Penny University Coffehouse

Santa Fe, United States

4.8

20 reviews

Contacts

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Telephone:
+1 505-983-0701
Website:
pennyuniversity.coffee
Address:
410 A Old Santa Fe Trl, Santa Fe, NM, 87501
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Today

Today –
Local time (Santa Fe) 6:27 PM Sunday, June 29, 2025

Business hours

Monday –
Tuesday –
Wednesday –
Thursday –
Friday –
Saturday –
Sunday –

Description

Specialties

Specialty coffee, tea, pastries, gelato, sandwiches, salads, and burritos.

History

Established in 2015.

In the seventeen and eighteen hundreds, coffee houses were called penny universities. In these establishments, class was not recognized, and rowdy behavior was prohibited. This resulted in an environment where poor, rich, educated, and working class folk would all come together and enjoy coffee and a good discussion, all for the price of a penny. Our business is inspired by these principles, that people can come and enjoy good coffee, and good conversation.

Penny University Coffehouse — CLOSED also recommends

Kakawa Chocolate House

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reviews

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Penny University Coffehouse — CLOSED says,

«We recommend Kakawa because of their delectable hand-​crafted chocolates. They have great chocolates, caramels, truffles, and famous elixirs.»

Vicinity

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20 reviews of Penny University Coffehouse

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Place rating: 4
Boulder, CO
CLOSED??? What happened? Did they raise the rent?
I am SO sorry to see you go!
Stacy
Place rating: 4
West Windsor Township, NJ
Delicious cappuccino and the owner was friendly and kindly let us stay after hours, while he cleaned up. Very knowledgeable about different types of beans.
Place rating: 5
East Harlem, Manhattan, NY
Wonderful coffee, knowledgeable barista and delicious baked-​goods. The jalapeño-​corn muffin, baked in-​house by one of the proprietors, is cheesy-​chili delight not to be missed. They usually have an excellent Guatemalan bean, freshly roasted, that makes for an excellent pour-​over. I never have to add a sweetener, which is the highest compliment I can pay a cup of coffee.
Place rating: 5
Portland, OR
so f***ing bummed that this placed closed.
Place rating: 5
Eldorado Springs, CO
Delicious coffee, great service, cozy shop. Penny is now part of what makes Santa Fe special – sit by a sunny window to watch the morning go by with a steaming cup of tea or a perfectly pulled espresso. Kudos to the owners for their commitment to real quality and a unique experience.
Place rating: 5
Boston, MA
Excellent folks and excellent coffee. They are real experts in the land of coffee! When I asked about the coffee (on both visits) they went into nice and thorough descriptions. I highly recommend this business as they are awesome, new and family based. The American Dream in effect.
Place rating: 5
Newport News, VA
I was in town for a few days and saw that they did pour overs. It’s nice to find a place that makes a good cup of coffee where it tastes like it’s supposed to. I went there every morning of my trip. Great freshly roasted coffee and tasty breakfast foods. I enjoyed the quiche and the breakfast burritos. The staff were very social and paid attention to their customers.
I highly recommend this coffeehouse to anyone looking for quality coffee, delicious food, and a nice coffeehouse atmosphere.
Place rating: 5
Santa Fe, NM
Best new coffee house. Most delicious fresh baked goods I’ve found in Santa Fe in many years. Slow drip coffee is brewed to perfection. Never had a better Espresso. Setting is charming, airy, and warm. Brilliant!
Place rating: 5
Denver, CO
My friends and I were traveling through Santa Fe and were trying to find a place to study before we went to a concert. We stumbled upon Penny’s, but it was right before they were supposed to close!
The staff was so nice– they let us stay and get work done after close while they cleaned up. Such incredible people!
Great atmosphere & music, too. And on top of it all, they know their coffees! I tried an Ethiopian blend that I am already missing! If I’m ever back in Santa Fe, I will definitely stop by Penny’s again.
Place rating: 5
Portland, OR
We are coffee and espresso snobs. On our recent visit to Santa Fe, we had real issues with finding an espresso that was full bodied (prefer thick like mud) and great crema. Finally on our last day we discovered Penny’s. Awesome espresso, awesome cappicino and warm scones!!! Next trip we’re set!
Place rating: 5
Portland, OR
This was my first visit to Santa Fe. I was surprised to find that it does not have much of a coffee culture. Search as I might, I could not find a good espresso… Until I found this place. They really know what they’re doing and take great care in crafting their coffee. If you appreciate good coffee, this is the place to go. The baked goods are also fantastic.
Place rating: 5
Santa Fe, NM
It’s hard to find a good coffee shop in downtown Santa Fe, but discovering this place has been like finding a hidden gem! This coffee shop is cozy and friendly, and most importantly had great coffee! They have gelato and great merchandise! The pour over coffee is especially delicious! Try these guys out for sure!
Place rating: 5
Solana Beach, CA
Friendly service and tasty coffee. A great way to start a day of lobbying at The Roundhouse next door.
Place rating: 5
Haworth, NJ
Great new little coffee shop — also great seating really close to town — coffee was good and we will be back
Place rating: 5
Westlake Hills, Austin, TX
Great coffee, hearty pastries and insanely friendly staff! My husband and I work remotely and were passing through Santa Fe. We ended up coming here twice during our visit. WiFi is solid!
Place rating: 5
Santa Fe, NM
Gorgeous little shop with great owners and welcoming atmosphere. The coffee is tasty and you won’t get that «charred because you’ll think it’s more sophisticated» flavor from the coffee. I had a standard cup of Colombian and it was exceptionally smooth and easy on the palate. No try-​hard hipster burnt roast coffee here.
Most important of all is the absolutely solid customer service. You have questions, they have answers. Ask them why they’re named Penny University. I promise it’s a great little history lesson.
A+ locally-​owned joint in the downtown neighborhood. Here’s to years of success!
Place rating: 3
Santa Fe, NM
Lovely little café with a great, low-​key atmosphere and ample outdoor seating. The staff are friendly and the service is fantastic. The barista also makes one hell of a cappuccino. Barely open a week and already one of my favorite hangouts.
EDIT: Recently, I feel the staff have become less friendly, but I have no doubt that this is due to the stress associated with opening a new business for the first time, and I am confident that once business picks up and they fall into a routine, the stress will melt away, and they will be back to their wonderfully personable selves.
Place rating: 5
Santa Fe, NM
A cozy, friendly place with a great atmosphere and great coffee! The owners truely care and the food offered is delicious! Great place to sit and enjoy tea or coffee.
Place rating: 5
Santa Fe, NM
Just popped in to this new locally run business for a latte and was so impressed with the service, location, atmosphere and the coffee! Ample seating indoor and outdoor very close to downtown with reasonable prices and a great selection of local goods in addition to the beverages. Latte art was adorable, but I slurped down my drink too fast to take a pic! Try this place out.
Place rating: 5
Santa Fe, NM
My delicious tea was nothing like a typical shop’s bigelow or other corporate tea brand, but a cup of finely balanced and artfully served tea. This is a local place with great service and atmosphere. The owners were on hand to help answer any questions and make sure everyone had everything they needed. I am beyond impressed and enthusiastically recommend to all.