10 Coffee Shops in Pampanga for a Change of Scenery

I still remember the early days of dating my first (and current!) boyfriend. Back then, even a boring trip to the bookstore for highlighters felt like a romantic getaway. There is just something about sharing a simple activity with your favorite person that makes it feel like an adventure. These days, even though we have the freedom to travel wherever we want, I have realized that I still get that same rush from the small things.

A quick drive to a neighborhood cafe has become my ultimate love language. It is no longer just about the caffeine fix. It is about the vibe, the interior design, and that feeling of being "out in the world" again. Pampanga has truly evolved into a specialty coffee powerhouse lately. If you are a fan of #aesthetic corners and a seriously good latte, you need to save these spots for your next weekend escape to the north.

Also read: 10 Coffee Shops in Quezon City That You Have to Visit

Must-visit coffee shops in Pampanga

Angeles, Pampanga

1. Moon Café

Image credit: Moon Café Official Instagram Page

If your Pinterest board is full of minimalist Korean interiors, Moon Café is your dream come true. This spot has become a staple in Angeles for a reason. Between the iconic "But first, coffee" neon sign and the industrial-chic furniture, it is a content creator’s paradise. Thankfully, the drinks are just as good as the decor. Their signature lattes and fresh pastries make it a top-tier choice for a long, lazy brunch.

2. Urban Garden Cafe & Bistro

Image credit: Urban Garden Cafe & Bistro Official Instagram Page

Despite having only been around for a few months, Urban Garden Cafe & Bistro has already become one of the coffee shops to try out in Pampanga. Offering a refreshing change of scenery, this café — true to its name — is home to a stunning urban garden that any plantito or plantita would surely love. It’s also nestled right under WA Architects, the very firm responsible for its picture-perfect furniture and design.

Must-try menu items include their cro-ffles (croissant waffles! How cute, right?) and lattes. And if you happen to be staying until late? Make sure not to miss out on their coffee cocktails — happy hour has never been this tempting!

3. Kalidad Coffee

Image credit: Kalidad Coffee Official Facebook Page

No doubt one of the most popular coffee shops in Pampanga today, is favoured for its visually satisfying aesthetic. With its clean, minimalist vibe, it will instantly remind you of your favourite Japanese café. We just love how a quick trip to this café is already enough to temporarily feed our wanderlust!

Their menu offers a generous range of beverages that cater to different tastes, from standard espresso-based drinks to their well-loved dirty horchata, to non-coffee drinks like their chocolate chai and watermelon Assam. Pair your drink of choice with one of their mouth-watering merienda offerings like Spanish bread and pan de coco — or you know, why not both?

Also read: This Former Sari-Sari Store in Rizal Is Now a Japanese-Inspired Coffee Shop

4. Amand

Image credit: Amand Official Facebook Page

We know what you’re thinking: Who knew there were so many amazing coffee shops in Pampanga? It’s almost impossible to decide where to start! Sleek and stylish yet homey, Amand looks like something straight out of a design magazine — and serves delectable pastries and thoughtfully crafted coffee to match!

Of the many things this café has to offer, its dedicated pastry table just might be the highlight of your dining experience. Here are a few desserts that just might tickle your fancy: a banana cake and fudge brownie combo (a match made in heaven!), quezo de bola ensaymada, and Amand’s signature tiramisu. It’s a sweet tooth’s dream come true!

Note: Amand is temporarily closed until further notice. Keep checking out their social media pages for updates.

5. Cafe Ana

Image credit: Cafe Ana Official Instagram Page

If pretty, feminine interiors are your kind of thing, then Cafe Ana most definitely deserves a spot on your list of Pampanga coffee shops to visit. We don’t doubt you’ll love their many scrumptious offerings, too —  they’ve got a menu extensive enough to feed you from breakfast to dinner (and dessert after each and every meal). What’s more, their plating is as Instagram-worthy as the café’s interiors, perfect for flat lays and drool-worthy #foodporn photos!

Apart from your usual coffee shop menu items, Cafe Ana’s fruit shakes are particularly worth trying out. Their strawberry-mango shake is one of their bestsellers and makes for a refreshing choice for cooling down on hot summer days. Another tempting flavour? Strawberry avocado — yum!

6. MC Cafe

Image credit: MC Cafe Official Facebook Page

Ever wanted to feel like you are living inside a comic book? MC Cafe (also known as Mind Control) uses 2D illustration styles to create a whimsical, sketch-like environment. It is a massive hit for families and groups who want a fun, interactive backdrop for their photos. Their menu is massive, featuring everything from classic coffee to refreshing fruit shakes.

7. Infusions Quarters

Image credit: Infusions Quarters Official Facebook Page

At Infusions Quarters, every hour is happy hour — for big fans of caffeine, that is! This café is, undoubtedly, run by and for true blue coffee lovers. The entire bean-to-brew experience is something they take very seriously, and you’ll be able to tell from the moment you take your first sip of their speciality coffee!

Not only do they serve expertly crafted coffee; they’re more than happy to share their passion and skills with all of us, too. Yes, you understood that correctly — they offer barista workshops, which are open to anyone interested in learning the craft. We don’t know about you, but we love baristas who know their stuff and make us mere mortals feel welcome instead of intimidated!

Apalit, Pampanga

8. Pink Planter

Image credit: Pink Planter Official Facebook Page

First of all, how cute is this café’s name? A play on “Pink Panther”, Pink Planter is a one-stop shop for coffee, plants, and cute plant-themed merchandise.

This café in Pampanga intentionally doesn’t offer Wi-Fi, so guests can enjoy quality conversations with their fellow diners (while social distancing, of course), as well as all the features the store has to offer. Pink Planter was specifically designed to be photo-op worthy, so you’ll want to take as many snaps as possible! Not only that, they even have a lineup of books for guests to enjoy over coffee or tea; plus, they have a mini garden right beside the store, which all you plant enthusiasts are welcome to check out.

9. 92 Parameters

Image credit: 92 Parameters Official Facebook Page

At 92 Parameters, there’s no such thing as a bad brew! This cafe in Pampanga is constantly in pursuit of the best speciality coffee: one that brings out classic and natural flavours. Apart from their thoughtfully crafted coffee creations, they also offer a seasonal selection of yummy fare — from hearty rice meals to finger food to delectable pastry options. On top of that, their space provides the perfect ambience for chilling with friends.

Mabalacat, Pampanga

10. KAPE’

Image credit: KAPE’ Official Facebook Page

Tucked away in the city of Mabalacat is a quaint queer-owned cafe called KAPE’. A relatively new coffee shop in Pampanga, this cafe serves artisan espresso-based and caffeine-free drinks. Here, you can savour fresh brews, including their bestseller Kape’ Tres Leches or signature beverages like Kape’ Con Leche and Kape Caramelo Salado. Beyond its delicious beverages, KAPE’ serves as an inclusive, safe space for everyone, just as fashion designer and coffee connoisseur Rizzo Tuazon has always envisioned.

Also read: LOOK: Greenhouse Café Tagaytay Is THE Café of 2020

Who ever said you had to go far (read: out of the country) to scratch your travel itch? For the time being, a trip to these coffee shops in Pampanga is enough to do the trick. We hope a visit to even just one of them helps satisfy your wanderlust and your caffeine cravings!