Café MoMo

CAFÉ MOMO BRINGS COLOMBIAN COFFEE, ART, AND CULTURE TO DOWNTOWN SANTA FE

Santa Fe has always been a place where art, culture, creativity, and community come together. From its vibrant gallery scene and world-class performances to its diverse culinary offerings, the city has long attracted people who appreciate unique experiences.

That creative spirit is alive and well at Café MoMo, a contemporary coffee shop located in the heart of downtown Santa Fe. Combining exceptional Colombian coffee with an artistic atmosphere and a commitment to quality, Café MoMo offers visitors something beyond the typical coffeehouse experience.

Founded by Moriah Stanton, the café is an extension of her artistic vision and her passion for hospitality, craftsmanship, and meaningful connections.

FROM AN UNCONVENTIONAL CHILDHOOD TO SANTA FE ENTREPRENEUR

Stanton’s journey into the worlds of art and hospitality began with an unconventional upbringing.

Raised by her father among artists and creative communities, she spent much of her childhood living off-grid in various locations, including Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Those experiences helped shape her appreciation for different cultures, artistic expression, and the importance of living intentionally.

As a young adult, Stanton entered the restaurant industry, working her way through nearly every position, from busser to manager. Her career took her to New York City, the Hamptons, Martha’s Vineyard, Taos, and Santa Fe.

Along the way, she developed a passion for jewelry design, fabrication, and metalsmithing.

Her nickname, MoMo, originated while she was working at The Love Apple, a popular farm-to-table restaurant in Taos. A line cook named Jose Gonzales would call out “MoMo” whenever her orders were ready.

The name eventually became the identity of her growing business.

In 2016, Stanton opened MoMo Taos, a gallery featuring her jewelry designs alongside work from other jewelers, local potters, and fine artists.

Six years later, she expanded with MoMo Santa Fe, bringing her distinctive approach to art, fashion, and design to downtown Santa Fe.

In 2025, she introduced Café MoMo, creating a space where her love of hospitality and appreciation for exceptional coffee could come together.

A COFFEE SHOP INSPIRED BY FAMILY TRADITIONS

Although Café MoMo fits naturally into Santa Fe’s contemporary downtown scene, its inspiration comes from something deeply personal.

For Stanton, coffee has always been more than a morning beverage.

Her father approached coffee preparation as a daily ritual, carefully grinding whole beans by hand, brewing them in a French press, and taking time to appreciate the experience.

Watching him taught Stanton that coffee could be intentional, sensory, and enjoyable.

That philosophy became a guiding principle behind Café MoMo.

Rather than simply serving coffee, Stanton wanted to create an environment where guests could slow down, appreciate the quality of what they were drinking, and enjoy the experience.

DISCOVERING EXCEPTIONAL COFFEE IN COLOMBIA

Stanton’s background as a jewelry designer helped lead her to the coffee that would become the foundation of Café MoMo.

For nearly 15 years, she had sourced emeralds from Colombia, developing an appreciation for the country’s culture and agricultural traditions.

When she began researching coffee suppliers, Colombia was a natural starting point.

Her initial attempt to connect with the National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia in New York City proved unsuccessful. However, after reaching out to the organization’s headquarters in Bogotá, she received a much warmer response.

The federation helped arrange visits to coffee farms in Pereira and Cundinamarca.

Those visits eventually introduced her to Alejandra Hernandez and Finca Asturias, a multigenerational, woman-owned and operated coffee farm.

Stanton immediately recognized something special about the operation.

The family has grown coffee since the 1970s, maintaining agricultural practices centered on protecting the land.

According to Stanton, the farm has never used chemical sprays on its plants. The property also produces fruit and maintains a small amount of livestock, which contributes natural fertilizer.

The family’s guiding philosophy is simple: care for the earth, and the earth will care for you.

That commitment to responsible farming and exceptional quality made Finca Asturias the ideal partner for Café MoMo.

UNDERSTANDING THE ART OF COFFEE

Stanton’s experience with fine dining and wine education also influenced her approach to coffee.

Through years of participating in high-profile wine tastings and coursework with the American Sommelier Association in New York, she developed an understanding of how growing conditions affect flavor.

Coffee, like wine, reflects the environment in which it is produced.

Factors such as altitude, soil, climate, and seasonal changes contribute to the character of each harvest.

Because coffee comes from a fruit, its flavor can vary naturally from season to season.

At Café MoMo, the roasting process is designed to preserve those distinctive characteristics rather than conceal them.

The result is a coffee experience that celebrates the individual qualities of the beans.

TWO DISTINCTIVE COLOMBIAN COFFEES

Café MoMo’s menu is built around two Colombian coffee varietals sourced from Finca Asturias.

Each offers a different flavor profile and is prepared to highlight its unique characteristics.

PINK BOURBON

Pink Bourbon is a rare, high-altitude coffee varietal named for the salmon-pink color of its ripe coffee cherries.

At Café MoMo, the beans receive a medium roast and are served as both hot drip coffee and iced coffee.

The flavor profile is floral and fruit-forward, featuring notes of ripe stone fruit, red berries, and bright citrus.

Its lighter characteristics make it an excellent choice for guests who enjoy a more delicate and nuanced cup of coffee.

CASTILLO

The second varietal, Castillo, is roasted to a medium-dark level and serves as the foundation for Café MoMo’s espresso drinks.

This full-bodied coffee offers notes of toasted almonds and dark chocolate, complemented by a bright hint of passion fruit.

Its rich flavor makes it particularly well suited for cappuccinos, mochas, and other specialty espresso beverages.

SPECIALTY DRINKS WITH A COLOMBIAN INFLUENCE

Café MoMo’s specialty menu reflects Stanton’s dedication to carefully selected ingredients.

One standout offering is the Colombian Mocha, made with pure organic cacao and organic panela, an unrefined Colombian cane sugar.

Another distinctive creation is the Colombian Rose Mocha, which incorporates organic damask rose powder for an aromatic twist on the traditional mocha.

All specialty coffee drinks are available hot or iced.

Guests can also explore alternative milk options, including pistachio milk, which adds a creamy texture and subtle nuttiness to espresso beverages.

For those who prefer something other than coffee, Café MoMo offers teas from local purveyor ArtfulTea, along with high-quality Japanese matcha and hojicha.

Every selection reflects the café’s emphasis on ingredients, preparation, and attention to detail.

A CREATIVE SPACE IN THE HEART OF SANTA FE

The atmosphere at Café MoMo is just as thoughtfully designed as its menu.

Located next to MoMo Santa Fe, the café provides a quieter complement to the gallery’s colorful collection of art, jewelry, fashion, and accessories.

Inside, clean white walls and simple architectural lines create an inviting environment.

A hand-painted, fuchsia-tiled espresso bar adds a playful splash of color.

The space also features three striking photographic portraits by award-winning Kenyan documentary photojournalist Donwilson Odhiambo.

Wall frescoes by local artist Kristin Bortles introduce a tropical influence, while shelves display high-end candles, ceramic cups, and packaged coffee beans from Finca Asturias.

Indoor seating includes bar stools and a charming corner banco with a table near the entrance.

Outside, the café’s elevated red-brick portal offers a welcoming place to enjoy downtown Santa Fe.

Small tables and bistro-style folding chairs provide seating in both sunny and shaded areas, making the patio an excellent spot for people-watching near the lively intersection of Marcy and Lincoln.

COFFEE, CARROT CAKE, AND AN AFTERNOON WELL SPENT

Beyond the coffee, Café MoMo offers treats that complement its specialty drinks.

One highlight is the gluten-free carrot cake supplied by James Campbell Caruso’s acclaimed Santa Fe restaurant, La Boca.

The cake features a moist, lightly spiced crumb topped with rich cream cheese frosting.

Paired with a cappuccino made with pistachio milk, it creates an indulgent afternoon treat.

The espresso’s earthy, nutty, and slightly citrusy notes work especially well with the creamy richness of the milk.

A carefully curated music selection, which might include flamenco, adds to the café’s distinctive atmosphere.

Whether stopping in for a quick espresso or spending a leisurely afternoon with friends, Café MoMo encourages guests to enjoy the moment.

HOSPITALITY THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE

For Stanton, exceptional coffee is only one part of the experience.

Her years in the hospitality industry taught her that attentive service and genuine warmth are equally important.

She remains actively involved in the café’s daily operations, working alongside staff and interacting with customers.

That commitment extends to the baristas, who take time to explain menu selections, answer questions, and help guests discover drinks suited to their preferences.

The goal is to make every visitor feel welcome, whether they are a longtime Santa Fe resident or someone discovering the café for the first time.

A NEW ADDITION TO SANTA FE’S COFFEE CULTURE

Café MoMo represents a thoughtful combination of international influences and local creativity.

From sustainably grown Colombian coffee and carefully prepared specialty beverages to original artwork and an inviting downtown setting, every element reflects Stanton’s personal journey.

The café also demonstrates how a simple daily ritual can become something meaningful when approached with care and intention.

For coffee enthusiasts, art lovers, and anyone searching for a relaxing place to spend an afternoon, Café MoMo offers a distinctive experience in the heart of Santa Fe.

And for Stanton, the philosophy behind it all comes down to one guiding principle: quality is found in the details.

VISIT CAFÉ MOMO

Address: 145 Lincoln Avenue, Santa Fe, NM

Phone: 505-692-4157

Located in downtown Santa Fe near the corner of Marcy and Lincoln, Café MoMo welcomes guests to discover Colombian coffee, creative surroundings, and thoughtful hospitality.