Voltaire once said that coffee is a slow poison. However, the jars full of the perfectly roasted bean extraction that line the shelves behind the bar of the Cardinal are really more reminiscent of a pharmacy. True to this, baristas wait behind the bar, ready to prepare your drink exactly the way you like it.
Luckily for those running low on caffeine, and with a little guidance from the baristas, there’s a concoction to cure their ailment. Depending on which extraction method you prefer, a barista will come to your table with all of the necessary equipment and will explain the process in detail, almost like a magician showing you how a trick is performed. The Japanese siphon, for example, is results in a sweet flavor profile with a very delicate texture.
Cardinal knows that their bread and butter is coffee. So, they team up with other local specialists to deliver different products. Like, the bread from la Puerta Abierta, tea from Tomás Casa Editora de Té, and ice cream from Amor Casero. The latter being the culprit behind the signature best-of-both-worlds affogato: a scoop of vanilla or marzipan ice cream with a shot of espresso poured over the top. The Voltaire is a must-have here, too. It’s essentially a cappuccino made with Oaxacan sweet chocolate; a dream come true for fans of subtly sweet flavors.
Food isn’t far behind the coffee, with offerings like the almond chocolatine paired with the Chemex, a Cardinal cut of banana bread, or a cold brew paired with a salami or roast beef sandwich.
Bottom line, if you’re in the mood for sweet treats or world-class coffee, Cardinal has you covered.