I recently visited 787 Coffee, right across from the Texas Tech School of Medicine. The location is fantastic, with plenty of parking! 

As I approached the café, the bright and cheerful atmosphere caught my eye. There are outdoor tables with fun chalk decorations and even water bowls for dogs!
Inside, it’s impressively spacious, featuring two stories with lots of seating and great spots for photos. 


However, I was surprised by how commercialized it felt, which I didn’t expect in El Paso. Originating from New York, the café had product placements everywhere—t-shirts, hats, and syrups on display. It reminded me of Starbucks, with a trendy vibe but higher prices.
For example, I was charged an extra dollar for oat milk, which wasn’t clearly indicated.

When I approached the counter, I mentioned it was my first visit, but there was no friendly greeting or helpful prompts. I ordered a Coquito latte to try something rooted in Puerto Rican culture. After a 15-minute wait, there was a mix-up, and I received a horchata instead. Thankfully, the barista quickly remade my drink, but the Coquito just tasted like regular coffee with a sprinkle of coconut shavings. 

While enjoying my coffee and working, I noticed staff promoting their social media presence, asking customers to take photos. It seemed more about the experience for social media than creating a welcoming atmosphere. 

Also, it’s odd that you need to spend $20 to access the Nintendo experience—seemed excessive for a smaller spot. 

Overall, while I appreciate the uniqueness of 787 Coffee, the atmosphere wasn’t as warm and inviting as I’d hoped. My Coquito latte ended up costing $9 (with the oat milk upcharge and credit card fees), and I’m not sure if I’ll return. 

There are many amazing coffee spots in El Paso with great flavors at more reasonable prices. I really wanted to support a Puerto Rican business, but I hope they can adapt their pricing and vibe to better suit the local community, especially with so many students around. 


5038 Alameda Ave, El Paso, TX 79905









