Lima’s Best Coffee Shop

And no, it’s not in Miraflores or Barranco.

I broke out of the Lima tourist bubble and rented an Airbnb on the border of Jesus Maria and Pueblo Libre. Little did I know, I had moved myself a block away from the best coffee shop in the city!

Before I go anywhere, I do a recon on all the most enticing-looking coffee shops that are under a 10-minute walk from wherever I’m staying. I have never been a morning person, so I need to know where I can drag myself, bleary-eyed and half-awake (most likely in my Adidas track pants), to become fully human once more.

This trip, I decided to spend more time in the less-touristy neighborhoods, but as I was on the outskirts of two neighborhoods, I was worried about my ability to intake caffeine without a twenty-minute walk. I found Barra Cafeteadora on the excellent Pueblo Libre blog, a mere two-minute walk from my Airbnb in the BH South building. It seemed too good to be true.

Down a residential street and with an innocuous entrance, it could be easy to miss Barra Cafeteadora. Look for the green gate filled with plants and an open doorway. The cafe is quite small and busy, but every time I went, there was at least one seat or a small table available. They have an extensive menu of cold brew and hot coffee specials, hot chocolate, food items, and a coffee-and-pisco cocktail menu.

Everyone working was so friendly. They were so patient with my kindergarten Spanish and made the coffee shop such a warm atmosphere. You could tell it was a neighborhood favorite from the sheer variety of people coming by for coffee and a chat with the owner. All of their coffee beans come from the different regions of Peru and they hold a bi-annual coffee festival in the Pueblo Libre neighborhood.

I ordered the Naranjoso, cold-brew coffee with orange juice, and the Chaploso, which turned out to be a Peruvian grilled cheese made with a local flatbread and deliciously salty Andean cheese. I want to only drink my coffee with orange juice. The coffee was very chocolatey, and its richness complemented the sweetness and acidity of the orange juice. My two favorite breakfast drinks now in one convenient glass!

As I was having breakfast, the owner came by with a tiny mug of their latest pourover, made with coffee from the Peruvian Amazon, for all of the customers to try.

I had such an amazing time here, I ended up coming back every single morning of my trip and forgoing the other coffee shops! Even if you are staying in Miraflores, come by here on your way to Museo Larco or just for a delicious coffe and a chance to observe a slice of local life (and some really good carrot cake).

Fast Facts

Name: Barra Cafeteadora

Address: Jirón Juan Antonio Arrieta 127, Pueblo Libre 15084, Peru

Hours: 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Price: Between 10 and 20 soles per drink or food item