No, we are not back in Albuquerque. But if you are looking for a whole lot of succulents with your coffee I know the place to go.

Cactus is a cool but dry place (just a little cactus humor there). The southwestern decor fits nicely with their Cafe de Olla (traditional Mexican coffee with lots of cinnamon and other spices) and their Cafe de Leche. It’s a neighborhood joint too where people hang, have serious conversations and eavesdrop on said conversations. Man the gossip one hears while playing a game of gin with your wife which, by the way, I let her win.

They got jarritos, topo chico and several other Hispanic drinks not yet available at Starbucks. Empanadas too. Staff is nice and afterwards you can walk around the block a couple of times while your wife shops at the thrift store next door.

Casa Cactus is located at 4595 North Elston.