Where Better to Enjoy Colombian Coffee Than in Bogotá?

Varietale is the epitome of Bogotá’s coffee culture. Both of its locations attract a youthful, energetic crowd from nearby universities, with dedicated baristas serving coffee prepared using cutting-edge techniques, such as a towering Japanese cold-brew setup.

The Chapinero spot houses Varietale’s roastery, where green beans are roasted into the light blends that define the brand. Both venues are set in charmingly renovated houses with lush gardens, offering cozy corners ideal for quiet chats or focused meetings.

Located just off Plaza Bolívar in Bogotá’s historic center, Arte y Pasión Café combines vintage charm with modern comfort, making it a cozy retreat on a chilly day. The café offers a diverse selection of Colombian coffee brands. Its barista school ensures a steady flow of knowledgeable new baristas who can detail the intricacies of their coffee and brew it using various methods, from Aeropress to the traditional Colombian café colado, which is filtered through a fabric contraption on a wire frame.

Introduced as the face of the Colombian Coffee Growers Federation in the 1950s, Juan Valdez is arguably the most iconic figure in coffee history. Although Juan Valdez is fictional, the chain of coffee shops named after him is very real, boasting 209 locations across Colombia and over 100 internationally.

While a typical Juan Valdez café resembles a Colombian version of Starbucks, this three-story location stands out with its specialty approach. Coffee is categorized by region and brewed using your choice of pour-over methods. The ground floor features a cozy, farm-inspired aesthetic with rustic ceramic tiles, vertical gardens, and plush armchairs, while the upper floors offer long communal tables and a relaxing rooftop area with comfortable sofas.

A leading player in Colombia’s burgeoning specialty coffee scene, Amor Perfecto began roasting in the mid-1990s and has since expanded its reach to over 600 bakeries and restaurants nationwide. The café has also been a breeding ground for multiple national coffee champions.

Amor Perfecto sources its beans from various regions in Colombia, focusing on small batches that spotlight individual growers, including the renowned Astrid Medina. At the flagship location in Chapinero, you'll find a coffee lab where the beans' journey from green to finished product is showcased, featuring rare varieties like Gesha and unique processing techniques such as the honey process.

This spot is a must-visit for any coffee enthusiast, offering a glimpse into one of Colombia's pioneering specialty coffee ventures.

At Colo Coffee, Paola and José infuse their deep expertise into every cup, focusing on supporting coffee growers through curated selections. They categorize their offerings into Ancestros (traditional Colombian varieties) and Contemporáneos (coffees with modern processing techniques).

Colo Coffee is a paradise for enthusiasts, providing training and certifications in both Spanish and English. The Zona T location boasts a refined ambiance with a chic, multi-level design and glass walls, while the Quinta Camacho café offers a cozy, neighborhood feel with its inviting outdoor garden.

Nestled in the vibrant Quinta Camacho neighborhood, this charming Parisian bakery offers a delightful array of treats, including chocolate brioche, almond croissants, and truffles made from Colombian cacao. Enjoy these delicacies with Libertario coffee sourced from the nearby La Palma y El Tucán farm. Housed in a beautifully restored home, the café features cozy, intimate corners and a welcoming patio for outdoor enjoyment.

Café Cultor offers a unique atmosphere at each of its four locations: from a converted shipping container to a cozy nook inside the Luis Ángel Arango library, to a comfortable spot within the Wilborada bookstore, and a flagship store where you can observe the roasting process. Despite their varied settings, all locations share a dedication to exceptional coffee craftsmanship.

One standout at Café Cultor is the tangy limonada de café, which eschews traditional lemon juice and coffee for a zesty flavor derived from mucilage, the coating on raw coffee beans. Another highlight is the Café Don Agustino, a special coffee drink inspired by traditional farm-style preparations with added spices and fruit.

Popular among locals and international visitors alike, Café Devoción offers a unique blend of old-world charm and cutting-edge brewing technology. With its vintage pharmacy aesthetic and shelves lined with vials and jars, it exudes nostalgia, but its coffee-making equipment is thoroughly modern, featuring one of Bogotá’s largest Japanese cold-brew towers. The café has also expanded to New York, with locations in Williamsburg and Downtown Brooklyn.

Located near Parque de la 93, Azahar offers a stylish environment perfect for business lunches or casual afternoon breaks. Their coffee is ethically sourced with transparent pricing from farmers, and the menu features fresh salads, soups, traditional arepas, and hearty dishes like pork bondiola with hogao (Colombian tomato sauce). Ingredients like Colombian chimichurri and local potatoes enhance the flavors of their dishes.

As one of the city's largest coffee destinations, the two-story Usaquén branch serves as the face of a family-owned coffee farm dating back to 1972. Its murals transport you to the verdant mountains of Colombia's Coffee Triangle. With a display of coffee plants at various growth stages, it offers a glimpse into the farming process. The coffee here is roasted darker than the typical specialty brew, catering to those who appreciate a more traditional taste.

Catación Pública is a cozy coffee spot with an impressive roasting area and lab situated at the back. Founded by renowned Colombian roaster Jaime Duque, who previously worked with the Colombian Coffee Growers Federation, this shop in Usaquén showcases his expertise in sourcing exceptional coffee from across the country. The shop offers personalized or group training sessions and serves coffee brewed using various pour-over techniques or as espresso throughout the day.

The main attraction here is the enchanting garden-like ambiance, even indoors. The charm is enhanced by wrought-iron furniture, a lush array of trees, ferns cascading from the ceiling, a plethora of antiques, and terra-cotta flooring.

Since its opening in 1993, El Altillo del Sol has featured Segafredo coffee, an Italian brand. The cappuccino is a must-try, and you can enjoy it with whipped cream and arequipe, the Colombian version of dulce de leche. Alternatively, sample the carajillo, a Spanish-influenced drink where coffee is mixed with liquor, such as rum or aguardiente, a local anise-flavored liqueur. The menu also includes a variety of empanadas, alfajores (cookies filled with arequipe), and milhojas (a type of napoleon with arequipe), reflecting the owners' Argentinian heritage.