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Published on
May 19, 2025
At The Coffee Spot, we take pride in our premium Puerto Rican coffee, our inviting tropical atmosphere, and our menu of thoughtfully crafted drinks. But if you ask our regulars what really keeps them coming back, there’s one answer you’ll hear again and again: the baristas.
The art of coffee doesn’t stop at the bean. It continues through the hands of the person who grinds it, pulls it, steams it, and smiles as they hand it to you. That’s why we believe baristas are more than employees—they’re the soul of the café. They’re the reason your morning is better, your break is brighter, and your favorite drink tastes the way it should.
So today, we’re going beyond the brew to spotlight the heartbeat of our café. Because when you search for the best coffee shops near me, you’re not just looking for flavor—you’re looking for connection. And our baristas deliver both, every single day.
There’s a common misconception that being a barista is just about knowing how to make coffee. And yes, skill matters. Technique matters. But truly great baristas are ambassadors of experience. They combine craft, communication, and care to make sure every guest feels seen and every drink tastes amazing.
Here at The Coffee Spot, we don’t just hire people who know how to steam milk—we train them to understand our culture, respect our traditions, and serve with Puerto Rican warmth. Every barista becomes a storyteller, a host, and sometimes even a therapist with a tamper.
From remembering a regular’s order to explaining the origin of our beans from Jayuya, Puerto Rico, our team elevates each visit into something personal.
Puerto Rican coffee has a story—and it’s one our baristas know by heart.
The beans we brew aren’t mass-produced. They’re grown in the mountainous regions of Puerto Rico, hand-picked, and roasted in small batches to preserve their bold, low-acid flavor. What makes our café special isn’t just where the beans come from—it’s how they’re treated once they arrive.
Our baristas are trained to:
They’re not just following steps—they’re continuing a legacy. When a guest enjoys their first sip of a Coquito Cold Brew or an Iced Café con Leche, they’re tasting more than ingredients. They’re tasting tradition, technique, and pride.
This level of skill and intention is what separates a chain café from a specialty coffee shop rooted in culture.
Great coffee draws people in. Great baristas keep them coming back.
One of the most common reasons people become loyal to a local coffee shop near me isn’t just because it’s nearby—it’s because the people behind the counter feel like friends. At The Coffee Spot, our baristas make it a point to remember names, learn your drink preferences, and ask how your day’s going. These aren’t trained behaviors. They’re natural extensions of hospitality, especially in Puerto Rican culture where community matters.
Some of the most memorable interactions at our café have nothing to do with coffee:
These moments matter. They make our café more than just a caffeine stop—they make it a second home.
Baristas don’t show up great—they become great with training, mentorship, and time. At The Coffee Spot, we take barista development seriously.
Here’s a glimpse into our onboarding and continuing education:
New hires learn about the history of Puerto Rican coffee, the role it plays in island culture, and how The Coffee Spot blends that heritage with our El Paso community.
We teach drink ratios, espresso pulling, milk steaming, flavor profiling, and food safety. No one touches the bar until they’ve proven consistency and care.
We cover soft skills like tone, posture, eye contact, and memory cues. This makes sure our guests feel acknowledged and appreciated—whether it’s their first or fiftieth visit.
Our team participates in cuppings and menu tastings to stay connected to what we serve. That way, they’re not just making drinks—they’re selling experiences with confidence.
This type of in-depth training is what helps us stand out as one of the best coffee spots in El Paso, not just for tourists, but for locals who know the difference.
In the age of social media and digital reviews, baristas often become the face of the brand. A great barista’s smile can spark a five-star Google review. A latte art photo can go viral. A kind gesture can earn a loyal customer.
At The Coffee Spot, we embrace this truth. Our baristas are encouraged to bring their personality to the floor, whether that’s through curated playlists, custom latte art, or recommending their favorite cold brew of the week.
We’ve even had customers tag their barista by name when posting about us, praising them as part of the reason they chose us over other coffee shops in El Paso.
If you’ve ever been handed your drink by someone who made it with intention—and made you feel like a priority—you understand why this matters.
Did you know some of our most popular drinks were co-created by our team?
Our Coconut Latte with Blackberry Cold Foam was inspired by a barista’s summer memories on the island. Our Guava Breeze Iced Latte was a team experiment that turned into a fan favorite.
We believe in creativity behind the bar. When our baristas experiment, test flavors, and bring seasonal inspiration to life, it makes the menu better. It keeps things fresh. And it ensures that the drinks we serve are more than trendy—they’re personal, tropical, and El Paso-tested.
This collaborative energy sets us apart from the typical coffee shop menu. We’re not just checking boxes—we’re brewing culture.
If we’re going to talk about how important baristas are, we also need to talk about how we support them.
At The Coffee Spot, we:
Happy baristas make better coffee. It’s that simple.
At the end of the day, what sets The Coffee Spot apart isn’t just our smooth espresso, our cultural roots, or our beautifully designed space. It’s the people.
If you’re looking for a local coffee shop near me that remembers your name, your story, and your favorite drink—we’ve got you. If you’re curious about Puerto Rican coffee and want to learn more from someone who actually cares—we’ve got that too.
Every time you visit The Coffee Spot, you’re supporting a team that works hard to create something more than coffee. You’re supporting craft. Culture. And community.
Come Say Hello
Next time you walk into The Coffee Spot, take a moment to appreciate the hands behind the brew. Ask about a drink. Share a laugh. Learn a name.
Because behind every great café is a great team—and we think ours is one of the best in El Paso.
