“ My daughter and I popped into this charming little coffeehouse for some to-go drinks this morning. It was lovely inside and the drinks were just what we needed. Made with care, they were just as pretty as they were tasty! Definitely going back tomorrow morning! I especially want to point out that they had almond milk to sub in my latte in place of cow milk. That made my morning! ”

“ This review is long overdue! My mother-in-law, sister-in-law, and I visited Olla Express Cafe over Memorial Day weekend! I’m like 90% sure my sister-in-law found out about the coffee shop through a local food/coffee blogger on TikTok. My SIL was adamant about going and I fully supported!! It is a charming place! The atmosphere is intimate and cozy. I really liked the playlist they were playing, so much that I included a screenshot of a song that was on while we were there! I think it really captures the vibe! The two team members that were working were so knowledgable about each drink. I think that can be a rarity sometimes! I could tell they were really passionate about their product. I got the Cafe De Ella Latte and it was amazing! My SIL and MIL both enjoyed their drinks as well!! If we had more time during our trip, I think we would have been back. Olla Express Cafe has received several awards, and I understand why! ”

“ Andrea, the owner of the coffee shop, is one of the sweetest coffee shop owners I’ve had the pleasure of coming across with. The establishment was so cozy and warm, it literally makes you feel at home. I love that they have their own coffee grounds and home made syrups you can purchase. As a Mexican, I am proud to see this establishment thrive! ”

“ I believe that everyone should try coffe de olla from olla express at least once in there life time. From the authentic yet delicious coffee flavors to a menu palette that everyone will love and to the amazing atmosphere you cannot pass up. It will definitely be a one of a kind truly devine experience that will leave you wanting to come back over and over again. This beautiful coffee shop will always be a special place in my heart and it can definitely be yours too. After all, coffee de olla is always great shared with laughs and joy. Have a beautiful day all you beautiful people who read this. Peace love and good vibes sola. ”

“ At the intersection of nostalgia and entrepreneurship sits Olla Express Cafe, an unassuming blue cottage where traditions simmer as slowly as the cafe's namesake clay pot. Owner Andrea Ley has created a space that feels less like a business and more like stepping into your Mexican grandmother's kitchen—assuming your abuela operated out of a charming bungalow with Edison bulbs and Instagram-optimized latte art. The cafe's journey from a 1989 Volkswagen bus to this permanent location near downtown mirrors San Antonio's own evolution: proudly Mexican at its core, but increasingly cosmopolitan in its presentation. The result is what one might get if a Pinterest board labeled "Authentic Mexican Heritage" had a passionate affair with "Austin Tech Bro Aesthetic" and they raised their child in a West Elm catalog. That's not necessarily a criticism. The space works precisely because of its contradictions: religious figurines and family photos share shelf space with sleek minimalist decor; traditional clay ollas sit beneath flat-screen digital menu boards. The cafe has mastered what might be called "calculated coziness"—a homespun feeling engineered for maximum appeal. The cafe de olla offerings form the spiritual center of the menu. Each variant bears the name of one of Ley's grandmothers, transforming the simple act of ordering into something approaching familial reverence. The traditional cinnamon-and-piloncillo brew provides a gateway for newcomers, while adventurous palates might venture toward versions infused with chile, cardamom, or even mezcal—the latter recalling Ley's childhood memories of bottles placed strategically near coffee pots so adults could add a "piquete" to their morning ritual. Even non-coffee options show thoughtful execution. The matcha latte arrives with a meticulous leaf pattern swimming atop a sea of green that tastes like it was selected for flavor rather than Instagram potential, though it excels at both. The clientele reflects the cafe's hybrid identity: laptop warriors seeking refuge from corporate chains, Mexican-American families showing visiting relatives "that place that does coffee like back home, but fancy," and curious food tourists checking off another box on their authenticity scavenger hunt. What elevates Olla Express beyond mere trendiness is its genuine commitment to heritage. While some establishments use culture as decoration, Ley has built her business as a platform for Mexican coffee traditions. She imports ingredients directly from Mexico and refuses to compromise on sourcing, showing a dedication that transforms potential gimmickry into genuine stewardship. In a city where cultural fusion is often more marketing strategy than culinary philosophy, Olla Express represents something increasingly rare: a business built from genuine homesickness, nostalgia, and the peculiar alchemy that turns family recipes into viable commerce. That it has managed to do so while also providing excellent coffee in a space where both tech workers and traditional abuelas feel comfortable is no small achievement in our age of algorithmically-determined tastes. Is it perfect? No. Service can sometimes bear the cheerful inefficiency of establishments that prioritize vibes over systems. But in a world of ruthlessly optimized coffee chains, there's something refreshing about a place that feels like it emerged organically from someone's actual history rather than a corporate focus group's idea of authenticity. ”

“ Cute little quaint coffee shop with an impressive variety of delicious cafe de olla coffees. My wife and I tried the Socorro (hot) the Mulato latte (iced) and rhe Cafe de Olla Latte (iced) and loved all of them. We will definitely be back to tey more varieties and to try out their food as well. The employee that helped us was great and offered explanations of all the different coffees. The seating areas were comfy and cute and we look forward to trying out the patio when it is open. All in all a great experience. ”

“ I was in town for the weekend and in the mood for some cafe de olla and boy am I glad I came upon this place! Not only was the cafe de olla flight super good, the atmosphere, the employees and owner were the absolute sweetest! 5 stars hand down!!! ”

“ Very unique coffee experience. Their coffee has a very nice spice blend incorporated with it, there is nothing else like this in San Antonio. They also do a coffee flight where they add additional unique Mexican spices to their base coffee. It's refreshing to find a coffee shop with unique flavors that don't come from a sugary syrup. They also have a variety of baked goods that are very good. ”