Hello & welcome to my February 2024 newsletter. I'm so glad you're here! I wanted to keep the sweetness going for a little longer, so this month I'm highlighting a favorite winter (well, anytime really) go-to….our local artisan coffee shops. There are so many neighborhood spots that are perfect for gathering & enjoying a warm cup of love on a cold winter day. One of the wonderful parts of living in a foodie town like Albuquerque is the passion for the craft that all of these coffee artisans bring to the table…or the cup in this case. We are home to many truly gifted & accomplished coffee roasters. This list is by no means comprehensive, however all of the shops I'm highlighting bring a unique flavor to our city! What's your favorite local coffee shop?

Blackbird Coffee House opened in 2018 in the peaceful Patio Market plaza of Old Town. It quickly became a favorite spot to enjoy a cup of coffee & a snack while relaxing by the fountain that centers the courtyard. With creative craft drinks such as the Honey Bear (espresso, local honey, cinnamon & milk) & the Bison (espresso, buttered toffee, sea salt & milk), you'll want to try something different with every visit. They also offer teas, quiche, burritos & many sweet treats, with some gluten-free varieties available daily. They are a neighborhood spot that supports other local businesses & artists. The artwork that brightens their walls was created by local artists who also share the plaza with them.

Since 2013, Zendo Coffee has been serving the Albuquerque community comfort both in their coffee & in their welcoming environment. They are a woman run & owned business that values supporting local, from their pastries & burritos made by other local businesses to their commitment to monthly art shows & pop-up events. You'll find handcrafted coffee drinks created with scratch-made seasonal syrups. With drinks like the Aztec latte (dark chocolate with cayenne pepper) & the Zia latte (white or dark chocolate with cinnamon), this local favorite is the perfect spot to warm up on cold winter days & connect with the community in fulfilling & meaningful ways. 

Castle Coffee serves up craft coffee from locations in downtown Albuquerque & Rio Rancho. They also partner with local bakeries to offer delectable treats daily, even featuring some gluten-free options. In addition to these gathering places to enjoy coffee & community, they own Cornerstone Coffee Roasters. Their commitment to offering the highest quality products, from beginning to end, illustrates their passion. While Cornerstone is the foundation upon which the coffee is built, they see the shops as their way of building a “third place” for people, a place where folks can gather & feel like home & enjoy the shared experience of a lovingly crafted cup of coffee.

Remedy Coffee is a favorite gathering place for many reasons beyond their delicious coffee. Offered as a safe space for all, Remedy gives everyone a spot to relax & connect with others. Their shop features a cozy fireplace around which to gather in colder months & a beautiful patio that doubles as outdoor venue for art, music & community events. They have their own in-house bakery & also serve burritos from beloved neighbors, Duran Central Pharmacy. Their craft coffee & tea selections include a Honey Lavender Latte made with Los Poblanos lavender syrup & honey. Keeping it local, their coffee is expertly roasted less than 2 miles away by Villa Myriam. 

Trifecta Coffee Company opened in 2015 with a unique approach to the coffee shop experience. They not only make all of their baked goods, syrups & sauces in-house, but also roast their coffee on the premises. Their menu utilizes fresh spices & herbs alongside their handcrafted syrups. They offer both sweet & savory menu items including scones, cookies, granola bars, quiche, breakfast turnovers, cakes, pies & seasonal treats. They are committed to taking your espresso drink to the next level & creating an experience that stands out from other coffee shops. This business model was born from a combined 20+ years of experience in the coffee business & a passion for all things handcrafted. 

The Catalyst Coffee truck launched in 2020 by Albuquerque native Michael Breden. They travel around New Mexico & beyond serving events both small & large. The storefront coffee shop located on Coors Blvd doubles as a gathering place for game nights & pop up markets that embody the spirit of community. They regularly partner with local bakeries & other small businesses to broaden their menu offerings. Some of their other local partners include New Mexico Tea Co & Los Poblanos. 

Java Joe's has been an Albuquerque favorite spot for more than 20 years. Their commitment to supporting the community is unwavering. They partner with many local farms & growers to source fresh dairy & produce. They artisan roast their own beans & blend their teas in-house. With a wide variety of craft espresso drinks, daily & seasonal options too, you'll have plenty of choices to keep it fresh every time you visit. This cozy downtown spot also serves as a local art gallery, with a new artist featured monthly. They are also a staple at the Albuquerque Downtown Growers' market seasonally.

Whispering Bean Coffee Roasters is a local micro-roaster & coffee shop who is passionate about specialty grade, responsibly sourced coffee. They pay particular attention to the unique characteristics of each roast & offer espresso drinks, pour-over, cold brew & nitro brew to suit everyone's tastes. With locations in Albuquerque & Rio Rancho, providing a place for people to gather is at the heart of their community mind-set. They also offer sweet treats to accompany their delicious coffee, with many gluten free options. 

Cutbow Coffee Roastology represents more than 25 years experience & dedication to the craft of artisan coffee roasting. Originally from Albuquerque, Paul Gallegos honed his skills as a coffee roaster at Peet's Coffee in California, bringing his expertise back home in 2018. Part of the secret to his success is that he rarely roasts the same coffee the exact same way. Located just north of Old Town, Cutbow offers a welcoming space for the community. Whether you're seeking an artisan crafted coffee drink or the simple pleasure of superior brewed coffee or beans, Cutbow is sure to have the perfect option for you.  

O'Beans Coffee is a family-owned & run business who is passionate about quality & your coffee experience. They roast beans daily & offer a variety of origins. They are focused on how the ingredients, the roast & the procedures all yield that perfect cup. Their unique & memorable mobile coffee/catering cart is a 1971 VW van that you'll find at special events & functions. They specialize in catering to the thriving Albuquerque movie industry. In addition to the coffee cruiser, their brick & mortar VW themed shop provides a cozy gathering spot for the community. Keep reading for a special discount….

Our friends at O'Beans Coffee are giving 10% off of any drink for the month of February to anyone who mentions this newsletter offer! The perfect way to fuel up & warm up on these cold days is with a satisfying cup of coffee. Make sure you give them a visit, mention this offer & grab a cup of love. 

The 2024 Albuquerque real estate market has started a with a bit stronger rebound in inventory compared to last year this time. We are still in need of more available homes on the market as we head into the busy spring season. If you are thinking of selling your home, now is a great time to reach out to me! We are expecting a strong spring season with many buyers seeking new homes. If you are looking for your dream home, I can help you find your perfect fit.

Thanks for sharing space with me here again. It's really a privilege that you tune in each month! I hope you'll have some time to get out & enjoy all of the amazing spots our city has to offer. We are really fortunate to have so many passionate & skilled craftspeople as part of our community. The dedication of those who serve us with commitment & love through their craft is part of what makes up the heart & soul of Albuquerque.