Tucked behind Palo Alto’s vibrant University Ave. lies Coupa Cafe, a Venezuelan-style brunch spot. Since opening its first location in Palo Alto in 2003, the family-owned business has expanded, now operating nine locations across California and three in Palo Alto alone.
Owner and founder Nancy Coupal first dreamed up Coupa as a “third place,” a haven for the local community to interact and connect away from the confines of work and home. Strung with fairy lights, this gem boasts a charming and homey interior and offers a respite from the dull atmosphere of sterile corporate chains. Inside the brightly painted walls, customers type away on laptops at all hours while sipping beverages and nibbling on pastries. Outside, chairs and tables are scattered along the pedestrian-only street for customers to simply enjoy their food and bask in the sun.
Spicy Maya ($5.75): 10/10
This spiced hot chocolate is, to put it mildly, life-changing. The surface of this rich, velvety chocolate is coated in froth, and the drink’s infusion of cayenne and pasilla chile preserves a balance of sweetness and spice. The beverage expertly delivers a delicious twist while maintaining the warmth and decadence that popularized the classic sweet drink.
Lemon Poppy Seed Muffin ($3.25): 6/10
Dusted with powdered sugar, this crumbly pastry is mildly dry and lacks any particularly enjoyable taste. While nothing special, this convenient treat makes a solid studying snack when paired with one of the more appealing beverages on the menu.
Empanaditas ($16.85): 8/10
These gluten-free appetizers are one of the cafe’s most popular dishes, and for good reason. A single order includes two mini beef empanadas and two cheese variations, making it perfect for sharing. The beef empanadas are undoubtedly superior, with the juicy, flavorful meat encased in crispy, fried dough. While falling short of the high bar set by the beef, the cheese empanadas are still delicious, especially paired with the assortment of sauces offered, including creamy, rich guasacaca, spicy trujillano, and garlic aioli.
Carne Mechada Arepa ($11.50): 10/10
This is unquestionably the best food item on the menu. Cooked to perfection, the tender Venezuelan-style shredded beef and caramelized onions are stuffed in soft dough. The delicate, warm combination is perfectly complemented by the glaze of creamy guasacaca and garlic aioli, which adds a flavorful and refreshing taste. This dish is a must-try for any customers.
Dulce de Leche Croissant ($5.55): 4/10
While this decadent treat is initially intriguing, it is entirely unsatisfactory. Biting through the flaky, golden exterior, one is met with an overwhelmingly unappetizing, paste-like caramelized filling that is literally tough to swallow. Customers would be better off sticking with the specializations of the joint and, to be frank, avoiding the pastry case entirely.
