajara: A Local’s Guide to 5 Must-Visit Cafés
Why Guadalajara’s Coffee Scene Matters
Guadalajara isn’t just the land of tequila and mariachi — it’s quickly becoming one of Mexico’s top coffee destinations. Over the last decade, the city has seen a boom in artisanal coffee shops, each with talented baristas, beautiful spaces, and unique food pairings.
As part of our revamped foodie and cultural guides, we asked local writer Mariana Chávez Urzúa to share her favorite spots. With her tea-drinker’s eye (and her coffee-loving husband’s expertise), she highlights five cafés that capture the best of Guadalajara’s growing coffee culture.
Quick List – The 5 Best Cafés in Guadalajara
Café Sinónimo – Colonia Americana
El Terrible Juan Café – Colonia Americana
Karmele – Arcos Vallarta
Biolento – Colonia Americana
Nania La Casa del Té – Providencia
The Guadalajara Coffee Experience
By Mariana Chávez Urzúa
Sure, México is well known for its coffee and Guadalajara is no stranger to it. You’ll find many coffee shops and coffee brands that have been around for years: Café la Flor de Córdoba, Moka Café, Punta del Cielo, The Black Coffee Gallery, and even Starbucks. But let me tell you — Guadalajara has been part of a coffee shop boom in recent years, and we’ve been witnessing the work of very talented baristas and coffee brands that invite us to expand our local experience (and raise our expectations).
I myself am a tea person, but I’ve been blessed with a coffee-loving husband who takes pride in his research about coffee and its making. Thanks to him, I’ve discovered amazing coffee shops that also offer delicious food — a way for us both to share a lovely experience.
It is my pleasure to share our top 4 coffee places (plus one tea house!) for when you’re strolling around Guadalajara and craving something special.
Café Sinónimo – Colonia Americana
📍 Av de la Paz 2350, Col Americana
💲 $200–$300 MXN per person
Our favorite spot at the moment. I had been wanting to go since it’s located in a beautiful house surrounded by trees and greenery on one of my favorite avenues.
One day I went and ordered the lavender latte with a pistachio and white chocolate cookie — a heavenly experience. I had tried lavender lattes some years ago in NYC and was craving to find one here. It did not disappoint.
They not only have great coffee, but also top-notch breakfasts. My personal favorite is the “Puro Power” with eggs, avocado, bacon, chickpeas, salad, and sourdough. My husband orders the flat white with a chocolate chip cookie. No better way to start your day.
El Terrible Juan Café – Colonia Americana
📍 Calle Colonias 440, Col Americana
💲 $100–$200 MXN per person
Again, the architecture! That’s what lures me into places at first glance. This café is in a traditional, lovely part of Colonia Americana, surrounded by greenery and charming houses.
My husband and I usually bike there and, after some light cardio, we love to have dinner and coffee. This was his preferred spot to get coffee beans to make at home for quite a while.
The food is great any time of the day, but we mainly go for lunch or dinner. My favorite is the Ensalada Oso — a HUGE salad with cranberries, goat cheese, green apple, and a yummy dressing. Their bakery is also excellent (highly recommend the trenza and bisquet).
As for coffee, he usually orders a flat white (a man of tradition). If you’d like something refreshing, try the Félix (Mexican-style schorle). Raspberry and apple are my favorites.
Karmele – Arcos Vallarta
📍 Av José María Morelos 2279A, Arcos Vallarta
💲 $100–$200 MXN per person
Ah, Karmele. Home to some of the most delicious coffee and pastries in Guadalajara. It amazes me how this little place has built such a loyal customer base obsessed with their Karmelitos.
Story time: I once bought my husband a bag of Café Estelar beans I spotted at another restaurant, and he declared them the best beans he’s had in Guadalajara. Guess what? Karmele uses and sells them. Needless to say, it’s become one of his go-to stops — and mine, too, for pastries.
Biolento – Colonia Americana
📍 Calle General San Martín 350, Col Americana
💲 $200–$300 MXN per person
Despite the name (which looks like “violent”), Biolento is one of the calmest and most beautiful cafés in Guadalajara. Located in a gorgeous regionalist-style house surrounded by plants, it offers an outdoor terrace that makes lingering over coffee irresistible.
They serve coffee with different brew methods (V60, Aeropress, French press), and the food is equally strong. Favorites: platanillas, chilaquiles, and the Blue Bowl.
For pastries, don’t miss the lemon cake, honey cake, or the peanut butter cookie. My order? Black tea with almond milk, iced.
Nania La Casa del Té – Providencia
📍 Av Montevideo 3203, Providencia
💲 $200–$300 MXN per person
I couldn’t end this list without something for my fellow tea lovers. While there are great tea shops in Guadalajara that sell loose leaf (future post coming!), Nania is my go-to place to sit down, relax, and sip.
The vibe is calm and soothing, with earthy tones and soft background music. My favorite is the La Vie en Rose frappé with coconut milk and almonds. They also serve wholesome lunches and pastries, plus sell teas and brewing tools to take home.
Final Sip
Guadalajara’s coffee culture is vibrant, diverse, and growing fast. Whether you’re a coffee aficionado chasing the perfect flat white or a tea lover like me, these cafés deliver both flavor and atmosphere.
Next time you’re in Guadalajara, skip the Starbucks and dive into the city’s local coffee scene — you’ll be surprised how world-class it has become.