Is great to return to one of my first side projects of this journey of mine, as you can tell there are a few things that I enjoy as much as reading, and that is drinking that magical bean brew that fuels so many late-night sessions where my conviction is there but energy needs a little boost.

But as I came to realize, not that I don’t enjoy the seclusion of my own house, sometimes is good to go and find places where I can enjoy some coffee, and get some reading done.

Hence, the caffeine pilgrimage was born.

So, the rules of engagement are easy

• Try all local flavors
• Avoid big chains (with a few exceptions for local chains)
• Try at least two different coffee drinks

On this occasion, with the recommendation of my partner in crime, we went to Café La T, tucked away in a not so busy street, the location gives it a nice and quiet vibe, they even have a small bookshelf with some board games and books. For a little more comfy experience we headed to the mezzanine area, where there’s only 4 tables, all with comfortable armchairs, perfect for those long reading sessions.

The lighting and ambience were really warm and inviting, I can see myself coming back, probably in the late afternoon, to enjoy a couple of cups and get some reading done. The advantage of not being in such a busy area is that most of the time the orders are to-go, and the space doesn’t feel overcrowded.

Now for the star of the show

As is almost mandatory, I ordered to start me off a large Americano, there’s a lot to judge if a coffee shop can pull-off a staple such as this, and fortunately it was really on point, perfect strength to wake you up to get focused on reading. Quickly follow by an iced latte, which was pretty good, good balance and not overpowered by the milk.

To complement these delicious drinks I opted for a sandwich and some dessert, we planned to take our time, and as such, snacks are a must. The sandwich was a Roast Beef panini, nothing out of the ordinary, and the dessert, a mango mousse, now that was pretty damn tasty, not to sweet, but with the perfect amount of sugar to contrast with bold flavors of the coffee.

In all ,the experience was pretty rounded, the place has a good and chilled vibe, perfect to read, the coffee is pretty well prepared. The only thing is that the prices are a little higher than the average for similar coffee shops, but nothing that dramatic. As far as make it one of my staple places to go and unwind, I think it would not make the top 10 list, but for sure a place I would visit again.

Here you can find the link for the location, business hours and menu

Café La T

Recommendations:

Drink of choice: Good ol’ Americano

Dessert Choice: Mango Mousse

Best Hour: Around 6:00 p.m.

Let me begin by telling that I know that Black Coffee Gallery is a chain store, that being said, I’ll let that slide only because it is a Mexican chain and each of its stores have the works of one particular graphic artist.

Here in Ciudad Juarez, there are two stores, I went to the newest one and found it to be quite pleasant, not overcrowded, with great natural light to read for hours.

I did not have any pastries but I did enjoy a giant Americano and it was right on point.

I could not find any info of who is the artist of the pieces hanging on the walls, but when I do, I’ll do a follow-up post with more information.

And I’ll visit the other location to try out some other drinks, some pastries and to see some original artwork.

Drink of Choice: Americano (for now)

Best Hour (for my taste):  9:30 for an invigorating morning read.