GOOD MORNING, I NEED COFFEE
Contributor - Ximena Lascurain | Lifestyle Consultant • 4/17/25
For many years, people across the world have been waking up to the smell of a freshly brewed cup of coffee. Coffee’s journey in the U.S. started with a bit of rebellion. Before the Revolutionary War, tea was the drink of choice — but when the Boston Tea Party made tea politically uncool, Americans turned to coffee instead. During the Civil War, Union soldiers were obsessed with it — so much so that generals planned coffee delivery as part of military strategy.
Fast forward to the 20th century, and coffee became mass-market with brands like Folgers and Maxwell House. “Good to the last drop,” as President Theodore Roosevelt supposedly said. In the ’90s, coffee had its glow-up. Starbucks exploded from a small Seattle café into a global powerhouse, and suddenly, cappuccinos and frappuccinos were everywhere. Now, with the rise of specialty coffee, third-wave roasters, and TikTok-famous lattes, coffee culture in the U.S. is more diverse and creative than ever.
Specialty coffee refers to coffee that has been carefully grown, harvested, processed, roasted, and brewed with a high level of attention to detail and quality. It's often cultivated in specific regions with ideal growing conditions and typically undergoes strict grading standards to ensure excellence.
Personally, one of my favorite things to do when I visit a new city is find the perfect cup of coffee. If you’re a coffee aficionado like me, here are some spots that might become essential stops on your travels.
NEW YORK CITY
Born in Denmark, La Cabra Coffee is a modern coffee company founded in Aarhus in 2012. From the beginning, they committed to sourcing and roasting coffee their own way — with intention, curiosity, and care. Growing up in a small town came with an advantage: fewer outside influences, which allowed them to develop a uniquely honest and innovative approach to coffee. That dedication quickly earned them a reputation at home, where a passionate team still runs their cafés and bakery in Aarhus. Today, La Cabra has expanded internationally, with three beautifully designed coffee shops across New York City.
The freshest coffee straight from the farm to your doorstep. Sourced from Colombia and roasted in Brooklyn. From origin to cup in as little as 10 days. Shop online or visit their coffee shops in NYC.
For the freshest of fresh-roasted coffee beans, it’s hard to beat international chain % Arabica. This Kyoto-based favorite opened its first U.S. location in Brooklyn in 2021, bringing with it a sleek espresso setup, baked goods from Balthazar, and a unique “green bean corner,” where customers can choose raw beans to be roasted on the spot in just minutes.
MEXICO CITY
Specialty coffee shop, natural wine bar and mediterranean-influenced dishes made from high quality Mexican ingredients.
A cozy and inviting spot where you can enjoy not only a great cup of coffee but also a delicious pastry. The atmosphere is perfect for relaxing with loved ones, and if the weather is nice, you can take advantage of the charming terrace to make it even more special.
Cucurucho strives to deliver high-quality coffee without unnecessary complications, breaking free from traditional standards. Founded in 1977 and rebranded in 2011, the company embraces Japanese principles of continuous improvement (Kaizen), using locally sourced ingredients and globally certified techniques to craft its exceptional brews.
Located in the heart of the Condesa neighborhood, Blend Station was their first integrated project in Mexico City. Together with a talented team, they designed more than just a logo and packaging — they envisioned the entire experience. From the coffee’s origin and roasting methods to the drinking ritual, every detail was considered. This includes the ceramic cups for each blend, the artful presentation of every meal, and even a large mural on the wall that captures the essence of Blend Station.
MADRID
They offer a diverse range of unique coffee blends and brewing methods, including specialty coffee made from single-origin beans and distinctive regional blends. With techniques like pour-over, cold brew, and siphon brewing, they elevate the flavors of their coffee to new heights.
Imagine the coolest coffee shop on a college campus — that’s Toma: cozy, laid-back, and just quirky enough that no one will bat an eye if you show up with a laptop and a stack of books.
Run by Javier Castillejo and his partner Yessika Pacheco, Santa Kafeina is the charming coffee bar in Madrid that comes highly recommended by fellow coffee shop owners. Tucked on a quiet street near Iglesia Metro station, it draws a diverse crowd of local businesspeople, residents, and tourists staying in Chamberí.
More than just a specialty coffee shop, OSOM is a vibrant community. With their unique blend of brews, beats, and bridge-building spirit, they transform coffee into an experience, expanding the coffee universe and taking it to the next level.
PARIS
All of my favorites, from espressos and cortados to charcoal and matcha lattes. Noir roasts its own beans in a facility-café with several locations throughout the city, where the beans are also available for purchase.
Tucked away at the end of the 11th arrondissement, this cozy coffee shop features a custom wood bar, upcycled tables and stools, and plenty of wabi-sabi charm. Folk music from Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen sets the tone, creating a laid-back atmosphere for a loyal crowd of regulars. At most, there’ll be just two people working behind the bar, including the owner, Yuichiro Sugiyama, who takes his coffee craft very seriously.
In 2022, owners Ella Fatima McElroy and Florent Marcault opened this chic, minimalist café on Rue Chappe in Montmartre, just around the corner from the funicular that takes visitors up to the Sacré-Cœur. Since then, it’s become a favorite among both locals and tourists. If you want to snag a table, be sure to arrive early, especially on weekends. For takeaway, the coffee menu rotates with selections from roasters like Belgium’s The Picky Chemist and Sweden’s Swerl Coffee Roasters, while the pastries come from Léonie, a nearby bakery in the 9th arrondissement. If you stay, your cappuccinos and flat whites will be served in beautiful ceramics handmade by Ella herself.
Contributor — Ximena Lascurain | Lifestyle Consultant
From Mexico City, Ximena Lascurain brings to the Four Hundred Team a Latin flair. Growing up and attending Culinary School there, she has always been interested in the culture and gastronomy of her country. When she moved to NYC she attended the International Culinary Center where she certified as a Sommelier under the Court of Master Sommeliers. Prior to Four Hundred she worked in the kitchens of several Michelin star restaurants throughout Mexico, Spain and NY. What she enjoys the most when it comes to travel, is doing a lot of research. Specially when it comes to the "hidden gems" for local food and specialty coffee.