The alarm sounds. The morning has begun. You get up quickly to shower, but you are still sleepy. You prepare a coffee and stop momentarily to recognize its smell: a mix of caramel, almonds, citrus, and other smells that invite you to try it while you connect to a virtual meeting. The aroma of coffee is a characteristic smell of Laureles. Here, you’ll delve into the world of Laureles coffee shops as, without a doubt, Colombia plays a significant role in the tradition that these small beans keep.
The popularity of Colombian coffee began, according to Café de Colombia records, more than 300 years ago thanks to the priest Francisco Romero in the town of Salazar de las Palmas, Norte de Santander. Legend has it that when his faithful confessed, the penance that Romero imposed was to plant coffee, so production began to spread. By 1850, it had already reached Cundinamarca, Antioquia, and Caldas.
A tradition that grew little by little and passed from generation to generation. Its growth was so significant that in 1927, it became necessary to establish La Federación Nacional de Cafeteros de Colombia, a private company representing and ensuring coffee growers’ rights.
Years later, in 1959, the export of Colombian coffee became stronger, making Tokyo the second largest consumer of Colombian coffee in the world, only behind Finland.
Below, we present some of the essential characteristics of authentic Colombian coffee.
Fact 1
Colombian coffee is acidic and smooth
Fact 2
Colombian coffee is lighter
Fact 3
Colombian coffee drink is bright and clear
If you are interested in learning more about coffee and, in general, Colombian traditions and customs, we invite you to download the Procolombia guide: “Colombia: A Must-See Destination.”
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Download the guide Colombia: a must-see destination from ProColombia with helpful information about Medellín and Colombia.
According to Time Out magazine, Laureles, the coolest neighborhood in the world, has some coffee options, ideal places to share with family and friends, or digital nomads looking for spaces to work while enjoying a good cup of Colombian coffee.
This article lists the top Laureles coffee shops recommended by Medellin Guru and its readers. It is organized alphabetically and updated for 2024.
#1 Laureles Coffee Shops: Café Cliché
A French corner located in an old house in Laureles. Each space in this place is designed to make you live an experience from start to finish. On the first floor, there is an ideal yard for those who want to spend time with friends and family while playing board games.
On the other hand, the second floor is quieter, focused on those looking to work remotely in an antique room: typewriters, old telephones, vintage paintings, and other decorations that will transport you to other times.
This place is comfy and ideal for enjoying a good coffee. You will find american espresso, double espresso, macchiato, cappuccino, affogato, latte, and moccaccino among its options. However, if you want to live a European experience, “La Grolla ” will be the best option: this drink is a mix of coffee, syrup, and rum, accompanied by slices of lemon and orange, flamed at the table. The idea of this drink is that you can share it with friends.
Café Cliché
#2 Laureles Coffee Shops: DélMuri
This café is ideal for spending the afternoon in a quiet place with good food and Colombian coffee. Also, it is a friendly space for those working remotely because they will find a good Wi-Fi connection, tables, chairs, and outlets to carry out their work.
DélMuri was born six (6) years ago as the perfect escape for coffee lovers and baristas (person in charge of serving the coffee), who gather around a cup of coffee to talk and learn more about this art, as they call it. Their waiters and waitresses go from table to table answering questions and advising different expats on which is the best coffee to choose because, among their varieties, you will find espressos, americanos, cappuccinos, lattes, mochaccinos, macchiatos, and frappés.
Also, for those who prefer to spend the afternoon with live music, at some times of the month, they perform musical presentations on Saturdays to liven up the afternoon of their diners.
Délmuri Café
#3 Laureles Coffee Shops: La Gatoría
It is an unmissable experience for cat lovers, a place dedicated to relaxation and enjoying good food, drinks, and, of course, contemplating the felines but always respecting their space.
Although cat cafes became popular in Japan, they were created in Taiwan in 1998, and it was a concept that gained more and more strength. Liliana, the creator of this space, thought about each detail to make the cats comfortable and for those who decide to visit them, too.
The first thing you will find when you arrive at La Gatoría is a room where approximately ten (10) cats will surround you. There, you will find paintings where the felines are the protagonists and accessories with their faces. Here, people gather to eat while the cats decide when to approach humans.
You will find coffee, sodas, juices, milkshakes, and more on the menu, but also cakes as an excellent dessert option. However, if you want to eat a little more, you will also find pasta, hamburgers, and hot dogs, among others, on their menu.
Something you should remember about this place is that you always have to make a prior reservation on the WhatsApp line, and the minimum consumption per person is 20,000 Colombian pesos (5 dollars with the TRM in 4.111 colombian pesos). Money goes towards maintaining the cats that are cared for; 10 are up for adoption, while the other 10 are part of the premises.
La Gatoría Cat Café
#4 Laureles Coffee Shops: La Manchuria
Inspired by the towns and customs of Antioquia, La Manchuria is a space that will make you feel more Colombian than ever; the decoration will transport you to the mountains and the typical fondas while they make you live a coffee experience from beginning to end.
A tradition that was born in the southwest of Antioquia at Finca La Manchuria; the owner started his brand more than three (3) years ago, and everything revolves around coffee, from visiting his farm showing all the step-by-step behind a cup of coffee to you can taste it, also, carry out coffee experiences telling all the art and knowledge that is needed to be able to work this bean in the best way.
Here, you can enjoy different coffee types: premium (balanced flavor), honey (natural honey), and ancestral (with sweet and winey notes), ideal for all tastes.
La Manchuria
Remember that if you want to know much more about Colombia, we invite you to download the Procolombia guide: “Colombia: A Must-See Destination.”
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Download the guide Colombia: a must-see destination from ProColombia with helpful information about Medellín and Colombia.
#5 Laureles Coffee Shops: Pergamino
With over 30 years of experience in the coffee business, Pergamino is a leader in its industry because every step of the process is taken seriously by the team, starting with the coffee’s cultivation in Antioquia’s Santa Bárbara mountains and continuing through harvesting, pulping, roasting, packaging, and preparation at each point of sale.
At its headquarters in Laureles, you will find expert baristas willing to explain how to prepare an ideal coffee. You can also feel the aroma and the difference between a fruity coffee and another with sweeter notes. Among Pergamino’s most notable preparations, you will find filtrates (manual preparations), espressos,cold brew, lattes, and frappés, and they have an all-day brunch option.
In this place, you will find two floors. The first is dedicated to a more social area, sharing with friends and family, and the second floor is focused on those looking to work remotely; they have tables and outlets.
Pergamino
#6 Laureles Coffee Shops: Rituales Compañía de Café
A coffee made from one of the most stigmatized neighborhoods in Medellín: La Sierra. In its mountains, not only are coffee beans grown, but there are also opportunities for farmers and people in the sector so that they can have a better quality of life, working as coffee growers because they care about each stage of the coffee process, from what is grown until finally served in a cup to be savored.
This company was born in 2017 and has its point of sale not only through its website but also has a location in Laureles where they are in charge of showing the process of the coffee and the art of the barista.
You can find different espresso preparations, americano, cortado, cappuccino, latte, mocca, milkshakes, and cold drinks, ideal for hot days in Medellín. On the other hand, you will also find salads and main dishes in their menu options for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Rituales Café
#7 Laureles Coffee Shops: Café Revolución
Since 2014, this cafe has been located in the heart of Laureles, between the Pontificia Bolivariana University, the hotel’s zone, and restaurants. It is a space that unites students, teachers, digital nomads, and generally people who enjoy a good coffee or reading a book.
It is an excellent option for those looking to study or work because Café Revolución has a laptop zone with tables, connectors, and Wi-Fi, so you can be silent and focused on your work while you drink Colombian coffee.
This coffee comes from Tolima’s department in the country’s central west. Among its preparations, you will find espresso, macchiato, americano, cappuccino, latte, cold brew, and frappé, among others. You will also find breakfast options on their menu, such as eggs, bagels, and paninis.
Café Revolución
#8 Laureles Coffee Shops: Semilla Café coworking
Good coffee, excellent service, and maximum comfort for working are some of the characteristics that best define Semilla Café Coworking because, from the moment you enter the premises, each of their waiters and waitresses serves you with a big smile, and they are always willing to help you with everything, whatever you need to feel more comfortable.
The first floor of this location is focused more on the restaurant area, but you will find everything you need to work: excellent Wi-Fi, different varieties of tables and chairs, and a quiet space that allows you to work without interruptions.
On the other hand, the second floor is a coworking space; it will have extra amenities such as booths for video calls, desks, and work cubicles. However, you must pay a subscription here, and they have options for one day, weeks, or months (only for the coworking floor).
Last but not least, if you enjoy coffee and the art of making shapes in this drink, this is the place for you. The baristas are motivated by each customer and work very hard to create intricate shapes in the cappuccinos. Some of the most striking ones were the forms of a dog and a cat, which have every detail done perfectly.
Semilla
#9 Laureles Coffee Shops: Starbucks
In 2016, the first Starbucks store opened in Medellín; then, it was a boom because many people stood in long lines to try the flavor, especially in a place as knowledgeable about this drink as Colombia.
Seven years later, it is not so common to see these long lines. However, this is the favorite place for many digital nomads to work because they find faster internet here, unlike other places. They also have comfortable chairs, tables, and outlets to charge their laptops.
Here, you will find many kinds of coffee that are 100% Colombian. Among your options are latte, cappuccino, americano, espressos, macchiatos, and mochas, and you will also find cold options for hot days in Medellín, such as frappuccinos and cold brew, among others.
Starbucks
#10 Laureles Coffee Shops: Café Zeppelin
Faint rock sounds welcome you to this place. Although many believe its name is taken from the British band Led Zeppelin, this is untrue. The name of this place is due to the great love that a German named Daniel, its creator, has for this airship and who also saw in Colombia an excellent opportunity to start his business.
This space will be ideal for those who enjoy talking with friends while listening to music and can try a delicious dessert, such as Oreo cheesecake, accompanied by a cup of american coffee, espresso, cappuccino, or latte. However, if you are a German expat, you can also travel to your home country to enjoy the house specialty: German sausage.
Below you can learn more about coffee growers and the process behind a cup of Colombian coffee.
The Best of Medellín
Medellin Guru has several more articles about the best restaurants and coffee shops in Medellín and the Aburrá Valley:
- 20 Best Restaurants in Laureles in Medellín
- 16 Best Restaurants in Envigado, Colombia
- 31 Best Restaurants in Sabaneta, Colombia
- 15 Best Pizza Places in Medellín: The Best Pizzerias in the City
- 12 Best Burgers in Medellín: Best Burger Places in the Aburrá Valley
- 12 Best Steakhouses in Medellín and the Aburrá Valley
- 13 Best Mexican Restaurants in Medellín and the Aburrá Valley
- 8 Best Colombian Restaurants in Medellín and the Aburrá Valley.
- 9 Best Italian Restaurants in Medellín and the Aburrá Valley
- 12 Best Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in El Poblado.
- 8 Best Places for Brunch in El Poblado.
- 5 Best Independent Coffee Shops in El Poblado
- 11 Top Coffee Shops in Laureles.
- 5 Best Nano/Micro Breweries in Medellín
Also, we have several additional best of Medellín articles:
- 35 Top Things to Do in Medellín and Nearby: Top Tourist Attractions
- 21 Best FREE Things to Do in Medellín and the Aburrá Valley
- 17 Top Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Medellín and Nearby
- 14 Best Malls of Medellín – the Ultimate Guide to Medellín Malls
- 12 Best Museums of Medellín and the Aburrá Valley
- 8 Best Pueblos Near Medellín Worth Visiting
- 7 Best Panoramic Views of Medellín
- 5 Best Neighborhoods in Medellín
- 2 Best Walking Tours in Medellín
- 14 Top Churches in Medellín Worth Visiting
- 22 Best Mobile Apps to Use in Medellín and Colombia
The Bottom Line: 11Top Laureles coffee shops: Where to find good coffee
Visiting Colombia and not drinking coffee is like going to Paris and not visiting the Eiffel Tower. It is something that you always have to do, and if you are in Laureles, you will find 11 good options to enjoy it; some of these spaces are ideal for working and others for sharing with friends and family or enjoying your own company and reading a good book.
This is a unique selection of the best coffees in the coolest neighborhood in the world. And what is your favorite coffee in Laureles?
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Editor’s note: This article has been updated on February 2, 2024, with new images, information on coffee shops, and fresh content.
6 thoughts on “11 Top Laureles coffee shops: Where to find good coffee”
Hi Jeff, Nice selection of coffee shops in Laureles. I’m curious about New Hearts Cafe. Next time you are in the Laureles area would you please review it ? Thanks.
New Hearts serves a good cup of coffee. I walk past a lot of times during regular business hours and they’re closed. They seem to be associated with a spiritual movement and offer books for sale. I’ve been several times in the evening and enjoy the outdoor seating especially on the upstairs balcony.
Another you missed is Fidelina. A three-story house with individual rooms on the second floor, a rooftop terrace and a mellow vide. They have table service. The server brings a numbered bottle to your table. When you’re ready to go, take your bottle to the cashier on the main floor. No waiting for the bill or for the waiter to go fetch the credit card machine. Check it out and let us know what you think.
Nice post, I know a few of these cafes and will try some of the others.
One you missed is Le Panetier Cafe at the Primer Parque in Laureles.
Hi Paul, thanks, very nice article, I live in Laureles and I have been to several of these coffee shops but not all of them. My favorite so far is Cafe Revolucion.