Rio Rancho Coffee

 





Like most people I enjoy starting everyday with a cup of coffee. Also like most people I occasionally enjoy going to a coffee shop to enjoy something more than black coffee. Unfortunately, I don’t always enjoy going to the large chain coffee shops where the line is excessively long, and the drinks aren’t always worth the price. So, it came as such a pleasant surprise when I moved to New Mexico how many independent, and locally operated coffee shops there really were. I was also very happy to discover that two of them are right in Rio Rancho with great offerings at both locations.

Gnomad Coffee: Located off Unser and Cherry in the parking lot of a furniture store it is easy to pass this bright blue truck if you aren’t paying attention. Well, if you stop you will not be disappointed. The owner is very friendly, passionate about coffee, and has a large menu with a variety of coffee drinks. The mocha is one of the best I have had only for the reason that it is not sweet. The chocolate and espresso are the perfect amount of bitter making for a delicious drink. Another must try is the Tiramisu Latte. The almond syrup has a unique flavor, and the cocoa powder garnish reminds you of that classic dessert. No matter what you order though the lattes are all delicious, creamy, and not too bitter. There are also great options for non-coffee drinkers including a wide variety of smoothies. The only one I have tried so far was the Beachgnomer, but it was delicious, tropical, and refreshing. The mix of pineapple, mango, orange, and banana is very fresh tasting, and reminds you of those great summer drinks on the beach. Also available are milkshakes, affogato, and black coffee. A little off the beaten path, but well worth the drive to start your morning or for that afternoon pick me up.

Oval Dogs: Located off Northern and Quantum in a small warehouse this is another place that would be easy to not know about. But follow the signs and you will be inside a small coffee shop and roastery. This place is small on the inside with only a couple seats at the bar, but there are some patio tables outside to enjoy your coffee with a view of the Sandia. The beans are roasted on sight, and the variety of coffee will please fans of all growing regions. But of course, in addition to the roasted beans there is also a menu of lattes with unique flavors I haven’t seen elsewhere including maple and honey. In addition to coffee there is also tea and tea lattes including matcha and chai. My favorite drink was the Americano. The day I was there it was made with their Sumatra roast, another of my favorites and it was so smooth and complex in flavor no cream or sugar was required. I look forward to trying more of their menu in the weeks to come, but this will be a place where not only will I enjoy a cup, but I will leave with beans to enjoy during the week.

As somebody who has always loved coffee, and even at one point was a barista I love that there are so many options to get a great cup of coffee. Small batch roasters, and off the beaten path coffee shops make for a great experience that you won’t find with larger chain locations. While I started this search in Rio Rancho, I look forward to exploring the state on cup at a time.  

To see more photos of my adventures follow me on Instagram @the_nm_tx and tag me using #thenmtx


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