Santa Fe's specialty coffee pioneer, serving house-roasted single origins across three distinct, historic neighborhood spaces.
Iconik Coffee Roasters launched in 2013, founded by Todd Spitzer, Darren Berry, and Nathalie Slade, and quickly established third-wave coffee culture in Santa Fe. Today, under the ownership of Sean Ham, the operation has grown into three distinct neighborhood hubs, each with its own architectural personality. The original flagship is the Lena Street Lofts location, an eclectic, sun-drenched space where the roasting magic actually happens. Tucked away in midtown, this cafe is centered around a modified 1928 Otto Swadlo roaster, a 30-kilogram Austrian-made mechanical marvel that Ham and his team still use to roast their beans with meticulous precision. It was here that Iconik earned a 94-point score from Coffee Review for their honey-process Colombian, and where barista Kayla Herrera trained to place fifth in the United States Latte Art Championship. The interior balances concrete countertops and patinated metalwork with rotating local art and a cozy, lived-in warmth, making it a favorite retreat for local writers, artists, and remote workers.
The other two outposts expand Iconik's presence across the city, repurposing historic structures with thoughtful design. Iconik Lupe, located downtown at 314 South Guadalupe Street, is housed inside a reclaimed 1920s Catholic school building. This location features an atrium-like dining room and a ruin-esque brick patio that is widely considered one of the best outdoor spaces in Santa Fe, surrounded by native desert flora. Further south, Iconik Red occupies a converted auto service station (a former Discount Tire) at 1366 Cerrillos Road. Opened as a modern flagship, Iconik Red embraces its industrial heritage with massive roll-up garage doors, polished concrete floors, plenty of natural light, and ample parking. This location serves as a bustling community anchor, hosting regular events like Argentine tango classes on Saturday nights, and providing a spacious environment complete with standing desks and cozy sofas for working sessions.
Across all three locations, the beverage program is built on precision-brewed single-origin coffees, pour-overs, and custom espresso blends like the Iconoclast. Signature drinks include the horchata latte and a rich mocha crafted with chocolate from Santa Fe's legendary Kakawa Chocolate House. The kitchen menus are equally deliberate, moving far beyond typical cafe fare. Guests can order hearty breakfast burritos stuffed with organic eggs, black beans, cheese, and calabacitas, which can be smothered in red or green New Mexican chile. Other standout dishes include the Egyptian dukkah avocado toast, breakfast tacos, and house-made pastries baked fresh daily. By sourcing locally and maintaining direct relationships with global coffee growers, Iconik has created a sustainable, deeply rooted community institution that represents the modern, creative spirit of the high desert.
Head to the Lupe location on South Guadalupe Street to sit on the ruin-esque brick patio with a horchata latte. If you are hungry, get the breakfast burrito smothered in local red or green chile, or the Egyptian dukkah avocado toast.
Coffee & Craft — Roadside fuel stops curated by Basecamp West. The best coffee shops, craft breweries, diners, and eateries worth the detour on your next Western road trip.