Simple pleasures are the order of the day at El Minutito café-bar in Mexico City
El Minutito is a fast and friendly pit-stop for coffee, conviviality and more, designed by Lucas Cantú, of Mexican studio Tezontle

Mexico City’s El Minutito is not just a café and bar; it is a tribute to universal moments of kinship and draws inspiration from the conviviality of Italian standing bars, the communal spirit of sharing tapas, and the warm embrace of old-school Mexican cantinas. Designed by Mexican architect and co-founder of Tezontle studio, Lucas Cantú, the space was envisioned as a sanctuary where locals and travellers could come together to enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
El Minutito, Mexico City
El Minutito has been custom-designed down to the smallest details, integrating a few unique pieces in a yellow-accented interior. Mirrors are strategically placed throughout to reflect and expand the space, creating a sense of openness. Wood infuses the project with a cosy and natural atmosphere, while off-the-shelf aluminium and brass profiles highlight intricate details.
At the heart of the establishment lies a custom-designed bar adorned with brass detailing and a bespoke clock that elegantly ticks away the minutes, paying homage to the project’s name (‘in a minute’ in Spanish). Here, guests can savour pastries, pies, cookies, traditional ‘pan de dulce’ and freshly prepared sandwiches. ‘Much like the fast-paced espresso culture in Italy, everything at El Minutito is fast and ready to go,’ Cantú points out.
As the day unfolds, guests can transition from sipping coffee, teas or Mexican hot chocolate to ordering cañas, vermouth and wine. Small botanas (snacks) are served on dainty plates, while cocktails and carajillos (a coffee drink) mark the beginning of the evening as the music picks up pace. ‘El Minutito is a social hub,’ Cantú says. ‘It’s a celebration of connection where strangers become friends over a shared moment.
El Minutito is located at Londres 28, Juárez, Mexico City, @el.minutito
A version of this article appears in the July 2024 Design Directory Issue of Wallpaper*, available in print, on the Wallpaper* app on Apple iOS, and to subscribers of Apple News +. Subscribe to Wallpaper* today.
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Sofia de la Cruz is the Travel Editor at Wallpaper*. Before joining the team in 2023, she worked for Hypebae and Hypebeast UK, where she focused on the intersection of art, fashion, and culture. Additionally, she contributed to Futurevvorld by covering a variety of sustainability topics.
-
ICON 4x4 goes EV, giving their classic Bronco-based restomod an electric twist
The EV Bronco is ICON 4x4’s first foray into electrifying its range of bespoke vintage off-roaders and SUVs
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
‘Dressed to Impress’ captures the vivid world of everyday fashion in the 1950s and 1960s
A new photography book from The Anonymous Project showcases its subjects when they’re dressed for best, posing for events and celebrations unknown
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Inside Camperlab’s Harry Nuriev-designed Paris store, a dramatic exercise in contrast
The Crosby Studios founder tells Wallpaper* the story behind his new store design for Mallorcan shoe brand Camperlab, which centres on an interplay between ‘crushed concrete’ and gleaming industrial design
By Jack Moss Published
-
Six hotels where you’ll find the winter sun this February
From intimate seaside inns to lush tropical resorts, here are six Wallpaper*-approved winter sun escapes
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
Vipp Todos Santos wins Wallpaper* Design Award 2025
A new guesthouse from the Danish design brand brings a Scandinavian aesthetic to a desert location in Mexico
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
Wallpaper* Design Awards 2025: meet the travel winners transcending destinations
Discover the Wallpaper* Design Awards 2025 travel winners – the year’s places to stay, dine, drink and join – and watch our video to find out why they won
By Lauren Ho Published
-
Take a trip to San Miguel de Allende, the Mexican City attracting a flourishing creative crowd
San Miguel de Allende is home to a bold young crowd of talent that’s thriving off the city’s brightly-hued heritage
By Mary Holland Published
-
Six brilliant bars for your 2025 celebrations, hot off the Wallpaper* travel desk
Wallpaper’s most-read bar reviews of the year can't be wrong: here’s inspiration for your festive and new year plans, from a swanky Las Vegas lounge to a minimalist London drinking den
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
The world’s best new hotels that we’re loving without reservation
Explore the best new openings in the world, from Orient Express’ La Dolce Vita train and first-ever hotel to Capella’s debut in Taipei
By Nicola Leigh Stewart Last updated
-
Ennea Hotel on Mexico’s Oaxaca coast pays homage to the region’s artisanal legacy
Ennea Hotel’s warm interiors are dressed in authentic Mexican materials, thanks to architects at Jaque Studio alongside designers Comité de Proyectos
By Grace Bernard Published
-
Alexander Hotel marries European hospitality with sleek Mexican design
Alexander Hotel, located inside Mexico City’s Torre Virreyes, heralds 26 light-filled suites conceived by architect Daniel Álvarez
By Carole Dixon Published