We’ve done a lot of coffee and juice in La Paz. Our requirements have been prioritized by my injury—we look for a nice place to hang out, potentially a nice view, and where I can elevate my foot. Not too many opportunities to do juice from a small stall-vendor in a mercado on this trip. Here’s some of our favorite hangout spots:
Doce Cuarenta
The ultimate gringo upscale coffee shop. They have a lovely back patio, every drink from espresso to kombucha to beer, a small food menu, and a Mac-to-customer ratio that would make American hipster coffee shops proud. It does lack a view, so you’ll need to make do with people watching. If you are staying in town for a while, it’s a good spot to buy coffee beans; they will grind them anyway you like. I like their cappuccino or a jasmine tea.
Cafe KM0
A decent coffee shop with an amazing view. They are right on the Malecon with a lovely view of the water. Based on their menu, their all-day hours, and their location they are clearly targeting a tourist crowd—but we’re happy to partake in that to spend a leisurely afternoon at their great location. Treat yourself to an affogato.
Vrentino
This place is a touch out of the way, but that means they have a parking lot—a great option while I need to be driven places. But, more important than their parking lot is their fantastic water views! Even collecting tax documents seems less painful looking at boats in the water. They have a full breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu but they are very quiet during the afternoon so have no issue with you having coffee and lingering on their patio. Their baked goods—including key lime pie are really good.
La Mentita
A breakfast/lunch café plus juice bar with an adorable corner location. (They also have a location in El Sargento, but we have not been.) They have very good poke bowls, but also have one of my favorite juices: Happy. Happy is coconut water, banana, cocoa, mint and turmeric—it’s a little like a thin milkshake. It makes ME happy.
Sweet & Fit
The best location—mid Malecon, and slightly elevated to give a great view. However, it is priced accordingly. This place is in heavy rotation for us, since they have a small parking lot next door where I can be dropped off and not have a far walk on crutches. They have a lot on their menu, but we are generally there for smoothies or juices. My favorite juice is the Felissius: grapefruit, pineapple, spinach, celery, parsley and ginger pressed to order.
All are great places to slow down and enjoy the more leisurely pace of life in La Paz.