How did this place come about and what made it different from the start?
Espíritu was born at the foothills of a mountain, rooted in a generational love for coffee and conceived as a window into origin. From the hands and hearts of our people to the final cup. We are a family of specialty coffee producers based in Yajalón, Chiapas, at 1,500 to 1,800 meters above sea level, at Finca San Juan del Vesubio.
What part of the day, space, or creative process do those who work here enjoy the most?
We are a coffee bar that has committed itself to specialization, often going against passing trends in order to preserve a pure spirit of what coffee should be. With every customer who walks in and with every drink we serve, the focus remains the same: always give our very best.
If someone is coming in for the first time, what should they not miss?
When someone steps into Espíritu, the first thing they notice is our essence. From the moment they receive the menu and allow us to share who we are, it becomes clear: a La Marzocco espresso machine (which we distribute), a wide bar of brewing methods, a retail area featuring our own coffee, stories told through our menu, and a coffee lab that invites you to dive deeper into this extraordinary bean.
That’s why we offer a broad selection of both classic and signature drinks. Whatever you choose will be the perfect match for a sweet companion from our bakery or pastry kitchen, crafted by local talent and inspired by French ateliers.
What influence, idea, or reference continues to shape the way you work today?
From the commercial side of coffee, whether roasted or green, we export our beans to different countries. Japan is a key reference for us. Each year, when we visit our clients and discover their cafés and projects, we are reminded to work as they do: with discipline, respect, and consistency in everything we deliver.
What place, project, or person has inspired you recently and why?
Recently, we were nominated and awarded as one of the 100 best coffee shops in Mexico, ranking in the top 50 (The Best Coffee Shop). It is a great achievement and a recognition from our community. It also invites us to pause and reflect on how we can continue improving. While it’s impossible to meet everyone’s standards, we strive to be a reference for those who believe in, innovate with, work for, take risks on, and invest in Mexican coffee.
If this project were a city, a book, or a record, which would it be and why?
It would be Rome at night, accompanied by The Köln Concert by Keith Jarret. It’s an intense yet gentle performance that preserves the piano as a classical instrument (“classical” aligns with how we represent ourselves). Jarrett’s interpretation and innovation invite you to enjoy what you love with all your senses, transforming it into something exquisite (“exquisite” is our protagonist: we are coffee purists, yet we remain in constant innovation and evolution, creating seasonal and signature beverages).
And so, in Rome at night, beside someone you love, the moment becomes singular. Unique and unrepeatable.
Answers by Georgina Utrilla and Maximiliano Díaz, founders and owners of Espíritu Café
