Antigua, Guatemala contains 300+ restaurants and cafes. There are so many excellent cafes to choose from. Whether you are looking for a vegan, dairy-free, chain or a local business, you will find it in Antigua.
1. Cafe Cafe Guatemala
Milk Alternatives: Almond, Coconut, Soy, Oat
Cafe Cafe Guatemala is the perfect place to grab a bite or a cup of coffee. Serving their own locally roasted coffee beans, Cafe Cafe Guatemala’s cafe lattes are fresh with an excellent balance of sweetness to acidity. If you prefer, they also serve a variety of teas and hot chocolate options. I tried the iced soy chai latte and found it to be divine. One of the most popular dishes they serve is a vegan take on Pepian. A local dish that typically contains chicken, Pepian is known for being a thick traditional stew. Instead of being served on rice, Cafe Cafe Guatemala wraps their Pepian stew in a rice-based crepe, topped with cilantro.
2. La Vid Coffee Roasters
Milk Alternatives: Almond, Soy, Oat
If you are looking for fresh coffee, La Vid Coffee Roasters is the place to go. As the name suggests they roast their locally sourced coffee beans in-house. This has resulted in superb filtered coffee, in comparison to other cafes that outsource their beans. They also have sparkling water available for the coffee connoisseur who wants to cleanse their palate between sips. Please note, that they do not have any tea or hot chocolate options available, as they focus on the coffee experience.
3. La Bruja
Milk Alternatives: Almond, Coconut
Although technically not a cafe, La Bruja does have an excellent variety of drinks to choose from. You will find a variety of fresh juices, lemonades, organic vegan wines, beer, french press coffee, medicinal teas, and creamy smoothies on the menu. Of course, if you are feeling hungry, you can always treat yourself to one of their popular vegan burgers or seasonal vegan desserts.
4. Samsara
Milk Alternatives: Almond, Coconut, Soy
Samsara is a vegan paradise! From tacos, shawarmas, burgers, bowls, vegan cheeses, dips, desserts, smoothies, and lattes, there are almost too many options to choose from. Due to their affordability, filling meals, and amazing variety, I found myself visiting Samsara more than once while in Antigua. Their breakfast is also divine! I thoroughly enjoyed their take on a vegan breakfast bagel sandwich. With a dairy allergy and egg intolerance, it is difficult to find restaurants that can accommodate. So I was extremely satisfied when I gave their breakfast sandwich a try.
5. Fat Cat Coffee
Milk Alternatives: Almond, Soy
Fat Cat Coffee is a quirky cafe, filled with digital nomads and local visitors. Great WIFI and a variety of coffee filtration options make Fat Cafe Coffee perfect for coffee lovers. For non-coffee drinkers, they also have smoothies, teas, kombucha and hot chocolate available. To eat, they offer dairy-free and vegan (opt for no honey) oatmeal. A filling meal, but it would have been great to have a dairy-free/vegan dessert option or banana bread.
6. Union Cafe
Milk Alternatives: Almond, Soy
With a spacious interior and a casual vibe, you will find this cafe is filled with friendly travelers. Known as a backpacker hot spot, you will find ex-pats and foreigners typing away on their computers or enjoying a vegan taco. Union Cafe’s menu has many dairy-free and vegan options available. From vegan tacos, cactus wraps, falafel bowls, and vegan pancakes! Whenever a dairy-free or vegan pancake option is available, I find it hard to resist. Although the lettuce topping was a bit strange, I thoroughly enjoyed the sweet dish and would try it again. A bonus is their prices are affordable and their breakfast even comes with a juice or coffee included.
7. Aria Coffee Roasters
Milk Alternatives: Almond
Aria Coffee Roasters is a small cafe located on the West side of town. As they roast their beans, you know you are getting a fresh cup. For those looking for a tea or non-coffee alternative, their iced almond chai latte is delicious. Although they do not have any vegan or dairy-free food options at this time, their coffee prices are very competitive, and they even offer a punch card to save for a free drink!
8. Cafe Condesa
Milk Alternatives: Soy
Cafe Condesa is a slice of Antigua’s history, located in a large historical colonial building. Their menu is massive and contains a variety of options to choose from, although less for those that are vegan and dairy-free. The avocado toast, several of their salads, a fruit board, and the minestrone can all be made vegan. I opted for their Mayan hot chocolate with soy milk. The drink was very rich and creamy, but kept me up all night! Make sure if you are caffeine-sensitive, to try the hot chocolate in the morning, haha.
9. Barista Coffee Antigua
Milk Alternatives: Soy
Right on the main square, you will find Barista Coffee. A popular coffee chain with locals and visitors. They were quick to accommodate me, and I purchased an iced decaf soy latte. Although I wouldn’t say it is the best coffee in Antigua, they can accommodate dietary restrictions and have a variety of options to choose from. Their location right on the square is also very convenient for those looking for a quick pick-me-up.
10. Starbucks
Milk Alternatives: Almond, Soy
You may be shocked to see Starbucks on my list, but hear me out. The vast majority of the cafes we visited in Antigua did not have decaf coffee or espresso. This puts someone like me, who loves coffee but can’t handle caffeine in a difficult position. While traveling the world I have found Starbucks to provide consistent products and options for those with dietary restrictions. The Antigua Starbucks has a gorgeous interior, with beautiful artwork, a fountain, an outdoor dining area, private sitting rooms, and excellent WIFI. Antigua Starbucks is by far, the most luxurious Starbucks I have ever seen, with cheaper prices than back home!
Check out the video of Starbucks Antigua below…
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