The 7 Best Cafes in Tulum: My Top Coffee Shops in Tulum

I’ll be honest, hotel coffee, especially the watery americano type, never really does it for me. Wherever I travel, one of the first things I end up doing is scouting out the best local cafes for a proper cappuccino or flat white.

In Tulum it was no different. Almost every day I found myself testing out a new coffee spot, sometimes for breakfast, sometimes just for that much-needed afternoon pick-me-up (and maybe a slice of banana bread on the side).

What really surprised me is how great the coffee scene in Tulum actually is, especially in Tulum town. If you’re like me and can’t resist a good coffee shop with avocado toast, banana cake, or just the perfect flat white, you’ll have plenty of options here.

So, to save you the trial and error, I’ve put together a list of my favorite cafes in Tulum that I think you’ll love too. Let’s dive in!

What Are the Best Cafes Tulum Mexico? I’ve Got The Answers

I’ve been to Tulum a few times over the past couple of years, which gave me plenty of opportunities to hunt down the best cafes in town. And here’s something I realized: as much as I love staying in the hotel zone by Tulum Beach, the cafes and restaurants there aren’t necessarily the highlights. The real gems, in my opinion, are tucked away in and around Tulum town ( Tulum Pueblo).

This isn’t a ranked list because, let’s be honest, coffee is subjective. But if you want my personal favorite, it’s hands-down Long Time Coffee. I went back there so many times because not only was the coffee consistently excellent, but the vibe felt so authentically “Tulum” and yes, I mean that in a good way this time.

Another spot worth shouting out is Story Horse. It’s your classic minimalist coffee shop, probably the best cup of coffee I’ve had in Tulum, and it instantly reminded me of the sleek cafes I used to visit in Taipei and Tokyo. Clean, simple, and all about the coffee, definitely worth checking out.

Overall, Tulum’s coffee scene is better than I expected, you just need to know where to look. It honestly took me three separate trips to find my go-to spots, which is exactly why I’m putting this list together now. 

My little rule of thumb? Skip the overpriced tourist spots in the hotel zone or along the main road. The real treasures are usually in the backstreets and neighborhoods like La Veleta and Aldea Zama.

1. Long Time Coffee Tulum // One Of My Favorite Tulum Cafes

Opening Hours: 9am-4pm
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★★★
Website & Location

If I had to pick just one café in all of Tulum, maybe even in this whole corner of Mexico, it would be Long Time Coffee Tulum. And let me tell you why.

First off, the coffee is simply outstanding. I tried a flat white, a matcha latte, and their cold brew (yes, I take my research seriously), and every single one was excellent. And this is coming from someone who has spent years hopping between cafés around the world.

But what really made me fall in love with Long Time Coffee wasn’t just the drinks, it was the whole concept. The space feels like a coffee shop set up inside an old ruin, with raw concrete walls, mismatched furniture, and just a subtle hint of that Tulum boho style (not the overdone kind you’ll see elsewhere). Somehow it all comes together perfectly.

Even the details add to the charm: the ever-changing menu scribbled on a piece of cardboard, the unexpected Japanese-fusion food options, the slightly chaotic but cool energy. On paper, it sounds like it shouldn’t work, but in reality, it absolutely does.

That’s why Long Time Coffee became my favorite café in Tulum, and the one I always recommend to anyone heading here.

2. Story Horse // My Top Coffee Shop in Tulum Town

Opening Hours: 8am-3pm
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★★★
Website & Location

My favorite thing about Story Horse? Honestly…the air conditioning. No joke. Of course, the real highlight is the coffee, but being able to escape Tulum’s relentless heat for a while definitely makes it even better.

The vibe here instantly reminded me of some of my favorite cafés in Taipei and Tokyo, minimalist, uncluttered, and all about the coffee. 

No over-the-top boho décor, no “Instagram wall,” just a clean space serving coffee that’s done right. Too often, cafés focus only on the aesthetics (looking at you, Bali) and forget about what actually matters. Thankfully, Story Horse gets its priorities straight.

I only came here twice, and I wasn’t exactly adventurous with my order. I had an iced latte one time, a flat white the other, but both were excellent. I also couldn’t resist trying their pastries, and the cinnamon roll was super good.

If you’re in downtown Tulum and want a perfectly made specialty coffee (with the bonus of icy AC), Story Horse should be on your list.

3. Nimai Cafe Tulum // Best Cafe in Tulum to Work From

Opening Hours: 7am-9:30pm
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★★
Website & Location

Nimai Café quickly became one of my go-to spots in Tulum, especially when I needed a comfortable place to work. It has a larger indoor space with plenty of seating and good air conditioning (a blessing in Tulum), so I never felt like I was hogging someone else’s table with my laptop.

The design is simple and cute, the coffee is solid, and the food is surprisingly good. Unlike some of the other coffee shops on this list where I’d only pop in for a quick cappuccino, at Nimai I’d actually sit down for a full breakfast. Their chilaquiles were a standout, super flavorful and exactly what you want to start the day.

What also sets Nimai apart is the value. While I’ve seen some cafés in the Hotel Zone charge $7 USD for a single coffee (daylight robbery, honestly), Nimai manages to keep things reasonably priced without compromising quality. Great coffee, tasty food, comfy space, and good value, it checks all the boxes.

4. Ki’ Bok Coffee Tulum // Best Mexican Breakfast in Tulum

Opening Hours: 7am-6pm
Price: $
My Rating: ★★★★
Website & Location

Ki’Bok Coffee isn’t your sleek, minimalist café, it’s more of a local institution and probably one of the most popular breakfast spots in downtown Tulum. I’m pretty sure most people who live around here know it well.

I don’t usually come here for my afternoon specialty coffee runs (though their coffee is still solid), but their Mexican breakfast is hands down my favorite. 

Ki’Bok feels like a mix between a café and a Mexican restaurant, and that shows in their menu. I’ve had their huevos rancheros and their chilaquiles, and both were phenomenal, proper, hearty Mexican breakfasts that set me up for the day. If you want something authentic and flavorful, this is the spot.

5. Mochiart Cafe // Cute Little Coffee Cart in Tulum

Opening Hours: 8:30am-1pm
Price: $
My Rating: ★★★
Website & Location

Mochiart Café isn’t actually a café at all, it’s a tiny coffee cart located in a random side street tucked away in downtown Tulum, which makes it all the more charming. I stumbled upon it completely by accident while riding my bike around town and immediately loved how unexpected it felt.

To my surprise, the coffee here was incredible and honestly one of the best lattes I had in Tulum. The barista even did proper latte art, which felt like such a treat at a little cart like this. The taste was spot on, the price was super affordable, and the whole experience just felt so local and authentic.

They also sell small pastries, though I didn’t get the chance to try them. Still, if you want great coffee while supporting a small local spot, Mochiart Café is absolutely worth a stop.

6. Bistro Alegria // Best Cafe Tulum Aldea Zama

Opening Hours: 8am-3pm
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★★
Website & Location

Most of my favorite coffee spots in Tulum are in downtown or La Veleta (what can I say, that’s just where the best ones are), but I wanted to include something a little different. Bistro Alegria is a lovely small café in Aldea Zama, and it was perfect when I stayed in that neighborhood.

I only went once, but I really enjoyed it. I could actually walk there in the morning, which already felt like a luxury in Tulum. 

The atmosphere was quiet and relaxed, something I appreciated after the buzz of downtown, and they have a sweet little outdoor seating area that makes it a great place to linger. The coffee was pretty good, and the breakfast was even better. I had their smoothie bowl, which was fresh, healthy, and the perfect start to the day.

7. Me Latte Cafe // Great Healthy Breakfast Tulum

Opening Hours: 7am-2:30pm
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★
Website & Location

Last but not least, I want to give a shoutout to Me Latte Café, a spot I ended up visiting a couple of times and really enjoyed. They do great smoothies, smoothie bowls, and fresh juices alongside their coffees, so it’s an easy place to pop into if you’re after something a little lighter or healthier.

That said, my guilty pleasure here wasn’t coffee at all, it was their caramel latte with whipped cream. I know, I know, it’s basically a milkshake, but on a hot day in Tulum it was absolutely perfect. Definitely more of a sweet treat than a daily habit, but I loved it.

FAQs About the Best Tulum Cafes

What is the most Instagrammable café in Tulum?

For me, Long Time Coffee definitely takes the crown. It has that rustic-meets-boho Tulum look that just feels made for photos. The coffee’s good, too, which helps.

What are the best restaurants in Tulum, Mexico?

My personal favorite is La Taqueria. It has a great location, super authentic Mexican food, and somehow manages to feel both like a classic street taco spot and a little bit “Tulum chic” at the same time.

Is Tulum worth visiting?

I’d say yes. I know people are split on Tulum, but I really enjoy it. Downtown Tulum has fantastic street food, and the beach zone has those dreamy boutique resorts, it’s a fun mix if you like both sides of the coin.

Where can I find the best breakfast in Tulum?

Hands down, Ki’Bok. Their chilaquiles and huevos rancheros are the best I’ve had in town, and it’s the perfect spot for a proper Mexican breakfast.

Final Thoughts on the Best Coffee Shops in Tulum Mexico

I have to admit, Tulum’s coffee scene surprised me in the best way. I lived in Australia for three years (and yes, I’m one of those people who will argue Australia has the best coffee in the world), so my bar is high, but several cafés in Tulum really impressed me.

I genuinely enjoyed all the places on this list, but if I had to pick just two, I’d say go for Long Time Coffee for its cool vibe and great lattes, and Ki’Bok for their proper Mexican breakfasts (please get the chilaquiles with a fried egg on top, you can thank me later).

Hopefully, this guide helps you decide where to grab your next coffee in Tulum. Whether you’re here for an Instagram-worthy flat white or a hearty breakfast after a night out, Tulum’s café scene has you covered.

Check Out My Other Tulum Travel Guides

Is Tulum Worth Visiting? My Honest Review

How to Get Around in Tulum: My Taxi & Bicycle Guide

Where to Stay in Tulum Mexico: The Top Areas & Hotels

Best Time to Visit Tulum: How to Avoid the Seaweed

How to Get to Tulum Mexico: Cancun Airport to Tulum

Cafes in Tulum: The Best 7 Cafes Tulum