In the heart of downtown Eugene, Xocolate Coffee Co. celebrates its first anniversary by serving a menu that blends Mexican and Guatemalan traditions with Pacific Northwest hospitality. Co‑owners Analley Sanchez and Jeshua Castellanos, who opened the café last spring, have turned their love of chocolate and coffee into a vibrant gathering place for families, students, and anyone seeking a taste of Latin America.
Signature drinks and seasonal treats
The café’s flagship Mexican mocha is crafted by melting Ibarra chocolate bars with cinnamon, water and a touch of sugar, creating a rich, spicy beverage that pairs perfectly with a warm pastry. Seasonal offerings this fall include pumpkin‑spice horchata lattes, a white‑chocolate pumpkin sauce espresso called “The MVP,” and a silky coffee‑flavored flan. For tea lovers, the matcha latte—dubbed the “hidden gem”—layers foamy green tea with milk and optional syrups.
Hearty breakfast and lunch options
Beyond drinks, Xocolate serves substantial burritos made with house‑made turkey chorizo, eggs, cheese, potatoes, and optional avocado, sour cream, and pico de gallo. Vegetarian versions are also available. The chilaquiles feature house‑made tortilla chips simmered in salsa verde, topped with fried eggs, queso fresco and thin‑sliced red onion. French toast with seasonal fruit and an apricot Danish from local baker Ramiro Lopez add sweet choices for brunch.
Supporting local producers
True to their community‑first ethos, Sanchez and Castellanos source beans from Eugene’s own Cafeto Coffee Company and partner with Red Hen Kitchen for sourdough bread used in club sandwiches and tuna melts. “Working with other local businesses benefits everyone,” Sanchez said, noting that these collaborations bring higher‑quality baked goods to the café while bolstering small‑business owners.
Family‑friendly atmosphere
The interior is designed for lingering: comfortable couches, study tables, outdoor bistro chairs, and even a whimsical Lego café display that delights children and adults alike. A recent addition is a Lego‑built café atop the pastry case, complete with planters, ducklings, and a “Cafe Fleur” sign, reflecting the owners’ love of family projects.
Community outreach and events
Xocolate’s commitment extends beyond the menu. The café will host “Cafe y Musica” on Sept. 27, a benefit for the Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition, and regularly supports the Lane County Hispanic League by providing soccer cleats and uniforms for first‑generation and immigrant youth. Manager Daniel Perez, founder of the league, emphasized that these programs keep young players focused and safe amid concerns about ICE raids.
With a child‑friendly environment, locally sourced food, and a calendar of charitable events, Xocolate Coffee Co. exemplifies how a family‑owned café can enrich Eugene’s cultural and economic landscape while honoring its Latin American roots.
Original reporting: Homepage – Lookout Eugene-Springfield — read the source article.
