San Diego for Coffee Lovers: 4 Neighborhood Roasters That Will Make You Forget the Tinto de Olla
If you arrive in Cartagena thinking that coffee here is limited to the strong tinto de olla sold at Plaza de los Coches, get ready for a surprise. San Diego, that neighborhood of narrow streets and blooming balconies connecting the Historic Center with Getsemaní, has become the epicenter of artisanal coffee in the city in recent years. It's no coincidence: restored colonial houses, boutique hotels, and a wave of young baristas who decided the Caribbean could also have its own specialty coffee culture coexist here. In May 2026, the scene is more alive than ever, and these four neighborhood roasters are proof that good coffee isn't only found in Bogotá or Medellín.
San Diego has something no other neighborhood in Cartagena can offer: a mix of tradition and renewal felt on every corner. As you walk from Plaza de la Trinidad northward, you'll come across artisan workshops, art galleries, and, of course, those places where the aroma of freshly roasted beans stops you in your tracks. You won't find international chains or automatic Starbucks machines here. This is real coffee, with history, with method, and with owners who explain the origin of each batch as if they were telling you a family secret.
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The best part? Most of these roasters are less than a ten-minute walk from Plaza de la Trinidad, the heart of San Diego. So, arm yourself with patience, comfortable shoes, and a desire to taste, because this coffee route will leave your palate refined and your backpack loaded with beans to take home.
Why San Diego Is the Epicenter of Artisanal Coffee in Cartagena
To understand why San Diego claimed the title of specialty coffee in Cartagena, you need to look at a couple of things. First, the location: San Diego is the neighborhood connecting the mass tourism of the Center with the more relaxed vibe of Getsemaní. This means it attracts both travelers seeking authentic experiences and locals fleeing the noise of the main streets. Second, the architecture: the colonial houses with internal patios and high ceilings are the perfect setting for an artisanal roastery, where the heat of the roast isn't unbearable and the space invites you to stay for hours.
But the decisive factor was the people. Since 2020, a group of entrepreneurs—some native Cartagenans, others from other regions—saw that San Diego lacked a place where coffee wasn't just a breakfast accompaniment but the star. They started bringing beans from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Cauca, and Huila, and roasted them using methods that respect natural acidity and fruity nuances. Today, San Diego has more roasters per square meter than any other neighborhood in the city, and each has its own personality.
Furthermore, the neighborhood has become a magnet for freelancers and digital nomads. With internet connectivity improving each year (though don't expect South Korean speeds), and an offering of cafés that open early and close late, San Diego is the ideal place to work remotely while enjoying a pour-over or a cold brew. In May 2026, there are already at least five spaces offering tables with outlets, stable Wi-Fi, and, of course, specialty coffee at prices that won't break the bank.
What to Do in San Diego While Having a Coffee
San Diego is not just about coffee. It's a neighborhood that lives to the rhythm of its squares, churches, and murals. Before or after your roaster route, you can do this:
- Visit Plaza de la Trinidad: The quintessential meeting point. At night, it fills with cocktail vendors, live music, and a non-stop atmosphere. By day, it's the perfect place to sit on a bench and watch life go by.
- Stroll down Calle del Sargento: One of the most photographed streets in Cartagena, with its colorful houses and bougainvillea. Just steps from the roasters, it's ideal for a short walk.
- Enter the Iglesia de Santo Domingo: One of the oldest in the city, with its simple yet imposing facade. It's right next to Plaza de la Trinidad.
- Buy handicrafts on Calle de la Sierpe: Here you'll find everything from hand-woven hammocks to filigree jewelry. Perfect for taking home a souvenir without falling for the generic ones in the Center.
- Get lost in the surrounding streets: San Diego has narrow alleys that look like they're from a movie. Don't be afraid to wander; you'll always end up in a square or a new café.
The 4 Neighborhood Roasters You Can't Miss
Here are the four roasters that define the artisanal coffee scene in San Diego. Each has its own approach, its own bean, and its own ritual. I visited them all in the last weeks of April 2026, and here's what I found.
1. Café San Alberto: The Pioneer of Specialty Coffee in Cartagena
If there's one name every coffee lover knows in Colombia, it's Café San Alberto. This brand, originally from Bucaramanga, opened its first store in Cartagena years ago, but its location in San Diego—on Calle de la Sierpe, two blocks from Plaza de la Trinidad—best captures the neighborhood's essence. It's not a roastery in the strict sense (the roasting is done at its farm in Santander), but here you do see the selection and preparation process using specialty methods.
Origin of the bean: All beans come from its own farm in the municipality of San Alberto, Santander, at 1,600 meters above sea level. They grow varieties like Caturra, Bourbon, and Geisha, and the roast is medium to highlight sweetness and citrus acidity.
Roasting methods: Although roasting isn't done on-site, they receive already-roasted beans and store them under controlled conditions. In the store, the barista prepares your coffee using methods like V60, Chemex, AeroPress, or espresso. Ask for the Geisha if you want something truly special: it has notes of jasmine and honey.
Prices: An espresso costs around $5,000 COP (reference prices from May 2026). A Geisha pour-over can cost up to $18,000 COP. It's not cheap, but the quality justifies it.
Work-friendly atmosphere: The place has two floors. Upstairs, there's a space with large tables, wall outlets, and good natural light. The Wi-Fi is fast (about 30 Mbps download), and the noise level is moderate. However, it gets crowded with tourists on weekends, so it's better to go on weekdays if you need to concentrate.
Menu highlight: Besides coffee, they have fine pastries. The carrot cake with cream cheese frosting is a local favorite, and the almond croissant is perfect with an espresso. They also offer light lunches like quinoa bowls or turkey sandwiches.
How to get there on foot from Plaza de la Trinidad: Leave the square via Calle de la Sierpe (with the Iglesia de Santo Domingo on your left). Walk straight for two blocks; the place is on the corner with Calle del Sargento, in a white colonial house with a green sign. It's less than 5 minutes.
2. Mila Café: The Neighborhood Roaster with a Workshop Soul
Mila Café is the perfect example of how a local venture can transform a corner of San Diego. It's located on Calle del Porvenir, a pedestrian street connecting Plaza de la Trinidad with Avenida Santander. The place is small—barely four tables at the entrance and an inner patio with shade—but the heart of the business is in the back: an artisanal drum roaster where they roast small batches every week.
Origin of the bean: They work directly with small producers from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and Cauca. Their star bean is a washed Caturra from the San Pedro village in the Sierra Nevada, with notes of panela and orange. They also have an experimental batch of pink Bourbon that comes out only once a month.
Roasting methods: The owner, a Cartagenan named Andrés who used to be a food engineer, does the roasting on a 5-kilo drum roaster he bought second-hand in Bogotá. The process is slow: each batch takes between 12 and 15 minutes, and he controls the temperature by hand. The result is a medium-light roast that preserves fruity acidity. If you arrive early (between 8 and 10 am), you can watch the roasting live.
Prices: A filtered coffee (V60 or Chemex) costs $7,000 COP. A double espresso, $5,500 COP. A 250-gram bag of roasted beans goes for $22,000 COP. Reference prices from May 2026.
Work-friendly atmosphere: The inner patio has two large tables seating four people each, and there are outlets on one wall. The Wi-Fi is stable (about 20 Mbps), and the atmosphere is quiet, with instrumental jazz playing in the background. Ideal for work sessions of two or three hours. There's no restroom for customers, so plan your visit accordingly.
Menu highlight: The house cold brew, which they let steep for 18 hours at room temperature. It has a smooth flavor, with notes of dark chocolate and a clean finish. They also have a coffee lemonade that's perfect for Cartagena's heat: cold coffee, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of panela.
How to get there on foot from Plaza de la Trinidad: From the square, take Calle del Sargento north. At the first corner, turn right onto Calle del Porvenir. Walk half a block; Mila Café is on the left side, with a yellow facade and a wooden sign. It's a 3-minute leisurely walk.
3. La Tienda del Café: A Space for Tastings and Community
La Tienda del Café is not just a roastery; it's a coffee education center. It's located on Calle de la Media Luna, right on the border between San Diego and Getsemaní, but its heart beats in San Diego. The place is spacious, with a long wooden bar and shelves full of bean bags from different regions of Colombia. Here, you don't just drink coffee; you learn to distinguish a Bourbon from a Caturra, a washed from a natural.
Origin of the bean: They work with over 15 producers from across the country, but their specialty is beans from the Colombian Caribbean: the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the Serranía del Perijá, and Montes de María. They rotate origins each month to offer variety. In May 2026, they were promoting a batch of Typica from the La Tagua village in the Sierra Nevada, with notes of caramel and red fruits.
Roasting methods: They have a 12-kilo Probat roaster for commercial batches, but they also do micro-lots on a hot air roaster. The owner, a barista certified by the Specialty Coffee Association, prefers medium roasts that highlight sweetness without losing acidity. They offer guided tastings on Saturdays at 10 am, costing $25,000 COP per person (includes tasting of 4 coffees and a 100-gram bag).
Prices: An espresso costs $4,500 COP. A filtered coffee, $6,000 COP. 250-gram bags range from $18,000 COP to $35,000 COP for micro-lots. Reference prices from May 2026.
Work-friendly atmosphere: This is the best of the four for remote work. They have a back room with capacity for 10 people, featuring a long table, individual outlets, and fiber optic Wi-Fi (about 50 Mbps). The noise is low, and the staff doesn't mind if you stay for several hours with just one coffee. They also have a clean restroom and free filtered water.
Menu highlight: The affogato with artisanal vanilla ice cream. They pour a double espresso over a scoop of ice cream made with milk from the Coast. It's a perfect contrast between the coffee's bitterness and the ice cream's creamy sweetness. They also have a drink called "Café de la Abuela": filtered coffee with cinnamon, cloves, and panela, served hot or cold.
How to get there on foot from Plaza de la Trinidad: From the square, walk south on Calle de la Sierpe until you reach Calle de la Media Luna (that's 4 blocks). Turn left and walk half a block; the place is on the right side, with an exposed brick facade and a white sign. It's a 7-minute brisk walk.
4. Café del Mar Caribe: The Hidden Roaster with a Colonial Courtyard View
This is San Diego's best-kept secret. Café del Mar Caribe has no street sign; you enter through a wooden door on Calle de la Amargura, one block from Plaza de la Trinidad. Once inside, you're greeted by a colonial courtyard with a stone fountain and wooden tables. The roastery is in an adjacent room, where they roast small batches for the area's boutique hotels.
Origin of the bean: They focus on beans from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and the department of Magdalena. Their main batch is a washed Caturra from the El Encanto farm in Minca, with notes of citrus and honey. They also have a Geisha batch from the same farm, but it's only sold in 100-gram bags and sells out quickly.
Roasting methods: They use a 3-kilo Italian drum roaster, which the owner, an Italian who has lived in Cartagena for 15 years, operates with a slow roast profile (between 14 and 16 minutes). The result is a coffee with a silky body and bright acidity. They offer tastings in the courtyard if you request in advance.
Prices: An espresso costs $6,000 COP. A filtered coffee, $8,000 COP. A 250-gram bag of Caturra goes for $25,000 COP. The Geisha, $45,000 COP for 100 grams. Reference prices from May 2026.
Work-friendly atmosphere: The courtyard is an oasis of tranquility, with natural shade and the sound of the fountain's water. There are three tables seating two people each, and two outlets available on the back wall. The Wi-Fi is acceptable (about 15 Mbps), but the experience is more for relaxing than intense work. Ideal for reading or writing without rushing.
Menu highlight: The artisanal coffee de olla, which they prepare with organic panela from the Coast, cinnamon, and ginger. It's served in a clay pot and is enough for two people. It's the premium version of the traditional tinto de olla. They also have a board of coastal cheeses to accompany it.
How to get there on foot from Plaza de la Trinidad: From the square, walk east on Calle de la Amargura (the one that goes out behind the Iglesia de Santo Domingo). Walk one block and look for a green wooden door with no sign, on the right. Ring the bell and say you're going to the café. It's a 2-minute walk.
Where to Eat or Drink After the Coffee Route
After trying four roasters, you'll need something more solid in your stomach. San Diego has options for all tastes and budgets, from street food to almost-Michelin-star restaurants. Here are my recommendations:
- La Cevichería de la Trinidad: At Plaza de la Trinidad, this street stall sells fresh fish ceviche with lime, onion, and toasted corn. A plate costs $12,000 COP. Open from 11 am to 7 pm, but it sells out quickly.
- Restaurante Alma: On Calle del Sargento, this place offers Caribbean fusion cuisine with local ingredients. The rice with coconut and shrimp is a must. Dishes between $25,000 and $40,000 COP. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 12 pm to 10 pm.
- Demente Tapas Bar: On Calle de la Media Luna, specializing in Spanish tapas with a tropical twist. The yucca croquettes with coastal cheese are delicious. Tapas from $8,000 COP. Open Wednesday to Monday, 6 pm to 11 pm.
- Heladería Mondo: On Calle de la Sierpe, they sell artisanal ice cream made with local fruits. The lulo and passion fruit flavors are the most popular. A cone costs $7,000 COP. Open daily from 10 am to 9 pm.
How to Get There and Transportation in San Diego
San Diego is mostly a pedestrian neighborhood, but getting there is easy from anywhere in Cartagena. Here are the options:
- On foot from the Historic Center: If you're at Plaza de los Coches or the Torre del Reloj, walk north on Calle de la Sierpe. In 10 minutes you'll reach Plaza de la Trinidad.
- By taxi or Uber: From Rafael Núñez Airport, a taxi costs between $15,000 and $20,000 COP (reference prices from May 2026). Ask to be dropped off at Plaza de la Trinidad. From Bocagrande, the trip costs about $12,000 COP.
- By buseta: The busetas that go from Bocagrande to the Center (Ternera or Manga route) drop you off on Avenida Santander, a 5-minute walk from San Diego.
Historical or Contextual Introduction
San Diego, a neighborhood that combines Cartagena's colonial history with a vibrant contemporary culture, has seen a resurgence in coffee appreciation in recent years. This sector of the city is not only known for its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture but also for its growing community of coffee roasters that rescue and celebrate Colombia's coffee tradition.
The history of coffee in Colombia dates back to the 18th century, when the first plants began to be cultivated in the region. Cartagena, as a major port, played a crucial role in coffee exports, and although today it is more associated with tourism, coffee remains an integral part of its identity. In San Diego, visitors can find spaces where coffee is transformed into an art, from cultivation to the cup, highlighting the quality of local beans and the work of passionate baristas.
The coffee culture in San Diego is not just about drinking coffee; it's a whole experience involving interaction with producers and understanding different preparation methods. There is a strong emphasis on sustainability and supporting local farmers, which adds significant value to every cup served.
For coffee lovers visiting San Diego, here are some key points to consider:
- Single-origin coffee: Look for roasters that offer coffee from different regions of Colombia, each with its unique flavor profile.
- Courses and tastings: Some roasters offer workshops where you can learn about coffee preparation and tasting, a perfect opportunity to delve into the local coffee culture.
- Atmosphere: Many of these places are designed to be cozy, ideal for enjoying a good read or a conversation with friends.
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Local Tips
To enjoy the coffee experience in San Diego, here are some local tips to help you make the most of your visit:
La Casa del Caffè
Insider Tip: Don't miss their filtered coffee prepared with alternative extraction methods. Ask about the origin of the day's bean, as they often offer varieties from different regions of Colombia. Also, accompany your drink with a typical regional dessert, like arequipe tart.
El Barista
Insider Tip: This place specializes in manual preparation methods. If you're curious, ask for a demonstration of how they make a perfect espresso. They also offer workshops where you can learn about preparing coffee at home—a great opportunity to take a piece of Cartagena with you!
Café San Alberto
Insider Tip: Make sure to try their famous Ajiaco, which pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee. The baristas are very friendly and willing to share stories about the coffee cultivation process; don't hesitate to ask them about their family tradition in coffee growing.
Quindío Coffee Shop
Insider Tip: This place is ideal for relaxing after a day of exploring. Sit on their terrace and enjoy their single-origin coffee while watching street life. Don't forget to order their filter coffee with condensed milk, a delight not found everywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit the roasters?
Most roasters open between 8:00 and 10:00 am for fresh coffee preparation, but if you want a quieter atmosphere, visit during the week. Weekends tend to be busier.
Can I buy coffee to take away?
Yes, most roasters offer the option to buy roasted coffee beans to take away. Ask for the barista's recommendations, as they have knowledge about the varieties that best suit your taste.
Are there options for vegans or people with intolerances?
Many roasters in San Diego offer vegan options, such as plant-based milks. However, it's best to ask directly, as options may vary by day.
Are coffee tastings held at these places?
Some roasters organize coffee tastings and workshops. It's advisable to follow their social media to find out about events and book in advance, as they often have limited capacity.