The Cafes of Medellin
One of my favorite things to do as a coffee business owner, is to explore other shops - to see how they operate, decorate, and navigate the sometimes crazy world of coffee.
Medellin is by far no different. One of the top things I was most excited to do on this origin trip, was to experience the unique and diverse cafes that line the calles y carreras of this amazing city.
PERGAMINO COFFEE, Calle 10B, Medellín
We visited Pergamino on many separate occasions - they have many locations in Medellin. They seem like more of a local chain, than a true local shop. The staff was nice, but not super interactive or engaging, and to be quite honest at first we found the coffee to be unremarkable. Maybe we just got unlucky, but the coffee was very diluted/weak, and lacked flavor. We wrote it off as the preparation.
Their merch is on point, as it is with many chains, and their coffee packaging was very well designed. The space was set in a lush neighborhood with a very inviting interior. It is clearly home to digital nomads from around the World - the space was littered with Macbooks and Patagonia stickers.
UPDATE: I returned twice to this location and ordered the Chemex process on two of their more acidic coffees, and found it expertly prepared and really enjoyed it.
AZAI PRAIA LOVERS Cl. 13 #43D-27, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Sadly we didn’t get to try their coffee (we just imbibed on a giant lunch and drinks) but they deserve a mention for their location and the space itself.
This spot was breathtaking. The bright, clean white and teal gave off strong Caribe vibes, and the bamboo ceiling sealed the deal. Tucked away on a side street set against the tropical plants of Medellin, and a small stream, it is a great spot. We hope to stop in and try their coffees.
KFEINA CAFE
Kfeina was in a great spot in some of Medellin’s most popular tourist areas. The space was amazing, with heavy industrial vibes (think concrete and steel) and was designed well. Upstairs was a great seating area, prime for people watching and sipping your favorite coffee.
The coffee was decent. My Almond milk latte was very sweet (I think they like to use sweetened Almond milk). The service was friendly, albeit a bit confusing. They had you order, then the same barista would check you out after your drink was made - leaving you lingering around waiting to pay.
CAFE LA MANCHURIA Cl. 8 ## 43A - 89, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
What can I say about this place? Other than it is coffee shop nirvana in the middle of coffee land. Like most places, it is the people that make it. Cafe La Machuria is just an awesome place. The best coffee (so far) in the city, combined with enthusiastic workers that show a true love for coffee. We became immediate amigos, and each morning now starts with a 20 minute walk to this cafe.
The seating is open and almost al fresco. It shares a common space in the primer piso of a hotel. You get to also meet many travelers from around the World.
The open seating space is warm and inviting.
If you are looking for a stale coffee experience there are many places in Medellin to grab something warm to serve your needs. But if you want the full spectrum - people, stories, love for coffee, and of course actually good coffee - you can’t go wrong with Cafe La Manchuria. They also have multiple locations around the city, as well as a coffee farm in Colombia.