Ábaco Libros y Café — Local services in Cartagena

I started my Friday morning looking for a change of pace and found this charming bookstore–coffee shop tucked away in the heart of Cartagena. The moment you walk in, you’re surrounded by towering stacks of books that give the space a warm, old-world feel. Tucked in the back is a cozy coffee bar with a surprisingly strong offering — including a siphon setup and pour-over options for the coffee aficionados.

I went for a simple macchiato and a chocolate croissant, and both hit the spot. The staff speaks great English and is helpful in guiding you through their curated book and gift selection. If you stop by, I recommend grabbing a spot on the small front patio — seating is limited but it’s a great place to soak in the atmosphere.

I’m planning to come back Saturday to explore more of their coffee options. All in all, a peaceful, welcoming spot...

I had the worst customer experience during my stay in Colombia. Unacceptable behavior from the two waiters serving on the morning of last Monday, October 14th. I can accept that a waiter can have a bad day; but I can't accept that both of them never smiled, were rude and acted as they just couldn't wait to finish their shift. They were snorting, welcoming every customer like it was the biggest effort of their life. They both also had lunch while working behind the counter, eating burgers while customers were popping in the shop. If there's anything they could do to make a customer feel unwelcomed, they did it. Other customers besides me thought exactly the same.

It's a pity that in a place that looks that good, because this café does, the employers...

A beautiful place for book-lovers to hang out, with excellent coffee. Cool and calm, although it can get busy occasionally. The English books section should be expanded to at least a third of the store, since that is what most customers seem to be after, and one bookshelf is not really enough. The English range is also limited and a bit tired, which I don't really understand because the Spanish side is really good and extensive (with many translated versions of current English books). It feels like somebody is trying to keep the book side of the business relevant, but maybe they don't have the staff; in the day just two guys on the till and making coffee. The shop turns into a small restaurant in the evening, which I've...