Laureles, a neighborhood known for Digital Nomads, late night drinking, the soccer stadium and last but not least, plenty of cute coffee shops. Colombia is one of the largest exporters of Coffee in the world but unfortunately, much of their coffee is exported and the locals are stuck with poor quality coffee :(. Nonetheless, the area is filled with coffee shops that you won’t find in the more popular neighborhood, Poblado. 

Here’s my guide to 10 coffee shops in the area. Hope you enjoy!

  1. Café Cliché
    • A French café tucked in a quieter street of Laureles. Expect to feel like you’re spending an afternoon studying in Paris but even better because you’re in Colombia. The food is fantastic, including vegan options, mouth-watering soups and homemade cookies that make you want to quit your job and run around naked. Or maybe that’s just me. Nonetheless, I couldn’t live without savoring a café like this.
    • Great for working (only had an issue with the Wi-Fi once). Quiet, library feels.
    • An afternoon spot since it opens at Noon. It doesn’t say on Google but they usually open at 3pm on Monday’s.
    • Live music on Saturday’s.
  2. Zeppelin
    • A close second, Café Zeppelin surrounds you with a hug. The outside section is covered by a wall of greenery. The dim inside takes you back in time with record players and posters on the wall. By far my favorite place to bring a journal and sit for hours. The food here is sub-par so stick to a coffee.
    • Many people work here but I personally would not recommend it. If you do, the Wi-Fi is better outside than inside.
  3. Naturalia
    • I am starting to think that rankings are stupid. Another top choice, Naturalia is timeless. A perfect place to grab lunch with a friend, read, or go inside and get some work done. The cozy outside section, also covered in greenery, includes a few tables. The less cozy inside is great for bringing out your laptop. The food and coffee are amazing. Try the mushroom empanada with an espresso, you wont regret it.
    • The inside is great for working. Full of other digital nomads and quiet. Sit closer to the front for better Wi-Fi 
  4. AL ALMA
    • A more modern ambiance, Al Alma, which means the soul wins for the best working location. Sit in the back (to the right when you walk in), and enjoy fast internet and or an amazing meal with a friend.
    • Amazing for working. My favorite for working. But I wouldn’t bring my book here.
AL ALMA
  1. Dèlmuri Cafe
    • A mostly open-air café with a lively outside section. Do yourself a favor and get a sandwich. The vegan one or the chorizo is amazing. Expect to be extremely full. A louder location but still a lovely vibe that can make you feel like you are ready to take on the day’s challenges. The coffee is also tasty.
  2. Santa Lena
    • Go upstairs and get a table next to the window, order something from the bakery (the arequipe croissant maybe) and take a deep breath. Despite being on a very main street, enjoy a peaceful morning to yourself or your closest friends and family. The bakery is to die for.
  3. SMASH
    • A big pick for Digital Nomads, SMASH is an avocado restaurant staring great wraps and toasts. Almost all outside, without any coverage, you are surrounded by a busy street sitting in a metal chair. Though most people I know really love this place, I would pass.
    • The internet is really fast and reliable.
  4. Start Café
    • A tiny local hidden gem in a family neighborhood. The two women, potentially the owners, were extremely lovely and contributed to the experience. A great place if you are looking for a nice, quiet coffee break.
    • I would not try to work here. Bring a book or a good friend.
    • From where I lived, the walk here was extremely sketchy. Multiple cars stopped trying to talk to us, and lots of unsolicited attention. I would either go in broad daylight or get a car.
  5. Saludpan
    • An organic restaurant with a rotating Menu of the Day. By far the freshest, healthiest, most body satisfying meal I had. There is also a small store inside with organic products, including amazing produce (potentially the best produce I saw in the city), vegan meat and cheese substitutes, and hearty breads. I would purchase your produce here even if you don’t enjoy a prepared meal.
    • I wouldn’t necessarily work here. They do have internet but I’m not familiar with how fast it is. Save it for a nice meal instead.
  6. Rituales
    • Rituales is only on the list to let you know it’s not worth going. The café is supposed to be a local project and sources the coffee from a farm nearby. A lovely project that I wish I could support in another way than going to its café. An extremely modern feel, with EDM and house music playing loudly. The coffee was really bad, but I’m not a coffee connoisseur so who knows.
    • The Wi-Fi does work well.
coffeecolombiamedellin
By Colombia