Cafe Latino, San Antonio, Texas, Coffee Restaurant Details

Food:

This is a great place, and they are open more regular hours now - they had some staffing issues and a new "preemie" birth that caused some unexpected closings, but all seems better now.

My friends and I meet there on a regular basis and the owner, manager and staff are all friendly and helpful.

I highly recommend it!

Note that this is the current location of Cafe Latino - the Main Street location was closed quite a while ago.

Food:

I LOVE Cafe Latino, even on those days when the service is sub par. They're happy to help ANY TIME YOU ASK, it's just that you frequently have to go find someone to ask. But that's also part of the casual atmosphere and I don't mind it a bit. If you're in a hurry, don't go into Cafe Latino. But if you want to kick back, not be rushed, and melt into the environment--then Cafe Latino is the PERFECT spot for you.

Their sandwiches are amazing. Simple, but oh so good. And always presented beautifully. The menu doesn't always reflect what's available, but that's okay because what's available is always good. Their teas and coffees are always prepared perfectly.

They remember you when you come back--you aren't just another body. They treat you like a person. They are polite and want you to have a good experience while you're there.

They can load a hookah that lasts for two hours, I don't know how they do it because the bowls aren't that big, but they just last and last. I've smoked at least half a dozen hookahs there and they always lasted at least two hours with plenty of flavor and clouds. Their shisha is awesome too. Starbuzz, Al Fakher, Golden Al Fakher--yum yum. If you end up not liking the shisha flavor you select --they'll mix it with something else for you on the spot or even change it out for you without batting an eye.

I find their hookah prices quite fair for what you get--a long lasting hookah with all the coals you ask for. Hookah refills are cheap and they have college "happy hour" where students can get hookah for under $7.

The owner had a car accident about a month ago--he'll live but he was banged up pretty badly. The cafe has been closed since the accident while he recovers but he was kind enough to open special just for our group tonight. Our group meets at Cafe Latino once a month and we always have a great time. It was amazing to us that the owner was willing to open for us tonight--he didn't have to do that. And he had everything on hand we could possibly need including teas, coffees, shisha, and all the fresh sandwich fixings that might be ordered.

I don't know when they'll be open full time again, I believe they are planning on a little interior remodeling, but they promised they'd be open for our meeting again next month. We were all really happy to hear it because it's our favorite place to meet, have fun, kick back and relax.

If you go to Cafe Latino, be nice. Don't let the sometimes slow service put you off. Stick it out, they're worth it. The owner and staff are some great folks and if you treat them good, they'll treat you good.

On another note, the owner served our country in Iraq. The least we can do is be a little patient because if you knew the injuries he suffered while serving our country, you wouldn't bat an eye if you had to ask him twice for another cuppa. We're lucky he's even back home with us, and I for one am really glad.