Tierra Mia Coffee offers a spin on the customary café with a shot of culture. UC Berkeley undergraduate and Stanford MBA graduate Ulysses Romero founded Tierra Mia Coffee in 2008. As the son of a Mexican immigrant, Romero followed father’s footsteps and opened his own business.

Emphasizing his focus on the quality of his coffee, Romero’s goal is to “entice Latinos and others with Latin-inspired coffee drinks.” 

Tierra Mia coffee-shops originated as only being available in Spanish-speaking communities. Now,  the institution has seven locations in Southern California and two more in Northern California.

Tierra Mia’s coffee is unique for its Mexican-influenced menu options. The menu’s drinks are divided into two sections: “Bebidas Heladas” and “Bebidas de Café y Espresso,” which translates to “Cold Drinks” and “Coffee and Espresso Drinks.”

Some featured cold drinks include “Rice and Beans Frappe,” “Mojito Mint Tea Lemonade,” “Chocolate Mexicano Frappe,” and my personal favorite, “Horchata Frappe.”  “Our Most Popular Drinks” features the “Mocha Mexicano,” “Coco Loco Latte” and “Horchata Latte.”

The aforementioned flavors that Tierra Mia offers add Tierra Mia’s unique spin, although they do offer traditional coffee flavors like Caramelo (Caramel) Macchiato, Mocha Blanco (White Coffee), and Espresso Macchiato as well.

Like any other café, Tierra Mia also offers pastries. However, Tierra Mia does with their pastries just as they do with their drinks: with a hint of Hispanic culture.

Made fresh every day, the bakery provides “Horchata Latte Cupcakes,” “Piña Colada Muffin,” and “Tres Leches Muffin.” Customary options are also available, like butter croissants and blueberry muffins.

The first taste of their famous Tres Leches Muffin might taste like an ordinary muffin. However, at the center, a milky goodness wrapped inside the muffin awaits to tickle your tastebuds.

I heard many good things about Tierra Mia before going myself. Some even addressed it as “the Mexican Starbucks.” Its rising popularity proved to me that it was a must-visit. I had to find out for myself, and I was not disappointed.

Based on my experience, I would recite their slogan: “El mejor cafe viene de Tierra Mia.” The best coffee does come from Tierra Mia.

Featured Image: Although quite quaint, Tierra Mia sets the perfect, intimate setting for a quiet brunch. Photographer: Kayry Gonzalez (’16)