
La Mancha coffee shop
A vibrant coffee shop and art studio in San Jose's historic Steinvorth building, offering artisan coffee and a unique artistic atmosphere.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

La Mancha coffee shop

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant coffee shop and art studio in San Jose's historic Steinvorth building, offering artisan coffee and a unique artistic atmosphere.
Arrive Early for Seating
Secure a spot in the courtyard or interior by visiting earlier in the day.
Explore Brew Methods
Ask staff for recommendations and try various brewing techniques.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Coffee Shop
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+506 2221 5591
Address
Avenidas central y primera, C. 1, San José Province, San José, El Carmen, 10101, Costa Rica
Website
facebook.com/cafelamancha/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Artistic Ambiance in Historic Setting
Experience a unique coffee shop and art studio housed in the historic Steinvorth Building, filled with local art.

Direct Trade Costa Rican Coffee
Savor top-quality coffee sourced directly from local farmers, with diverse brewing methods.

Decadent Desserts and Cheescake
Indulge in delicious treats like creamy cheesecake and rich affogato, perfect accompaniments to your coffee.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Arrive Early for Seating
Secure a spot in the courtyard or interior by visiting earlier in the day.
Explore Brew Methods
Ask staff for recommendations and try various brewing techniques.
Try the Henry Blend
Don't miss out on their unique cold brew, especially the recommended Henry Blend.
Bring Beans Home
Purchase coffee beans to enjoy the authentic Costa Rican taste at home.
Tips
from all over the internet
Arrive Early for Seating
Secure a spot in the courtyard or interior by visiting earlier in the day.
Explore Brew Methods
Ask staff for recommendations and try various brewing techniques.
Try the Henry Blend
Don't miss out on their unique cold brew, especially the recommended Henry Blend.
Bring Beans Home
Purchase coffee beans to enjoy the authentic Costa Rican taste at home.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
La Mancha is lauded as a hidden gem with excellent coffee, friendly service, and a unique atmosphere within a historic building. Visitors rave about the quality of their brews and delightful desserts like cheesecake and affogato. Some reviews mention issues with milk alternatives and coffee preparation, but overall, it's considered a must-visit for coffee lovers and those seeking a unique cafe experience.
"La Mancha is an absolute gem in San José. I stopped by for an afternoon treat, and everything exceeded my expectations. The flat white was the highlight—smooth, rich, and perfectly balanced. I’ve had great coffee in Costa Rica, but this was next level. I also love that they don’t add sugar to everything, letting the quality of the coffee speak for itself.
Their cheesecake is another must-try. Creamy, fresh, and paired with a thick graham cracker crust that adds the perfect texture and flavor. It’s beautifully crafted and not overly sweet—just right.
The space itself has a relaxed, airy vibe with plenty of seating. They also offer a full lunch menu, which looked fresh and delicious.
If you’re in San José and love great coffee and desserts, La Mancha is a place you won’t want to miss!"
Maryam P Garg
"If you are close by, go for it. The space is nice. The barrister are knowledgable. This place is trying to establish themselves thus worth stepping by. You can see that they offer all type of Infusion methods: The V60 was well done, the Espresso was not ideal and would need more work. The cappuccino was good but they only have milk (no alternatives). They have different types of single origin beans to test out but only for the drip methods not for the espresso since they don't have a single dosing setup. In the future they want to offer beans from all different regions in Costa Rica so that you can taste the difference. I will come back for that :)"
Lutz Finger
"Little lovely hidden Cafe House.
Typical local coffee. Unwashed and medium hot roasted.
Hence intense “flowery” aroma and high acid.
Quick and friendly service.
Our waiter had a deep knowledge about coffee regions in CR, roasting process etc.
I liked it very much."
Lukas Armatys
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
It's a coffee shop and art studio located in the historic Steinvorth Building, offering direct-trade Costa Rican coffee and a vibrant artistic atmosphere.
Yes, Café La Mancha offers various brewing methods like Chemex, Aeropress, and V60. Staff can guide you through your choices.
Yes, they offer light food options including pastries, cheesecake, and sandwiches.
The cafe is located in a courtyard within an old building, offering a serene indoor ambiance with a glass roof.
Yes, you can purchase coffee beans to take home, allowing you to enjoy the authentic taste of Costa Rica.
The Henry Blend is a popular cold brew option that is highly recommended by visitors.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit