While playing around on Google Maps looking for coffee shoppes while I was visiting friends in Traverse City, I discovered Mundos.
Mundos began their journey in November 2017 with their first location on Boon Street. I always love to read purpose/mission statements on websites, and this statement from Mundos gave me all the feels-
We love Traverse City. We are enamored by the natural grandeur that exists here, the life we live and the moments we share. But above all, we love the people. We want to create spaces where people experience the beauty of coffee and community.
Mundos
The team opened a second location in Suttons Bay and in spring 2022, they opened two new unique cafes on Front Street – Mundos 305 and Mundos West.
Location
The “Central” HQ is located about halfway between Front St and Airport Rd on Woodmere Ave. The building is just off the corner of Boon next to a print/copy store. I plugged it into my maps and it was a breeze to find.
Parking
If I haven’t made it clear, paying for parking is one of my biggest pet peeves! Luckily, Mundos “Central” HQ is located in the southeast side of town and has its own parking lot! Score!
The parking lot is small and this cafe can get busy (it’s quite a large place). There are two “rows” of parking, so there is a chance if you park in the front row nearest the building, someone may park behind you. Be prepared to be a little social and ask tables if their car is parked behind you if you need to head out and you’re blocked in.
Entry
As you pull up, the black and white building has a cute farmhouse vibe. The horizontal black wainscoting contrasts nicely alongside the white vertical paneling. Topped off with black barn lights, it gives it a really cozy feel before you ever step in. I visited in September so there were no tables outside, but from photos it appears that they have outdoor tables along the sidewalk in warmer months.
First Impressions
My eyes lit up when I walked in. The simple, clean, white, black and wood decor with beautiful plants scattered everywhere was right up my aesthetic alley! As soon as you walk in, you will find a large wooden picnic-style table – I love community seating. The main area has a garage door that may be open to create an “outdoor space inside” feel during warmer weather.
Directly in front, the counter surrounded by white shiny subway tiles. And your eyes can’t keep away from looking at the astonishing floating Edison bulb lighting. I walked up to the counter and realized that there were rooms to both sides of this main entrance.
The other rooms contained interspersed, more private tables, chairs and couches. Plenty of plants added color, beauty and comfort to the areas.
Menu
As a coffee connoisseur, you’ll be happy to know that Mundos is part of the Coffee Roasters Guild and Specialty Coffee Association. Mundos roasts their own coffee in-house on Tuesdays at the HQ location – and they even ship individual bags, or on a weekly or bi-weekly schedule. Croissants and pastries are made from scratch.
I perused the menu for something unique to try. They offered seasonal drinks, teas, sandwiches, avo bowls, crepes, burritos and more. I was intrigued by the peanut butter latte. I asked the barista what her thoughts were about it, and she told me that she really liked it so I decided to give it a go. How can one go wrong with espresso and peanut butter?
