Looking for the best book cafés in CDMX? Discover these literary gems that offer great coffee, quiet corners, and shelves full of Spanish and English reads.
Coffee and literature go hand-in-hand in Mexico City, so it’s no surprise that the capital has plenty of fabulous book cafes. Here’s a quick peek at a few of our favorites.
Cafebrería El Péndulo Polanco
Cafebrería El Péndulo Polanco does it all: it seamlessly combines the allure of a bookstore, the comfort of a café, and the tranquility of nature under one roof. As one of the Cafebrería El Péndulo sites, this location houses an impressive Spanish and English selection, nicely suited for quiet mornings spent reading over one of their scrumptious breakfast combos.
A stylish showcase of design, the multi-floor space stuns with rich wood flooring, swirling staircases, and endless rows of books extending far above.
Cafebrería El Péndulo San Ángel
Also part of the Cafebrería El Péndulo family is their San Ángel location, which is the largest of them all but vastly different from the rest. It was established to serve as a cornerstone of cultural life in the southern part of CDMX and has evolved into a hugely popular gathering spot for avid readers, remote workers, and tourists.
Many are drawn to San Ángel for its magnificent layout. Layered bookcases lead across the different levels, all housed beneath a striking pergola-style ceiling, while cozy seating sections are tucked into every corner. But don’t let the architecture overshadow the collection, though; they stock a well-rounded mix of rare books and bestsellers.
Librería Porrúa Chapultepec
At first glance, you might think you’ve stumbled upon a greenhouse when entering Librería Porrúa Chapultepec. Sunlight pours in through floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the space with deck-style timber flooring that’s filled with lush greenery.
After a long stroll through Chapultepec Park, you’ll love nothing more than exploring their inventory. They sell a tiny amount of English books, but if you can speak Spanish, you’re in for a treat. Their lakeside seating beside the cafe section will likely catch your eye. It’s often in high demand, so expect a short wait if you want the best seat in the house.
Marabunta
If there’s one book cafe in CDMX where you could happily spend an entire day, it’s Marabunta. With excellent coffee and an irresistibly snug atmosphere, its diverse selection of titles, from well-known names to independent publishers, is just the cherry on top.
Although Marabunta occasionally hosts presentations, the cafe never feels overcrowded, unlike some of the busier spots in the city center. There are loads of spaces to read in peace, but if you feel like sitting out front to people-watch, they’ve got a few settings out there, too.
Clarice Café y Literatura
Tasty Arabica and fine literature make a pairing bibliophiles know all too well, but the folks at Clarice Cafe y Literatura have truly mastered it at their facility in the Condesa district. This spot blends carefully crafted brews and a wholesome food menu, with complimentary titles delivered alongside every order, plus a selection of magazines ready for browsing.
If you’ve been traveling for a while and just finished up your last cover, Clarice Cafe y Literatura has a book exchange shelf that lets you swap yours for something new. You’ll also find a wide range of second-hand titles available for purchase in case you don’t have anything to swap in return.
Paseo word for Poetry (Vocablo Café y Poesía)
Paseo word for Poetry is the kind of escape you need when the hustle and bustle of CDMX becomes a bit too much. With poetry sprayed across the walls and quotes served alongside your order, it’s a hidden paradise for book lovers tucked away in the Roma Sur neighborhood.
They often host workshops that introduce people to the basics of writing and guide them through crafting truly engaging stories. Dates are usually posted on their website, so be sure to check it out if that sounds like your kind of thing.
Ranzö Cafe y libros
Those who appreciate fine architecture will love every second spent in Ranzö Cafe y Libros. Its interior leans into Renaissance-inspired aesthetics with decorative ceiling details while still maintaining a modern charm through its plush seating arrangements. Additionally, they strike a thoughtful balance on the bookish side of things. There are shelves in certain parts of the cafe, but they’re nicely integrated into the overall layout without feeling overdone.
The menu at Ranzö Cafe y Libros follows a literary theme, with options for everyone, including waffles, bagels, and some vegan-focused dishes.
U-Tópicas: Libros y café
U-Tópicas: Libros y Cafe is one of those places where forward-thinking topics steal the spotlight, served up alongside some seriously delicious roasts. The shelves are stacked with books covering a wide range of topics, from feminism to LGBTQ issues and other social movements. English titles are somewhat limited, but there are a few options available, while the Spanish selection is more comprehensive.
It’s not just about books at U-Tópicas: Libros y café, either; they’ve plenty of other cool items up for grabs, such as tote bags, clothing, and engravings.
Cafeleería
Since it’s slightly out of the center, Cafeleería draws in only the most dedicated readers, mainly because it’s a trek to get there. You’ll be able to spot the place instantly from the street: just look for the sticker-covered windows and the benches out front, and you’ll know you’re exactly where you need to be.
For a relatively small book cafe, it’s packed to the brim. Into comics, local art prints, or rare reads? You’ll find them all here. The arrangement is partly structured, with tidy wall units, and partly organized chaos, with towering stacks of books, sometimes dozens high.
Down The Rabbit Hole / Cafetería & Crepería
If Alice in Wonderland was your favorite movie from your childhood, it’s your lucky day. CDMX is home to a book cafe, Down the Rabbit Hole / Cafetería & Crepería, which is inspired by the classic tale. The concept leans heavily into an Alice in Wonderland theme, complete with rabbit-like decor, literary menu references, and music drawn directly from the original movie.
Sure, it’s popular with the selfie crew and influencers, but the cafe still retains a subtle calmness, making it a surprisingly decent choice to unwind with a book.
Raamatkafé Cafetería y Librería
Raamatkafé Cafetería y Librería gives off typical corner cafe vibes from its facade. But don’t let the exterior fool you; it’s packed with books to flip through over a cuppa, including some excellent texts on cooking. As for the menu, they have something for every taste, whether you want to sip on one of their fresh cacao drinks or curl up with a piping hot chai to warm up.
Got a few friends with you? Ask for one of their board games and make your coffee date a little more competitive.
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Adam Ryan
Adam is a distinguished content writer, bookworm, and full-time adventurer with a constant craving for coffee. When he's not working, he loves exploring remote corners of the world, immersing himself in different cultures, and writing about his experiences.
