Some favorite places are chosen not only for their coffee, but for how they make people feel. As the year draws to a close, the San Diego Red community made that clear by naming Bunko its favorite coffee shop in Tijuana.
The recognition followed a social media vote conducted on Facebook and Instagram among seven local venues. Bunko stood out not simply for its menu, but for the experience it offers to everyone who walks through its doors.
In a short time, Bunko has established itself as a quiet refuge for readers, creatives, and anyone seeking a pause in the day. More than a traditional coffee shop, it is a thoughtfully designed space meant for lingering, conversation, and time spent with a book.
Behind the bar, drinks are prepared to order, including vanilla chai and lattes, with a range of plant-based milk options to accommodate different tastes and preferences.
Seasonal offerings further set the space apart. During the winter months, Bunko introduces a special beverage menu inspired by The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, blending warm, spiced flavors with literary imagination. Standout creations include the Bunko Tonic, a refreshing mix of espresso tonic with grape syrup, pomegranate jam, and honey, and the Berry Matcha Latte, which combines matcha with strawberry and raspberry pulp.
The menu is rounded out by classic coffee staples such as Americanos, cappuccinos, flat whites, and lattes, along with a carefully curated selection of desserts and baked goods. Offerings include cookies, scones, muffins, a vegan cinnamon roll, and French-style pastries.
A community-driven recognition
For founder and owner Vanessa Félix, the recognition is deeply meaningful. She says knowing the project resonated so quickly with the community confirms that Bunko achieved something beyond serving coffee: building connection. From the beginning, she envisioned a warm, accessible, and welcoming place where people could feel comfortable spending time.
“It started with my own need for a space where I could read, work, and browse,” Félix said. “I wanted to create a place where more people could come and enjoy literature in our city.”
A space for readers and newcomers alike
Félix extended an open invitation to both avid readers and those who are just beginning to explore books, as well as to anyone simply looking for a comfortable place to spend time. She also highlighted the shop’s youth area, designed for children and young people, and encouraged families to make use of the space.
A project that continues to grow
While Bunko was born from a love of coffee, it is equally rooted in a love of books and the desire to create a true gathering place. Looking ahead, the coffee shop aims to continue growing as a cultural hub by hosting readings, talks, and activities that strengthen the relationship between community and literature.
Bunko is open Monday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; closed Tuesdays; Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The community recognition confirms what many already know: Bunko does more than serve coffee. It offers a place where people can feel at home.
