The 11 Best Cafes in Oaxaca
The Best Cafes in Oaxaca for any Occasion
A life on the road without coffee would be miserable, so we always take our moka pot where ever we go. But whenever we go somewhere with a thriving coffee culture, we love to throw ourselves right in. And, in Mexico, cafe culture is certainly seeping into the cities, tourist hotspots and larger towns.
But leaving them and many other global destinations in the dust is Oaxaca’s flourishing cafe and coffee scene. A foodie, arts and cultural destination situated in one of the nation’s major coffee-producing regions, it’s no surprise that some of the country’s best cafes can be found here, many within a 2km radius of downtown Oaxaca.
While you won’t have any trouble finding a good coffee here, we’ve taken the liberty of doing some of the leg work and a lot of the sitting and drinking coffee work, to discover the best cafes in Oaxaca and what they are best suited to.
Want to go beyond the ordinary in Oaxaca?
Discover Where Sidewalks End positive impact cultural tours
Cafeto & Baristas: The Best Cafe in Oaxaca for the Connoisseur
A little off the beaten tourist circuit in the Zocolo, you will find this tiny gem on the northern edge of the city centro. It’s clear that these guys take the science of coffee seriously. They offer hot and cold brews made in every conceivable way, traditional espresso, Ibrik, Moka, Aeropress, V60, Chemex, French press, Japanese siphon or drip pot.
The cold brew was a winner, an easy-drinking coffee that won’t leave you overly acidic or jittery. The espresso was fine, but not the best we’ve had. Nevertheless, high marks for this tiny cafe, run by passionate baristas.
The small space only has three tiny tables. The seats are not designed for comfort and the wifi barely functions.
This is a place to sit and savor the ritual of coffee set to a seventies soundtrack.
Chepiche: The Best Cafe in Oaxaca for the Best Brunch
The Oaxacan-style coffee is top-notch here and some of the best coffee in Oaxaca hands down. We would recommend Chepiche on this basis alone, but Chepiche is also one of the best cafes in Oaxaca for brunch. Make sure you pencil it in for breakfast during your stay as these guys are only open until mid-day. You’ll find the hidden courtyard cafe in Barrio Xochimilco.
A.M. Siempre Café: The Best Café in Oaxaca for a Local Neighborhood Vibe
Nestled in Xochimilco, A.M. Siempre feels more like a friend’s terrace than a café. It’s bright, relaxed, and slightly off the tourist trail, serving great filter coffee and light breakfasts with a view of Oaxaca’s rooftops. The staff are friendly, the pace slow, and the coffee unfussy — the perfect morning hideaway.
Muss Cafe: The Best Cafe in Oaxaca for Aesthetic
This contemporary cafe attached to the Casa Antonieta Hotel in downtown Oaxaca is stylish but without compromising on coffee.
Delicious coffee, pastries, and light meals are beautifully presented on local pottery in a sleek modern cafe space.
Boulenc: The Best Café in Oaxaca for Fresh Coffee Bread
Boulenc is one of Oaxaca’s worst-kept secrets — a lively café-bakery that smells like heaven. Fresh-baked sourdough, flaky croissants, and hearty brunch plates fill the tables alongside perfectly balanced coffees and fresh juices. It’s busy, it’s buzzy, and it’s absolutely worth the wait.
Marito & Moglie: The Best Cafe in Oaxaca for the Atmosphere
This cute cafe offers a simple coffee and food menu, which they execute impeccably.
In addition to great coffee, the drawcard for this cozy sunlit cafe in downtown Oaxaca is the atmosphere. This atmosphere is partly due to the space with its high ceilings, exposed brick walls, warm rustic decor, leafy plants, and sunny terrace, and partly to the super charming staff.
Marito & Moglie is a great place to get lost in a book for a couple of hours. Enjoy a great coffee or something from their short but delicious breakfast menu. These guys close at 4 pm.
Café Brújula Alcalá: The Best Café in Oaxaca for Working Remotely
Café Brújula is a long-time local favorite, and its Alcalá location might just be the city’s prettiest workspace. Think leafy courtyard, shaded tables, strong WiFi, and reliable power outlets — everything a digital nomad could ask for. The coffee is consistently excellent, and the setting offers a welcome escape from the busy streets.
Cafe Tradicion: The Best Cafe in Oaxaca for a Quick Hit
Great coffee. Like really great coffee. A short menu allows these guys to focus on the basics and they absolutely nail their macchiato. These guys have some of the best coffee in Oaxaca easily making them one of the best cafes in Oaxaca.
A noisy open air courtyard with uncomfortable seating and poor wifi signal means this place is best for a quick caffeine hit and run or to grab something to go on your way to the next gallery.
Cafebre: The Best Cafe in Oaxaca for Bagels and Great Coffee to Go
Located right in the center of town, Cafebre is a great spot to start the day with a very decent cup of coffee and a large bagel before embarking on a tour of the downtown. These guys are quite popular, with their tables always full. It is obvious these guys have some of Oaxaca’s best coffee.
Kiyo: The Best Café in Oaxaca for Coffee Purists
Minimalist, calm, and utterly devoted to the craft, Kiyo Café is where coffee nerds feel at home. The baristas treat brewing like an art form — offering V60s, pour-overs, and espresso with precision and pride. The pastries are delicate, the space bright, and Kiyo has the vibe to match. Come here to savor your coffee, not to rush it.
Sagrado Filemón: The Best Cafe in Oaxaca for Attention to Detail
Filemon, easily one of the best cafes in Oaxaca. Keeping up with the coffee culture, Filemon has it all. The Chemex, the Aeropress, the V60, the expensive espresso machine, you name it. Best of all, they know how to use them. It is no wonder these guys are serving up some of the best coffee in Oaxaca.
Once strictly a coffee shop, Filemon has expanded to include an amazing, well-crafted breakfast and lunch menu.
The attention to detail these guys have for coffee is evident in the cups they serve. Be sure not to miss this place, it is definitely among the best cafes in Oaxaca and a personal highlight for us.
With these cafes in Oaxaca, you are sure to find the best coffee in Oaxaca and exactly what you are looking for as you explore Oaxaca.
More Things to Do in Oaxaca
Looking for more Oaxaca travel inspiration? Check out one of our other articles to help you plan your trip to Oaxaca!
- Where to Eat (and Not to Eat) in Oaxaca
- How to Spend a Week in Oaxaca
- A Bar for Every Boozer in Oaxaca
- Overlanding Oaxaca City
Or start planning your trip below.
Booking.comWant to save this list of the best cafes in Oaxaca for later? Pin it!
What do you think are Oaxaca’s best cafes? Let us know below!