Where to sip on or buy authentic Puerto Rican coffee in Florida

If you’re wondering where to find that special, aromatic Puerto Rican coffee, here are five places in Florida with a large Boricua population that you can visit for a taste of home in a tacita (or where to buy it online!). 

If there is one thing Puerto Ricans love first thing in the morning, is a good, strong cup of coffee to start the day energized. And who can blame them?

First, there is the aroma: sweet, strong, embriagador. Then there is the coffee’s unique flavor: smooth and mellow; with hints of almond, plum, and other nuts; while the predominant note is a sweet, chocolatey taste.

What makes Puerto Rican coffee special

If you are wondering why this coffee is so special or unique, the answer lies in the island’s geography. Puerto Rico’s climate, volcanic soil, and altitude (up to 3,500 feet above sea level) combine to bring a unique flavor to the 100% Arabica beans that, according to historians, first came to the island in 1736, when coffee was brought over by the Spaniards. 

In fact, Puerto Rican coffee is so uniquely delicious, that its popularity spread to European royal courts and cities, earning it the moniker “coffee of popes and kings.”

Of course, there are many ways to enjoy the delicious café with the royal pedigree. In almost every coffee shop on the island, you can order a single espresso, or porcillo. The “cortadito,” an espresso with a thin layer of foam, is another favorite. And the “café con leche, ”or latte, is a staple in most Boricua homes.

Where to buy Puerto Rican coffee in Florida

If you’re wondering where to find that special brew in the Sunshine State, here are 5 places in Florida with a large Boricua population that you can visit for a taste of home in a tacita. 

1. Café Coquí

Named after the very Boricua Coquí, the tiny frog with the unique call that gives it its name, this small, homey rinconcito in Orlando is an authentic Puerto Rican bakery and custom cake shop. It specializes in pastries, but their Cappuccinos, Cortaditos, and Double Espressos —  oh my! — are made with real Puerto Rican coffee. For something extra special, try their exquisite Café Bombón, a unique blend of espresso and condensed milk that gives the cup a uniquely rich flavor. Of course, their rich Coquí latte is their crowning glory. 

Can’t make it to Café Coquí? No worries, you can always order online. 

Where: 3819 Avalon Park East Boulevard, Orlando

For more information visit HERE.

2. Café Don Juan

This high-concept coffee shop was established in 2012 by Juan Pablo Torres, a young barista with a mission: to offer coffee lovers an experience based on “Specialty Coffees” combined with inspirational spaces that invite them to stop and appreciate the moment while enjoying a good cup of coffee.

What is so special about a cup of  Don Juan’s coffee? Each cup is brewed using the “drip method,” which is also known as “pour over,” which helps bring out the best flavors, aromas, and textures of the bean.

This is definitely the place for serious, committed coffee lovers. Another perk? You can also buy real Puerto Rican coffee on their website. 

Where: 1100 Orlando Ave, Winter Park

For more information visit HERE. 

3. Bistro Cafe

After enjoying a delicious, authentic Puerto Rican meal, is there anything better than being served dessert with a good cup of coffee from the island? It’s the way to cerrar con broche de oro! 

Situated in Coral Gables, the “City Beautiful,” Miami’s Bistro Café offers signature drinks that look like works of art and taste like home.

That’s because the coffee is flown from Puerto Rico, but the twist is certainly international and unique. A cappuccino topped with crème brûlée, the classic French dessert with a custard base and a caramelized sugar crust? Coffee with Nutella or pistachio? Yes!  

Where: Bistro Cafe, 4155 Laguna Street, Coral Gables

For more information visit HERE.  

4. Pal Campo

Pal Campo Restaurant — 2023 Award Winner for Best of Tampa Bay Best Puerto Rican Restaurant — offers a unique dining experience in Central Florida; a cozy, welcoming place where you can relax and enjoy grandma’s cooking away from home. 

But when you go for the coffee, great coffee is what you get! El cafecito comes straight from Puerto Rico to your cup and – best of all – you can order Café Ñeñito online, or buy it right on the premises to brew your cup at home. 

Where: 9218 Anderson Rd, Tampa

For more information visit HERE. 

5. El Punto Sandwich Cafe

OK, so the word Sandwich is in the name of this iconic Kissimmee restaurant. But don’t let this fool you. This coffee will blow you away! And not only for its flavor, but because here is an actual cup of coffee that you can have fun with; nay, that can actually inspire you! 

The owners of El Punto invite you to order their unique cup of coffee with inspiring art printed on top. You may want to frame your cup, but you’ll certainly end up drinking it, because El Punto only uses the most robust coffee known for its rich creme, strong aroma, and excellent medium roast. In fact, it has been Puerto Rico’s #1 coffee for 100 years. 

Where: 3850 S Orange Blossom Trail, Kissimmee

For more information visit HERE. 

Where you can buy Puerto Rican coffee online

Here are three different options, each with its own characteristics.

• Puerto Rico Coffee Shop has an extensive variety of coffees to choose from. 
• Puerto Rico Coffee Hub offers artisan coffee and Marca Di Laris, the first kosher coffee produced in Puerto Rico. 
• Cuatro Sombras has a variety of authentic Boricua coffee made using ancient and traditional techniques. 

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.