Shower me with coffee! My love for drinking coffee has never been a secret. In fact, in one of my weekly columns in The Collegian, I wrote about my favorite coffee shop in Brookings, South Dakota. Friends dear to me know that I am a coffee loyalist and coffee mocha runs in my veins.

When I arrived in Las Cruces, New Mexico, guess what I immediately looked for? A coffee shop. Unlike in Brookings where there were only two coffee locations, Las Cruces has quite a number to choose from. In addition, Mesilla (a neighboring town, about 10 minutes drive from New Mexico State University) also has a couple of best coffees.

So which shops have the best coffee in Las Cruces (and Mesilla)?

1. The Bean Cafe of Mesilla

The Bean certainly tops my list of the best local coffee shop in Las Cruces and Mesilla. The shop serves great coffee, food, pastries, and not to mention the very friendly staff. There is a big covered outdoor patio for those wanting to sip their coffees while enjoying a distant view of the mountain in the background. I come here around Sunday noontime before heading to the gym. The only downside is that, The Bean closes early at 1 PM. (Update: The shop now closes at 4 PM daily.)

Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Address: 2011 Avenida de Mesilla, Las Cruces, NM 88005

2. Spirit Winds Coffee Bar

The best coffee place in Las Cruces. Aside from the great coffee, the service is exceptional. Each time I visited the shop, the staff never hesitated to talk to me, like I have been friends with them for a long time. Upon entering, you’ll be surprised to see that there is a cute little gift shop attached to it with a unique array of items. There is also a patio outside so you can enjoy the fresh air. Most of all, the price of the coffee is much cheaper than the rest in Las Cruces. Did I mention that its exterior and interior walls are painted in vibrant colors?

Hours: Monday to Saturday, 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Sunday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Address: 2260 S Locust St, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88001

3. Milagro Coffee

Just close behind Spirit Winds is Milagro Coffee bar. I could have picked this as the best one in Las Cruces with its delicious lattes, food varieties, and blend of beans. While the coffee tastes good, the price is a bit high. Also, students are attracted to this place. Whenever I visit on weekends, I could hardly find a seat as students study and occupy tables and couches with their laptops and books. The interior decorations are fun to see.  Aren’t all these coffee sacks hanging on the ceiling simply awesome?

Hours: Daily, 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Address: 1733 E University Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88001

4. Cafe de Mesilla

Just few meters away from The Bean Cafe is the Cafe de Mesilla. I had a couple of breakfasts here and enjoyed their affordable coffees. I always get the table closest to the window, so I could enjoy both the view of the outside and the finely-designed and nicely-laid interior. Great indoor atmosphere and friendly service. Inside is spacious, and there is always a place for a big family.

Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Address: 2190 Avenida de Mesilla, Las Cruces, NM 88005

5. Beck’s Coffee House

Freshly-brewed coffee — check! Cozy little shop — check! Beck’s Coffee is a little far from my workplace, situated inside an old house on a road strip with few parking spaces available. The moment I entered the shop, I immediately felt the very welcoming ambiance. The lady barista (I believe could be the owner) was friendly and she even let me smell the coffee beans before pouring me a cup of their special blend. If you want to hang out with a friend to have conversations with over brewed coffee, this is the place. But if you are with a big group and friends who go for lattes, you may have to skip this. Seats are limited…and they do not have an espresso machine. While I cannot deny the coffee tasted good, I was disappointed to know that they are using those little packed creams that you can find in coffee chains.

Hours: Monday to Saturday, 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM. Closed on Sunday.
Address: 130 N Mesquite St, Las Cruces, NM 88001
Phone:(575) 556-9850

6. Starbucks

Alright, I am putting Starbucks last as this is the only coffee chain on the list. However, there is no denying that I love this Starbucks location because of the cheerful and knowledgeable baristas. You can enter frowning and go out smiling. The place also closes late at 10 PM daily, so if you have tons of work to do and would want coffee to keep you awake, this is the coffee shop to go. Important note: Since this is so close to New Mexico State University, expect the place to be packed with students.

Hours: Daily, 5:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Address: 985 University Avenue, Las Cruces, NM 88001

There may be a couple more coffee shops I haven’t visited yet. I will add them on the list once I get to taste their coffees.

Find a place to stay in Las Cruces and Mesilla Valley, NM.

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