By Amy G. Rothlin
‘Café Quería’, (a cool blend of Spanish words ‘taqueria and ‘cafeteria) isn’t your typical taco spot, we Epicurious souls know that there are tacos included in most of San Miguel menus, however, dear Insiders, you are in for a treat! This spot isn't just about filling your belly, it's about fostering a sense of community.
Young entrepreneurs, Tim and Andrix, have woven their passions for tacos and coffee into a delightful tapestry. The minimalist decor sets a relaxed tone, divided into what I perceive as three different sections: First, the coffee bar with its intoxicating aroma, then we ascend the stairs to discover a tranquil dining area with shelves brimming with donated books and a vintage piano that adds a touch of charm, creating the ideal space for catching up on work or getting lost in a good read, then we go on to the back patio, I always enjoy siting in the outdoors, this area offers a cool escape even on warm days, this is where the magic truly happens – the enticing sizzle of the Mezquite infused grill promises an explosion of flavor with every bite, you’ll see! Open from 8am to 6pm, Café Quería caters to both early risers and late lunchers. Their breakfast menu, available until 3pm, features almuerzo plates inspired by Andrix's native state of Hidalgo, sharing a delicious tribute to his family's culinary legacy. If you are looking to wow your taste buds try his Chilaquiles Verdes (Crisp handmade tortilla drenched in their tomatillo green sauce, the plate is mixed with black beans) and the Enchiladas de papá (Fathers’ Enchiladas).
The enticing sizzle of the grill keeps mingling with the fragrant Mezquite smoke, so let’s talk Tacos! We had terrific edible masterpieces wrapped with handmade tortillas, the arrachera and the adobo chicken tacos are all guaranteed crowd-pleasers. Do yourself a favor and don't miss the volcanes, from their signature specialties – the Popo-catepetl (Crispy tortilla topped with a cheese crust, freshly made guacamole, and your choice of protein) and Tortilla Azteca (Crispy handmade tortilla, topped with skirt steak, bone marrow, guacamole, salsa macha, chopped onion, and cilantro) are melt-in-your-mouth delicious, beware, portions are generous.
Vegetarians and vegans are well-catered too. I’m always grateful for options, and so another positive is their tasty selection of salsas, pickled onions, and sauteed potatoes, there are no wrong choices here, only difficult ones! All the fresh fixings add layers of flavor to every bite. Last but not least for those of you with a sweet tooth, you can order pastries from Shophie Fine Bakery next door, perhaps the subject of a future San Miguel Taste Column.
Café Quería goes beyond the plate. Deeply invested in the community, Tim and Andrix are actively involved with Young Life Mexico, an organization dedicated to empowering youth. Through their restaurant, they've developed a program to teach ‘underprivileged’ San Miguel youngsters valuable life skills like food preparation, coffee brewing, customer service, and the responsibilities that come with work. Meeting Tim, Andrix, and their crew was truly inspiring, the world sure needs more people like them, we are fortunate to have them in our community.
Café Quería is more than meets the eye, it surprised me at every turn, from their innovative concept and mouthwatering food to their dedication to empowering youth truly captured my heart. Offering more than just a place to unwind, it provides a chance to connect with our community or simply to savor a perfectly brewed cup of coffee.
Visit them at Salida Celaya #26, about 100 meters from ‘La Casona’ on the opposite side of the road. If you would like to support or know more about Young Life SMA, follow on Instagram: @younglifesma
If you wish to invite the San Miguel Taste Insiders Team to visit your place, please contact Amy: amy.grothlin@gmail.comand follow on Instagram
@sanmigueltaste
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