The Best Coffee Shops in Taos

Coffee is the second most popular drink in the world—right after water. And Taos’ coffee scene is testament to the fact that Taoseños love their coffee as much as anyone!

Buoyed by a community of artisan roasters, our bounty of independent coffee shops is ever growing. From those that focus mostly on the delicious brew itself, like Café Sagrado and Taos Java, to those whose offerings include fantastic baked goods, ice cream, and food, like KoKo and Taos Cow, Taos guarantees you will not go uncaffeinated. But with all of these choices and only a few days to enjoy the slopes and sights, how does one decide where to get one’s morning kick? What are the very best coffee shops in Taos?

For coffee lovers, it’s a real treat to discover a local coffee shop where you can savor a cup of coffee and connect with the local community. While there are many coffee shops here, there are a few that stand out with their own, distinctive local flair.

From hipster elixirs to the best espresso, this is where to find the best coffee shops in Taos. Not just the best places to go for a great cup of coffee but a great room too. This is a short list of 3 of the best coffee shops in Taos, north, south, and in the middle. Might not want to try them all in one day unless you plan on being awake until next January, though….

World Cup Café

On the northeast corner of Taos Plaza, the World Cup’s origins are legendary; it began as a Black Diamond Coffee cart in Taos Ski Valley. It then branched out to a cart on Bent Street before arriving in its hole in the Plaza wall. It’s at the top of the list of the best coffee shops in Taos for its classic café culture along with excellent espresso that keeps customers coming back time and again. It’s a local institution and a destination spot for visitors, and it’s not uncommon to run into folks you probably wouldn’t cross paths with otherwise. Try the classic espresso if you are a purist or the silky smooth Café Borgia if you’re in the mood for a real treat. Everything is organic, from the coffee to the baked goods. The Cup’s motto is Resist Mediocrity. Indeed. 

There’s no website; either you know or you don’t. Open from 7 am to 6ish pm.

The Coffee Apothecary

A relative newbie on the scene, this café has earned itself a solid and well-deserved reputation as the hipster fave aqui en Taos. Eiffel chairs amplify the old meets new Taos vibe, lending The Coffee Apothecary a unique, yet cosy, ambiance. The coffee is excellent―they roast their own beans―and they know what they are doing, earning them a secure spot among the best coffee shops in Taos. Pablo Flores learned to make coffee as a kid from his dad, Greg, who started Elevation Coffee years ago after purchasing the original Black Diamond/World Cup’s cart. The service is great, the vibes are cool, and they have fast Wi-Fi, yummy treats, good conversation, and great esthetics. You can’t beat it for an afternoon meeting or a morning drop-in.

Located at 616 Paseo Del Pueblo Sur, they close at 4pm. 

Elevation Coffee

Last but not least on the list of the best coffee shops in Taos is Elevation Coffee. North of town on the way to TSV, is the perfect morning pit stop on your way to a day on the mountain. It’s also the perfect spot to take your laptop and spend some time working. Wi-Fi and great coffee make for an inspiring combination in this spacious room that allows for privacy while also being a community hub. Like The Apothecary, it was begun by Greg Flores and his former partner, Ellen. The current owners have continued the stellar tradition and have brought their own charming, personal touch to the place. 

Located at 110 Paseo Del Pueblo Norte, El Prado. Open 6:30-4 daily.

All three cafés share another thing in common besides their origins in that humble coffee cart; they all offer outdoor as well as indoor seating, so you can enjoy your brew while soaking up a little of our legendary sunshine, no matter the season.