Cafecito — Restaurant in Denver

I discovered Cafecito in a bit of a funny way because I was trying to find the correct spelling in Spanish (and if you're curious, it can be cafecito or cafécito). In doing so, this was the first result that came up in my Google search. To see it was local was enough of a sign from the Universe I needed for me to visit.

I typically spend my Sunday mornings bedrotting and doomscrolling, but finding this so serendipitously was my sign to get up, get dressed, and head out to try.

Being new to Denver, I hadn't been to this side of town, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but upon parking, I felt an instant connection to a neighborhood that reminded me of my childhood. My husband and I walked into the shop and were amazed by how clean and welcoming the place felt. The lady at the register was so bright and friendly, too! My husband ordered the Café de Olla, and I got the Mexican Mocha and two conchas.

We didn't have to wait long and sat down to enjoy our breakfast at one of the cute tables they had (side note: this place will be our new weekly work/study spot since there are plenty of tables and chairs and two big couches).

The Café de Olla was perfectly sweet and a match made in heaven with the concha. The Mexican Mocha reminded me of the hot chocolates I'd enjoy in the winter in Mexico as a kid, just with that extra kick of caffeine to wake up. Both coffees were brewed perfectly, not bitter or watery. The conchas were also delicious and fresh. Also, the merch was awesome, and I can't wait to come back and buy a few pieces to represent! They also offer breakfast burritos with sausage or chorizo (no vegan/vegetarian options that I could see), and from what I could see on other's plates, those burritos are definitely your money's worth!

Cafecito's website says they are "more than just a coffee shop. It's a cultural hub, a meeting place, and a home away from home for the Latino community in Montbello. We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive space where everyone can come together to enjoy a cup of coffee and experience the rich flavors of Latino culture." As a Mexican American, I'm very excited to stay updated on any events they may have to bring our community together if that's what they have planned!

Cafecito, if you read this, know you've earned a customer for life and a big fan! I'm excited to see how you grow and bring people together :) Until then, nos vemos la próxima semana when I come in to get...

The coffee is amazing, and when the place doesn’t have more than one or two people in it, the service is good. But more than two people, or an issue with the register? You’re going to have a bad time.

Their receipt printer screwed up, and the cashier reset the transaction in the middle of me trying to get my rewards points. Normally not a big deal. They couldn’t add them manually, so wound up voiding the transaction, re-ringing the transaction, and then give me my points.

Appreciated.

Then the barista that had just walked over to help with this situation, calls out my drink. When I attempt to take it? Tells me it’s not for me, but the woman who’s still in the middle of ordering.

I then have to ask for my order again from the cashier. The barista insisted that the cashier was wrong despite being told it was my drink. I felt so singled out and like I was in a spotlight, being told I was taking someone else’s drink like that.

I have rarely felt more embarrassed by a situation than this. I had decided to make this place a regular stop. I love supporting local businesses. But after that experience? It’s gonna be a while before I come back.

They need to work on customer service consistency as well as communication...

We were super excited to try a small Latino business, and had high expectations for their fusion lattes. The cafe is so cute and I couldn’t get enough of how well decorated it was while incorporating the Hispanic culture. Very aesthetic.

We ended up getting a cafechata and Mexican mocha. The drinks in my opinion were just alright. Cafechata was a solid 4/10, the nutmeg and cinnamon was too overpowering and not well balanced. Maybe that’s how it is supposed to be and I am just an outsider trying this drink but it wasn’t my cup of tea. Mexican mocha is hot chocolate to be honest, I am not sure what we were expecting but it is just hot chocolate so I didn’t feel the “Mexican” part come out. But let me clarify it does match the description.

Overall a super cute cafe and they have many pastries. I was a little disappointed that their breakfast burritos are premade and I am vegetarian so I didn’t get to try them. I would...