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Tucked into the heart of Albuquerque, Little Bear Coffee isn’t just a place to grab a latte—it’s a living, breathing love letter to New Mexico.
Born from a desire to make specialty coffee more approachable, Little Bear has built a loyal following around excellent drinks, intentional relationships, and the belief that good coffee should never come with a side of pretentiousness.
Humble Beginnings, Big Heart
The idea for Little Bear Coffee started brewing in early 2017. At the time, the “third wave coffee” movement was surging—but often felt exclusive and intimidating to the average coffee drinker.
“We really wanted to do something different,” the founders explain. “We wanted to create a space that served really amazing coffee, but also prioritized customer service and approachability. A space where everyone could feel welcome, even if they didn’t know a single origin from a single shot.”
That simple but powerful vision became the foundation for Little Bear, which opened its first location later that year with the mission statement: “Love People, Use Coffee.”
A Vision That Grows With the Community
From the very beginning, Little Bear has put people first—whether that’s staff, regulars, or newcomers walking in for the first time. “We care most about the people coffee brings together,” the team shares. “Little Bear is our love letter to New Mexico and the people who call this amazing place home.”
Now with four cafe locations and a dedicated roasting facility, Little Bear has grown—but never lost sight of what made it special in the first place: relationships, inclusivity, and fun.
Coffee with Soul and Intention
Little Bear’s approach to coffee is both thoughtful and playful. “We take our craft seriously, but we try not to take ourselves too seriously,” they say. That philosophy shows up in everything—from the flavor of their blends to the names they carry.
Their fan-favorite blends, like the fruit-forward “All Sick” (a nod to an ABQ inside joke) and the rich, nostalgic “Campfire”, strike a perfect balance between accessible and exciting.
Whether you’re a seasoned coffee nerd or just want a great cup, Little Bear has something that’ll hit the spot.
But for many, it’s the Little Bear Latte that keeps them coming back. This signature drink—espresso, steamed milk, and a housemade cedar vanilla syrup—is the perfect mix of familiar and fresh. “People come to Little Bear just to try it,” they say with a smile.
Behind the bar, there’s a deeper layer to every cup. Little Bear sources its beans with intention—building long-term, personal relationships with producers, especially in Colombia and India. “Our goal is to dig deeper, not wider. We’re not chasing trends—we’re investing in people.”
More Than a Coffee Shop—A Community Hub
Walk into any Little Bear cafe, and you’ll feel it: a welcoming energy that invites you to stay a little longer, connect, and come back. That’s no accident. From rotating art shows to artisan markets to their annual Little Bear Natty Wine Fest, the team actively cultivates space for community and creativity.
“Community is built one relationship at a time,” they say. “We try to collaborate with our friends as much as possible—and hope that by doing so, we’re building up our city in the process.”
Inside the business, that same care extends to their team of nearly 50 staff members. “The customer experience starts with our staff feeling supported,” they explain. “We hire people who really love people—and we build systems to help those relationships grow.”
What Makes Little Bear Truly Special
So what sets Little Bear apart in Albuquerque’s ever-growing coffee scene?
“We’re honestly just trying to pursue the things we’re excited about, and we hope that resonates with people,” the team shares. “We feel really lucky to work in coffee—an industry full of folks who do it because they love it, not because there’s tons of money in it.”
At its core, Little Bear is driven by a deep love for their city, good coffee, and making new friends—a combination that’s as authentic as it is rare.
“If that isn’t special,” they say with a grin, “then I’m not really sure what is.”
Looking Ahead
With a new roasting facility up and running, Little Bear is setting its sights on wholesale expansion—bringing their ethically sourced, deeply loved coffee to other cafes, restaurants, and offices around the region.
“If you want amazing coffee for your space, hit us up,” they laugh.
But growth, for Little Bear, will always be about staying connected to their roots. “We want to keep growing in a way that still feels personal—like year one, just with more people along for the ride.”
The Little Bear Experience
For anyone who hasn’t been yet, Little Bear can be summed up in one phrase: “The most serious, unserious coffee people you know.”
Their cafes are designed to be places where everyone can be themselves, whether they’re there to geek out over a single-origin pour-over or just sip a latte with friends. “When people feel like they can show up as themselves, we usually get the best version of them—and that’s true for both baristas and guests.”
At the end of the day, Little Bear is about more than coffee. It’s about connection, care, and community—a rare blend that Albuquerque has come to treasure.
Learn more about Little Bear, find a location, or shop their coffee online at littlebearcoffee.com
Follow them on Instagram: @littlebearcoffeeco
Article By ABQLive Staff
Photos Courtesy of Little Bear
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