Don’t know where to have your coffee in Davao City? Here is Kape Diaries’ official guide on coffee shops in Davao City. This curated guide features all the coffee shops and cafes that I have visited.
I have divided this guide into three sections — Coffee Shops, Cafes, and Mobile Pop-up/Take-out Coffee Shops — to make this guide organized. (Note: These categories are made simple for the benefit of this guide)
This guide will be updated from time to time as I visit more coffee shops and cafes in the city.
(Important note: Business hours and contact details may be changed by the coffee shops or cafes without prior notice. Kindly check their social media accounts for a more updated schedule)
COFFEE SHOPS
These coffee shops offer customers a unique coffee experience through different specialty coffees (e.g. Mt. Apo, Colombia, Ethiopia, etc.) and manual brewing methods (e.g. pour-over, Aeropress). These are mainly third-wave coffee shops.
Purge Coffee Roaster
Location: Tulip Drive, Juna Subd.
Business hours: 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Monday to Friday
What they offer: Manually-brewed coffee, espresso-based drinks, non-coffee drinks, waffles, coffee beans
What to order: Order a pour-over of their Ethiopia beans. I love the citrus and fruity notes of Ethiopian coffee. Their Mocha Lava and White Peak are also a must-try. If you are hungry, go for the apple cinnamon waffles. Buy a bag of their coffee beans to enjoy a good coffee at home or as a pasalubong to a coffee lover.
Social media: Facebook | Instagram
*Purge Coffee Roaster was among my favorite coffee shops for 2018 and 2019
Stash Coffee Co.
Location: 2nd floor of Davao TBT Bldg Corner Inigo St. and Porras St., Obrero
Business hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday to Monday; Closed on Tuesday
What they offer: Manually-brewed coffee, espresso-based drinks, non-coffee drinks, all-day breakfast, sandwiches, pasta, coffee beans
What to order: Any of their specialty coffee is best enjoyed with their Big Breakfast, which consists of sausages, bacon, eggs, salad, mushrooms, roasted tomato, and toast
Social media: Facebook | Instagram
*If you are looking for a place to work, I would recommend them.
**This coffee shop has outdoor seating
***They offer Wifi. There are sockets available for charging
****Recommended for those looking for a coffee shop to work at
Espresso Lab
Location: Ground Floor, Lanang Suites, Lanang
Business hours: 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Thursday; 10:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Friday to Sunday
What they offer: Manually-brewed coffee, espresso-based drinks, non-coffee drinks, all-day breakfast, sandwiches, pasta, rice meals, cakes, international coffee beans
What to order: For international coffee beans, Espresso Lab has the widest selection. I tend to go for the Colombian beans here. I find them to be quite juicy and I love their sweetness too. For the food, I regularly order their light breakfast, which consists of eggs, toast, bacon, hash brown, and tocino. Order their Passionfruit Magicano and Rose Latte from their signature drinks.
Social media: Facebook | Instagram
*If you are looking for a place to work, I would recommend them.
**They offer Wifi. There are sockets available for charging.
***Recommended for those looking for a coffee shop to work at
Life Cycle Coffee
Location: Langub
Business hours: 2:00 p.m. to 11 p.m., daily
What they offer: Manually-brewed coffee, espresso-based drinks, non-coffee drinks, pastries, Japanese food
What to order: Their Japanese Drip and Shiro Blend are my favorites here. For the food, the Chicken Teriyaki, Okonomiyaki, and Yakisoba are a must-try. When you will order food, I suggest that you drop them a message on Facebook or Instagram to check for availability and make advance orders.
Social media: Facebook | Instagram
*This is an open-air coffee shop
Fourth Street
Location: Narra St.
Business hours: 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday to Thursday; 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday to Monday
What they offer: Manually-brewed coffee, espresso-based drinks, non-coffee drinks
What to order: Go for the Mt. Apo beans here for your pour-over. For the signature drinks, I would order the Summer (Espresso + apples + lemon syrup + water) and if available, their milk tea. If you want to stay awake, order the 0104, it is four shots of espresso, their special tea, and milk.
Social media: Facebook | Instagram
*This is an open-air coffee shop
**Prior to the closure of its branch along Juan Luna St., Fourth Street was among my favorite coffee shops of 2019
Wood and Coffee
Location: Magtuod
Business hours: 2:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Tuesday to Thursday; 2:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday to Sunday; CLOSED on Mondays
What they offer: Manually-brewed coffee, espresso-based drinks, non-coffee drinks, pastries, pasta, and sandwiches
What to order: For the drinks, I would order the Dolce Dutch Sorbet and Belgian Ichigo. I would recommend that you try their croffle.
Social media: Instagram
*This coffee shop has an art gallery by Gil Bumanlag. His works and furniture designs are also for sale
**This is an open-air coffee shop
Glasshouse Coffee
Location: Oboza Ancestral Compound, Rizal St.
Business hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday and Monday; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday
What they offer: Manually-brewed coffee, espresso-based drinks, non-coffee drinks, pastries, sandwiches
What to order: I had a delicious cup of Mt. Apo pour-over here. I suggest you order that if the beans are available. Their Iced Americano is also a must-order here. For the food, go for their bagel sandwiches. I highly recommend the Bacon, Egg, Cheese Bagel Sandwich. Their chocolate chip cookies are also good.
Social media: Instagram
*The coffee shop highly encourages their customers to book a table
**They have outdoor seating
***Glasshouse Coffee was among my favorite coffee shops of 2018
oNse
Location: BC Chicken, Quimpo Blvd.
Business hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday to Saturday; Closed on Mondays
What they offer: Pour-over coffee, cold brew
What to order: Order their Puro (cold brew with water and ice) or Blanco (creamy cold brew).
Social media: Instagram | Facebook
*They have outdoor seating
Coffee for Peace Café
Location: Ground floor, One Oasis, Ecowest Drive | Third floor, Abreeza Aya
Business hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Saturday
What they offer: Pour-over coffee, espresso-based drinks, non-coffee drinks, pasta, salad, sandwiches, rice meals, coffee beans
What to order: Order a cup of pour-over of their beans from their partner communities. I would recommend the tuna melt as a snack to go along with their coffee. Buy a bag of their coffee beans to take home or as a pasalubong.
Social media: Facebook | Instagram | Website
FLTRD Coffee
Location: Tahimik Ave. (Beside So To Kill)
Business hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
What they offer: Pour-over coffee, espresso-based drinks, non-coffee drinks
What to order: Their Lavender Latte is a unique blend of lavender, milk, and espresso. I would also recommend their Spanish Latte.
Café Prelaya by The Joaquins’ Cheesecakes
Location: Sputnik St., Dona Vicenta Village
Business hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Saturday; 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday
What they offer: Pour-over coffee, espresso-based drinks, non-coffee drinks, cheesecakes, and muffins
What to order: I would go for the Espresso Tonic here. Don’t forget to order their cheesecakes and muffins, which are delicious. For the cheesecakes, I recommend the caramel pecan while for the muffins, get the blueberry.
Olo
Location: 6th Street, Ecoland Subdivision
Business hours: 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday
What they offer: Pour-over coffee, espresso-based drinks, non-coffee drinks, pastries
What to order: I like to order their pour-over here and the traditional espresso drinks — cappuccino, americano, etc. I like their matcha soda, which is different from the matcha drinks I have. Also, order their pastries. My favorite to date is their chicken pot pie.
Social media: Instagram
Zandro’s Cafe
Location: Mabini St.
Business hours: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday; 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday)
What they offer: Manually-brewed coffee, espresso-based drinks, non-coffee drinks, pastries, French toast
What to order: They have a good selection of signature drinks. I recommend the Laguna Beach (Sea salt latte), Irvine (Espresso-based drink with mint), and Orange County (Americano with orange juice). I also recommend you try the California Adventure among their non-coffee drinks. It is a malty milk drink topped with cereals.
Social media: Facebook | Instagram
at Curbside
Location: Topaz St., Marfori Subd.
Business hours: 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday to Sunday
What they offer: Manually-brewed coffee, espresso-based drinks, non-coffee drinks, pastries
What to order: I like their Spanish Cold Brew. It is their version of a Kori Kohi, which is cold brew ice cubes with milk. I highly recommend their Brazo de Mercedes, which I really liked because how it is not extremely sweet. I also like the milk cake and its cream puffs.
Social media: Facebook | Instagram
Steep Kohi
Location: Bella Vie Bldg., Inside Carpenter Travel, Circumferential Rd. | Google Maps
Business hours: 11:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday to Friday; 1:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Saturday
What they offer: Coffee and non-coffee drinks, pour-over
What to order: If it is available, I would recommend the Milalitra for pour-over. The coffee had notes of peach, cherries, and banana. I also like Sakura for their non-coffee drink.
Social media: Facebook | Instagram
Nomu
Location: N. Torres St., Obrero (Beside Central Convenience) | Google Maps
Business hours: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Open only on Saturday (Follow Nomu on Instagram for regular updates on their schedule)
What they offer: Coffee and non-coffee drinks, pour-over
What to order: Order their pour-over coffee. In my previous visits, I got a good cup of Mt. Apo. It had notes of cinnamon and caramel. I would also recommend you try their Spanish Latte.
Social media: Facebook | Instagram
Glasshouse Coffee – Aeon Branch
Location: Aeon Towers
Business hours: 11 p.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Sunday
What they offer: coffee and non-coffee drinks, pour-over, pastries
What to order: I liked their Slayer Espresso Tonic and their orange Americano. I would also recommend the pour-over. Check out their shelf of coffee beans for your choice for pour-over or ask for the barista’s recommendation. During my last visit, I was able to try a Passion fruit washed Colombia by Trunk Coffee Roasters.
Social media: Instagram
Owl Cafe
Location: 391 Sampaguita St. Buhangin | Google Map link
Business hours: 12:00 n.n. to 11:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday; 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Sundays
What they offer: Coffee and non-coffee drinks
What to order: Order their Iced Coffee Jelly and Iced Caramel Macchiato. I am not usually a fan of drinks with “sinkers” but Owl Cafe’s Iced Coffee Jelly was such a treat.
Social media: Facebook | Instagram
Fika
Location: Elevation Fitness Buhangin Compound | Google Map link
Business hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
What they offer: Coffee and non-coffee drinks
What to order: My regular order here is their Spanish Latte. It has a good balance of sweet, creamy, and coffee.
Social media: Facebook | Instagram
Darkk Coffee Co.
Location: Teodoro Palma Gil St., Obrero
Business hours: 2 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday
What they offer: Specialty coffee, coffee and non-coffee drinks
What to order: So far, I have tried their Spanish Latte, Cookie Dough Latte, and Iced Americano, which were quite good. I would also recommend you try their pour-over.
Social media: Facebook | Instagram
Craft Coffee
Location: Hikaru Building, San Francisco St., Mintal | Google Maps Link
Business hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., daily
What they offer: Pastries, pasta, pizza, rice meals, coffee and non-coffee drinks
What to order: Go for the Americano for the coffee. For the food, try their pizza. I liked their cheese pizza. They also serve a good slice of chocolate cake.
Social media: Facebook | Instagram
CAFÉS
For me, cafés focus more on the food they want to serve. Thus, the presence of rice meals and pasta on their menus. The cafés on this list not merely serve delicious plate of food but a great cup of coffee as well.
Spark Coffee + Crafts
Location: Paseo Uno Bldg., Marfori (In front of the park)
Business hours: 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Daily
What they offer: Espresso-based drinks, non-coffee drinks, rice meals, pasta, sandwiches, waffles, appetizers
What to order: I don’t know where to start because I like most of the food and drinks they offer. For the drink, I recommend the Iced Americano and their Cappuccino. I like all the food here but I would recommend the Chicken Cordon Bleu, Loco Moco, Monte Cristo, Mojos, Onion Rings, and my all-time favorite, their Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Waffles.
Social media: Facebook | Instagram
*Spark Coffee + Crafts has consistently been among my favorite coffee shops for three years in a row (2017, 2018, 2019)
**This café offers WiFi. It has several sockets where you can plug and charge
Oye Coffee
Location: Turquiose St., Marfori
Business hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday; 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays; Closed on Mondays
What they offer: Espresso-based drinks, non-coffee drinks, pasta, sandwiches, and pastries
What to order: I suggest the Citrus Americano or their Kori Kohi for your drinks. For the food, go for the Montesandwich. It is a French toast sandwich with ham and cheese.
Social media: Facebook | Instagram
*They offer Wifi. There are sockets available for charging
**Recommended for those looking for a coffee shop to work at
BLK21 Cafe
Location: Block 21, Lot 17, 3rd Street, Guadalupe Village, Lanang
Business hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
What they offer: Espresso-based drinks, non-coffee drinks, Laksa, Takoyaki, Chimichanga
What to order: For their drink, I had Dorothy’s Go To Drink. It is iced white mocha with sweet cream cold foam, and caramel drizzle. For the food, their Laksa and Takoyaki are a must-try.
Social media: Facebook | Instagram
*This is an open-air café
Kopi 82
Location: Wheels N’ More, Bajada
Business hours: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday and Monday; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday; 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday
What they offer: Espresso-based drinks, non-coffee drinks, appetizers, pasta, sandwiches, all-day breakfast, and rice meals
What to order: For their drinks, I usually order the iced Americano or the Cappuccino. For your meals, I suggest the Crispy Adobo Flakes, Chili Cheese Bowl, or Bistek Tagalog.
Social media: Facebook | Instagram
*This café offers WiFi. It has several sockets where you can plug and charge
**Recommended for those looking for a café to work at
The Coffee Bar
Location: The Peak, GMall of Davao
Business hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m, Sunday to Thursday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday
What they offer: Espresso-based drinks, non-coffee drinks, pasta, sandwiches, waffles, all-day breakfast
What to order: My regular order here is their cold brew. I also like their Spam Fried Potatoes and Penne Bolognese.
Social media: Facebook | Instagram
*This café offers WiFi. It has several sockets where you can plug and charge
**Recommended for those looking for a café to work at
Coffee at Yellow Hauz
Location: V. Mapa St.
Business hours: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
What they offer: Espresso-based drinks, non-coffee drinks, tea pastries, pasta, sandwiches, all-day breakfast, and rice meals
What to order: I love their tocino, pork adobo flakes, and cheese cups here. For the drinks, I usually go for the tea or their milkshakes.
Social media: Facebook | Instagram
*This café offers WiFi (Based on my experience, they have the fastest and most reliable internet connection among the cafés and coffee shops in the city). It has several sockets where you can plug and charge
**Recommended for those looking for a café to work at
Secret Garden Cafe
Location: 23 Opal Street, SM Village, Bangkal
Business hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
What they offer: Espresso-based drinks, non-coffee drinks, tea, pasta, sandwiches
What to order: The cafe is quite known for its grilled cheese sandwiches. I recommend you try their classic or the bacon and maple. They also serve a great cup of coffee. What I really liked are their signature drinks. Try the Lychee Bliss and Strawberry Pink.
Social media: Facebook | Instagram
*This cafe offers WiFi
*Reservations recommended
Revel
Location: DBP Village, Ma-a Rd. (Beside Dragon Dumplings)
Business hours: 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., closed every Sunday
What they offer: Pastries, coffee and non-coffee drinks
What to order: For their drinks, I recommend the Spiced Orange Espresso Tonic and the Strawberry Matcha. For the pastries, go for the Black Sesame Cookies, Pecan Bars, Cashew Cinnamon Rolls, Apple Crumble, and Carrot Walnut Cake.
Social media: Instagram
Acacia Lane Coffee Shop
Location: Acacia St., Juna Subd.
Business hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Saturday
What they offer: Sandwiches, pasta, rice meals, pastries coffee and non-coffee drinks
What to order: For their meals, I like the Rosemary Porkchop and Acacia Ribs while for the coffee, I liked the Iced Americano I had here.
Social media: Facebook | Instagram
MOBILE POP-UPS/TAKE-OUT COFFEE SHOPS
This category is quite explanatory. These coffee shops are mainly on wheels. Others are take-out counters with a few seats on the side. Most of them offer specialty coffee. For the mobile pop-ups, be sure to regularly check their social media pages for updates.
Kapeweñoz Specialty Coffee
Mobile pop-up | Take-out counter
Location and business hours:
[] Mobile pop-up in Lanang is from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.
[] Take-out counter along V. Mapa St. is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday to Wednesday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday
[] Take-out counter along Vinzon St., Obrero (Near Chard’s Place and Angels at Work)
What they offer: Manually-brewed coffee, Espresso-based drinks, non-coffee drinks
What to order: Go for their pour-over. Ask Biboy for a recommendation on what beans to have. So far, I have been happy with what he has to offer.
Social media: Facebook | Instagram
Kanto Coffee
Mobile pop-up | Take-out counter
Location and business hours:
[] Mobile pop-up near the fountain area of Abreeza Ayala Mall is from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., daily
[] Take-out counter at Food Trip, Rd. 1, Dona Vicenta Village, is from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Saturday
What they offer: Manually-brewed coffee, Espresso-based drinks, non-coffee drinks
What to order: Aside from a pour-over, I recommend you try their Espresso Tonic.
Social media: Facebook | Instagram
Grind Coffee
Mobile pop-up | Take-out counter
Location and business hours:
[] Mobile pop-up near the fountain area of Abreeza Ayala Mall is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
[] Take-out counter at Padre Gomez St. (near Chippens in Roxas Ave.) is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Thursday; 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday
What they offer: Manually-brewed coffee, Espresso-based drinks, non-coffee drinks
What to order: Their cold brew is among my regular orders here aside from the pour-over. While I usually would go for the plain black cold brew, I also like the Mocha cold brew. It reminds me of Vietnamese coffee minus the palpitations.
Social media: Facebook | Instagram
Artisan Brew
Mobile pop-up
Location and business hours:
[] The Breakfast Joint, Acacia St., Juna Subd | 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesdays | 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Wednesday to Friday | 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday
*Artisan Brew regularly changes his location and schedule. Hence, it is good to check his Facebook and Instagram pages every now and then.
What they offer: Manually-brewed coffee, Espresso-based drinks, non-coffee drinks
What to order: Aside from the pour-over, I would recommend the Cascara Summer and Honey Peach. Artisan Brew usually does a pop-up with Emilia’s; so, you can enjoy some pastries when they are around. I prefer going in the morning when they are at Breakfast Joint. I would order a classic Americano or Latte while having breakfast.
Social media: Facebook | Instagram
*Follow their Facebook page to see if there are changes in their daily schedule
Southside Coffee
Take-out counter
Location: Rustico Cabaguio St. corner Lupo Diaz St, Obrero (At the back of Stella Maris Academy of Davao)
Business hours: 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday
What they offer: Manually-brewed coffee, Espresso-based drinks, non-coffee drinks
What to order: Try their Southside Brew and the Spanish Latte. They also serve brownies, which I liked.
Social media: Facebook | Instagram
*On soft opening
Balay Juice & Coffee Co.
Take-out counter
Location: Corner Palma Pil and Guzman St, Obrero (Near Bricklane)
Business hours: 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday to Thursday; 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Friday; 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Saturday; 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Sunday
What they offer: Manually-brewed coffee, Espresso-based drinks, non-coffee drinks
What to order: Go for their specialty coffee. Go for Omakase. When you order “Omakase,” the barista chooses the coffee beans for you. It is a good way to surprise yourself. I would also recommend their fresh juices.
Social media: Facebook | Instagram
Humble Coffee
Take-out counter
Location: San Pedro St. (Near Davao City Police Office)
Business hours: 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday to Friday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday
What they offer: Manually-brewed coffee, Espresso-based drinks, non-coffee drinks, ice cream
What to order: For their coffee drink, try their Spanish Latte with ice cream. The ice cream adds creaminess to the drink. Try the Bandung for their non-coffee drink. It is a refreshing milky yogurt drink with rose syrup. Also try their affogato, which they topped with oreo cookies.
Social media: Facebook | Instagram
Coffee Co.
Take-out counter
Location: Juan Luna St. (Near Harley Boulevard Motor Cafe)
Business hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday
What they offer: Espresso-based drinks, non-coffee drinks, and pastries
What to order: I like their Spanish Latte and Mocha here. For their pastries, I like their cheese bar. Their brownies pair nicely with their Americano too.
Social media: Facebook | Instagram
Espresson
Mobile coffee
Location: Varies ; Follow their Facebook and Instagram for their location.
Business hours: 1:00 p.m – 7:00 p.m (Poblacion Market Central schedule)
What they offer: Espresso-based drinks, non-coffee drinks
What to order: To date, I like their Einspanner and Dalgona Coffee
Social media: Facebook | Instagram
Local Coffee Bar
Take-out counter
Location: Loyola St., Obrero (in front of Stella Maris Academy of Davao)
Business hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., daily
What they offer: Coffee and non-coffee drinks
What to order: Order the Hot Spanish Latte or an Iced Americano. The Iced Americano is a great drink for a warm afternoon.
Social media: Instagram
If you have any suggestions, please drop me a message on Instagram @kapediares