Specialty Coffee in El Salvador: From Established Icons to the New Wave
• By Sipping Beans
El Salvador’s coffee story is evolving from its role as a global exporter to becoming a destination for immersive coffee experiences. In 2025, specialty cafés across San Salvador and beyond are reshaping the way locals and travelers engage with coffee—merging tradition, innovation, and design-driven concepts. This guide explores the most influential cafés leading the movement.
El Salvador has always been a hidden gem in the global coffee world. With its fertile volcanic soils, altitude-rich landscapes, and centuries of cultivation, the country produces some of the most sought-after beans in specialty markets.
But in recent years, the spotlight has shifted inward. San Salvador and beyond are now home to a thriving specialty coffee scene, where design-driven cafés, world-class baristas, and bold entrepreneurs are redefining what it means to enjoy coffee in El Salvador.
Whether you are traveling through San Salvador, exploring new neighborhoods, or returning home for a visit, here’s a curated guide to the most important specialty coffee shops to visit in 2025.
1. Alquimia Coffee
Alquimia is more than a coffee shop—it’s a sensory laboratory created by internationally acclaimed barista Federico Bolaños. Ranked among The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops, Alquimia stands out for its minimalist design and immersive coffee experiences. Baristas here are “alquimistas,” crafting each cup with precision and storytelling, showcasing coffees from all over El Salvador. This is the place to understand coffee not just as a drink, but as a journey through aroma, terroir, and innovation.
2. Good Beans Coffee Shop
Good Beans Coffee Shop is a cozy, community-focused café offering high-quality Salvadoran coffee. Its intimate environment and carefully brewed drinks make it perfect for coffee enthusiasts seeking a quiet spot to enjoy specialty coffee. The café also features friendly staff and thoughtful presentation, creating a memorable experience for every visitor.
3. Crafters Coffee El Salvador
Crafters Coffee is modern, stylish, and community-oriented. Known for its innovative menu and attention to detail, it’s a hub for young professionals and creatives. The café emphasizes Salvadoran beans and a careful brewing process, ensuring every cup reflects the quality of local coffee production.
4. Café del Centro El Salvador
Located in the heart of San Salvador’s Historic Center, Café del Centro combines tradition and modernity. Visitors can enjoy a curated selection of specialty coffees while soaking in the historic architecture. The café is perfect for exploring the city and experiencing coffee culture that respects both heritage and innovation.
5. 1800 Café San Salvador
1800 Café is one of the newer players in the city, gaining recognition for its sleek design and emphasis on quality. The café highlights Salvadoran beans prepared through various brewing methods and doubles as a cultural hub where locals gather to socialize, study, or enjoy a peaceful coffee break.
6. Astra Coffee Roasters
Astra Coffee Roasters blends café and roastery in one space. With a focus on transparency and quality, Astra educates visitors about coffee origins, roast profiles, and brewing techniques. Its modern minimalist design appeals to coffee enthusiasts who want both flavor and knowledge in their coffee experience.
7. Café Fulanos
Café Fulanos is playful, experimental, and full of personality. Seasonal drinks, bold flavor combinations, and creative presentations make it a hotspot for coffee lovers seeking unique experiences. The lively atmosphere adds to its appeal, making it a favorite for social gatherings.
8. Carajo Coffee Shop
Carajo Coffee Shop combines contemporary design with a fun, approachable vibe. Its branding is playful, but the coffee is expertly crafted. The café has become a go-to spot for younger crowds, offering inventive drinks, friendly baristas, and a space perfect for socializing or photography.
9. Oveja Negra café
Oveja Negra is a café that fuses specialty coffee with gastronomy. With a modern aesthetic and culinary offerings, it provides a multi-sensory experience that highlights both coffee and food culture. It’s ideal for visitors who want a complete café experience beyond just the drink.
10. Viva Espresso El Salvador
Viva Espresso is a historic institution in San Salvador, renowned for its award-winning baristas and consistent quality. The café has helped shape the specialty coffee landscape in the country, combining tradition, expertise, and innovative approaches in espresso-based drinks.
