CUMBÉ Coffee Roasters — Restaurant in Mexico City

Update December 2024: returned to give Cumbé another chance and are very glad we did. Probably the best flat white in the city, and the only place I've found that does long blacks.

The two folks (manager and cashier) who were working were very kind and hospitable, and we really enjoyed having coffee inside their space (much quieter/cozier).

__ CDMX Eats 2024 #99, Cafe/bakery #26: had been wanting to try this place forever as it's one of (if not only?) place I could find that does a proper long black.

When I arrived here, the place was empty except one couple eating inside. As I approached the bar, they asked if I was ordering for here or to-go. I answered for her, and they told me I could order via QR code. I told them I knew what I wanted and could I just order at the bar/register. They said yes.

I ordered a long black $40 and “magic” $56. Things were going well until I noticed they were preparing my drinks in paper, to-go cups. I had told them I was going to have my coffee here, so I was pretty confused. A big reason I wanted to come here was not only for proper drinks but also the proper drinkware (my friend from Sydney always makes fun of cafes for serving flat whites in the wrong cups).

I was super disappointed to be drinking my drinks in paper cups, but I didn't want to complain as the drinks were already made. Not surprisingly our drinks became cold very quickly outside. It's also hard to really rate how good the drinks were as they got cold quickly and again: paper cups.

Besides the paper cups, the wifi didn't work outside, and there's a lot of traffic/noise on the street (Monterrey is always busy).

I'm not sure I'd come back as it's ~30 minute walk from where I live. If I did come back, I'd ask them to prepare my drink in ceramic cups and I'd definitely sit/drink inside.

For those that think they may have run out of proper drinkware: as I was leaving to return/throw away our to-go cups, they were preparing two drinks in ceramic cups.

Other cafes I like, recommend, and that use ceramic cups 😅: Sonāmbulo (hipódromo), Chiquitito (condesa), Kiyo (juarez), Cardinal Casa...

I don't normally write reviews, but this café deserves my time to say a few words. My husband and I have been in Mexico City for a month, we have visited many top rated cafés looking for that perfect cup, we found it here! • Smooth, balanced coffee that has a kick to it. (FYI, coffee in Mexico, contrary to believe isn't strong and usually lacks flavor. Not sure if all cafe's understand the boiling point differs at higher altitudes which in short, impacts the brew- and some beans are not top quality as those apparently get shipped abroad!!) • Good variety of treats, including vegan options. We love the mini vegan chocolate chip cookies! You can also find fine vegan chocolate bars to take home. • Extremely caring service and a welcoming environment in which you are in no rush to leave and all staff are nice. • They did a good job sheltering from the noisy major road that this cafe is on. You're surrounded by nice plants and trees.

In closing, I recommend taking home some beans- they also sell other things like travel cups, and a cute bag which has become my favorite...

Cafe with warm vibes and plants all around. Mostly interior seating although dogs were welcome enough that I always saw 1 dog inside, sometimes up to 3. They offer a variety of espresso based drinks in addition to a pourover. The pourover comes in your choice of chemed, aeropress, and origami and their is also a choice of beans that isn’t listed but is told to you. I decided to get the honey process using an origami filter. Beans, at least for the pourover, are ground fresh with a Mahlkonig EK 43 and served in a nice little glass carafe and glass cup (not double walled sadly). Coffee itself was fairly close to what I’d expect from a honey process coffee which is honestly my own fault since they did offer me a natural and washed process coffee. The coffee itself had a little funk but mostly reminded me of caramel and plum, wish it had more acidity. The finish was a smidge brighter though and the coffee actually lingered for a bit with some more of that acidity and papaya coming through. If I was here for longer I’d give it another shot but it’s certainly a...