Despabilatte

How did this place come about and what made it different from the start?
The old house we’re in fit perfectly with something modern and timeless: coffee. The name Despabilattehad been around in our minds for a while—something simple, straight to the point, something that helps you ground yourself. That’s what this space is: a hidden spot to have an espresso and come back down to earth. The menu is small and very basic: bread and coffee. We’ve tried to keep a fresh atmosphere, alternative music, and coffee for everyone. I’m not sure how different people feel it is, but to me it feels very fresh, with a minimalist and effortless vibe.

What part of the day, space, or creative process do those who work here enjoy the most?
How photogenic it is. The stone, the house, the coffee, the freshly enjoyed cup of coffee, the flowers. You look around and there’s always something you want to photograph or simply contemplate. They’re small moments of presence. The music depends on the mood of the day, and we also enjoy thinking about new drinks that customers might like to try.

If someone is coming in for the first time, what should they not miss?
The simplicity of the design and the way the more than 100-year-old house was restored. Having an espresso or a flat will always be my go-to.

What has been an interesting challenge that has made you rethink something about the project?
The search for other drinks, not just coffee. Because of the area and social media, many young people with different tastes have been coming in. Opening ourselves up to a wider variety of drinks without coffee was a slow decision, because the place was originally conceived as an espresso bar.

What influence, idea, or reference continues to shape the way you work today?
We’re still guided by the idea of a pause—of returning to the present. Coffee as a simple, everyday ritual. We’re also inspired by the specialty coffee movement and the people who elevate coffee culture without making it inaccessible. We look for that balance: high quality, relaxed atmosphere.

What place, project, or person has inspired you recently and why?
Many projects inspire us—spaces that don’t force a concept but allow it to breathe. More than a specific place, we’re inspired by that sensitivity: respecting what already exists and adding to it in a subtle way. We’re also very inspired by Standart. Seeing projects from all over the world and how, like us, they tell their story through their photos, their drinks, and their style. We like the idea that every bar, every cup, and every space has its own narrative.

If your space could invite someone to collaborate for a day, who would it be and what would you do together?
We don’t have anyone specific in mind, but it could be something related to music or art—something simple but memorable. Something that makes people feel like they were part of a moment that won’t happen again.

Is there an object, corner or detail of the place that has a story that few people know?
The small water basin in the middle of the patio: four stone slabs. It’s protected by INAH; it was one of the water sources for the house for generations, and today people throw coins into it as if it were a wishing fountain. We’ve had several visitors who, when they come in, look for it to tell us they lived there as children and explain how the house used to be arranged. It’s very moving to see them become those children again as they walk through the patio.

If this project were a city, a book, or a record, which would it be and why?
The album would be 8 Años from Hermanos Gutiérrez. We enjoy that kind of instrumental music that simply lets you be, and accompanies whatever you’re talking about, feeling, or drinking.

Answers by the team of Despabilatte