Website / Facebook
- Rico’s Café. When I first moved to Mazatlán in the late 90s, I remember feeling bummed that I couldn’t find a spot for a great cup of morning coffee to save my life. It was surprising because I had assumed Mexican coffee would be awesome. But trust me, there was nowhere to go in Mazatlán for that first tasty cup of joe, until Marianne Biasottii Contes and her husband, Rogelio, opened up Rico’s Café at El Cid in 2000. Lucky for me, Rico’s was on the way to my office, so I started every day with their well-trained barista, espresso machine and the best organic coffee grown in Mexico. I’m so proud of Marianne and Rogelio for successfully expanding their locations and offerings. I always support local Mazatlán entrepreneurs who have a vision and make it happen. Plus Marianne and Rogelio are beautiful people and buenos amigos. I highly recommend you visit their establishments because supporting local entrepreneurs in Mazatlán is where it’s at. You can get Starbucks anywhere in the world, but you can only get Rico’s coffee at three locations in Mazatlán. They’ve also enhanced their food offerings to include huevos rancheros, Rico’s burrito with a chorizo-filled omelet (my personal favorite), baked goods, other breakfast items, and mucho mas. Rico’s Café also offers special community nights when local Mazatlecos speak Spanish to gringos who want to learn the language over a great cup of coffee or bocadillo.
Website / Facebook - Looney Bean. Looney Bean is the name of two other great coffeehouses in Mazatlán, run by another successful husband and wife entrepreneur team, Tom and Heidi Lonsdale. With the addition of new kitchens, they prepare full breakfasts to complement their baked goods and smoothies, and they also roast their own beans on site. Their original location at Playa Bruja in Cerritos doubles as an internet café with computers for public use. Built by Tom, it features local stone, which gives the place its unique character. Looking out at Olas Altas Beach, right across from the Malecon, their more recent location is typically jumping with activity in the morning. They also rent surfboards that add a whole new level of cool to a coffeehouse.
Website / Instagram / Google+ / Facebook - Casa Lucila Hotel. Okay, so I know this is a luxury hotel and not a coffeehouse, but it’s an awesome new addition to the Centro Historico area. Even if you’re not a guest at the hotel (they only have six rooms), you can enjoy an excellent cup of coffee and a tasty breakfast on their outside patio across from the Malecon. It’s a great place for people-watching, while taking in the Olas Altas beach and the ocean views. (If you prefer, indoor seating is available.) Plan to start your day here before walking around the Centro. In Casa Lucila’s former life as a seafood restaurant and jazz club, it used to be frequented by the likes of Ernest Hemingway, Robert Mitchum and John Wayne. I don’t know about you, but I get a rush sipping coffee at a place like that!
Website / Facebook - Chile’s Pepper. Again, Chile’s isn’t technically a coffeehouse, but call me a sucker for having my morning coffee while sitting at a table and watching the waves roll in from the ocean. When we first moved to Mazatlán 20 years ago, my wife and I always enjoyed starting our day here with coffee and breakfast. Chile’s stands the test of time.
