If you’re looking for a local, fresh, and healthy coffee shop to try in Albuquerque, Meraki Coffee and Market exceeds expectations.
The name Meraki, according to their website (https://www.drinkmerakiabq.com/), is a Greek word with no direct English translation. The word in Greek describes the “love and attention you put into your food, drink, or anything else you may prepare for others.”
The quality of their coffee, pastries, and food is intended to reflect the value and care that the name describes. They use only natural ingredients, no sugar substitutes, additives, or bleached flours. Everything is housemade, including syrups for coffee and cocktails.
While Meraki Coffee and Market closes at 3 in the afternoon, the building is uniquely attached to a fine dining Greek restaurant called Dorthea (https://www.dorotheafinegreek.com/) that opens when the coffee shop closes. The two sister businesses have separate entrances, but share dining areas and tables.
I stopped by Meraki at around noon on a Saturday, so customers eating breakfast and friends catching up were trickling out. They have an extensive menu, with espresso drinks, tea lattes, morning cocktails to drink, and pastries as well as lunch and breakfast items prepared to order.
I tried their White Cinnamon Mocha, an espresso drink that can be served hot or iced (pictured in the above photo), and a raspberry scone. Both tasted deliciously fresh and sweet, and I have to say that the two complimented each other well.
This is not a cafe review, though it seems impossible to highlight Meraki without singing their praises. As an avid cafegoer, as well as a long-time barista, I’d definitely recommend Meraki as a local option to try, and I would love to try their sister Dorthea as well.
Meraki Coffee and Market and Dorthea Fine Greek share an address, located at 5900 Eubank Blvd.