Old Town Coffee

 

When most people think of Old Town in Albuquerque a few thoughts usually come to mind. That it’s a tourist destination, and full of souvenir shops. While that is true if you take the time to walk around and look at all the shops there is so much to discover. Now people know that I am a huge fan of coffee so I was surprised to find not one, but two great coffee shops within the plaza at Old Town. Both are incredibly unique in their offerings and are worth checking out the next time you are down there. 

Blackbird Coffee: Located on the east side of the plaza tucked away in the back of a small hidden walkway off the plaza lies Blackbird Coffee. It is easy to be distracted by the beautiful plants and fountain but keep walking past it and this coffee shop will be your destination. Walking in there are beautiful murals of what else? Blackbirds. This is a very comfortable setting with both indoor and outdoor seating, but of course you need a cup of coffee, and the signature offerings here are something you have never had before. I chose to have the Bison which was a latte that had Buttered Toffee, and sea salt. It was rich, creamy, and the salt cut through the sweetness perfectly to create a balanced drink that was smooth. In addition, their other signature drinks feature unique flavors such as red chile, lavender, and honey, and of course there are traditional coffee shop drinks. For non-coffee drinkers there are handcrafted plant-based sodas also in unique flavors. They also have a variety of delicious looking pastries, coffee for sale, and merchandise as unique as the coffee shop itself. I had seen this shop on a few of my trips to Old Town and was very glad I finally made the decision to stop. It won’t be my last time getting a drink from Blackbird. 

Flying Roadrunner Café: From the east side of the plaza to the west side lies yet another great café to stop at. Tucked away in the back past the wineries lies Flying Roadrunner Café, and this place is worth the visit. The inside of the building is beautiful with a large space, beautiful wood ceiling, and a jaw dropping mural in the corner featuring a roadrunner, and the church. What better place to enjoy a cup of coffee, and this is a place where you will want to try the pastries also. The drink menu here is more straightforward, but the one drink to try here is the Chai Tea. This is one of the best chai’s that I have had, with a great blend if spices, and the milk makes it rich, and creamy. As far as the pastries are concerned there are great options for both fans of sweet and savory. For savory fans the Red Chile Corn Muffin is a must try. It is not too dry, and the heat creeps up on you with each bite making for a delicious, spicy bite that can only be found in New Mexico. For fans of sweet fans this place has great options of Cruffins. There is both a strawberry, and chocolate hazelnut both of which are delicious. The strawberry had great flavor, and the fruit adds a fresh flavor. The chocolate hazelnut is pure indulgence, and is so rich, but sometimes that is not a bad thing. This is a place I have really come to enjoy, and one that is a place I must stop at while in Old Town every time now. 

While Old Town has so much to offer in terms of shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions it can sometimes be an overwhelming place. Even I was surprised to discover these coffee shops existed in all the times I have been there. It serves as a reminder that as you walk around to pay attention to what is around, I was glad I did as I found two great gems that I know I will visit again. 

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