How to Say "coffee shop" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “coffee shop” is “cafetería” — use 'cafetería' when referring to the establishment itself, often implying a place that also serves food like pastries or light meals..
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cafetería
nounA1general
Use 'cafetería' when referring to the establishment itself, often implying a place that also serves food like pastries or light meals.
Examples
Vamos a la cafetería a desayunar.
Let's go to the coffee shop to have breakfast.
café
nounA1general
Use 'café' when referring to the establishment primarily as a place to meet or a general location, similar to how one might say 'meet me at the cafe'.
Examples
Nos vemos en el café de la esquina a las cinco.
See you at the corner café at five.
Cafetería vs. Café
The most common mistake is using 'café' when you intend to emphasize the food or the specific type of business. While 'café' can mean the place, 'cafetería' more strongly implies a business that serves coffee and often light food items like pastries.
Related Translations
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