Downtown Subscription
376 Garcia St, Santa Fe, NM
Crema's Take
“Downtown Subscription blends a vintage magazine shop with espresso-focused coffee in Santa Fe's creative heart, offering a wonderfully eclectic space where you can browse publications while nursing a genuinely good pour-over or espresso. Their outdoor seating becomes a local gem during warmer months, perfect for settling in with a book or sketchpad, though fair warning—the owner's presence and staff demeanor are notably inconsistent, making it more of a hit-or-miss experience depending on the day. If you catch them on a good day and appreciate the quirky, literary vibe mixed with quality coffee, it's a charming spot; just manage expectations around the hospitality.”
What to expect
Google Reviews
Used to frequent this establishment to purchase magazines many years ago. Don’t know if it’s under new management but the owner was eavesdropping on a private conversation between 2 customers and based on said conversation he told her she had to take down her art show there and leave. They were speaking about Justice issues.
I have never been treated so rudely. I spent hours working on an art show to hang here and then the super creepy owner decided on a whim and after overhearing a PRIVATE conversation I had with a friend he found something he didn’t agree with then told me to take down my show. It’s like big brother and I know he does this to other customers too. I’m honestly astounded at the level of rudeness with the owner, Alex the supposed manager, and how I was treated. Absolutely disgusting and disgraceful. Take your business elsewhere. Plus the food really sucks.
This was my first visit to this coffee shop traveling from out of state. I love that they sell magazines — like big retailer yet with a quaint vibe— and the coffee itself was very good. The reason I’m giving an average rating is because the customer service fell short of what I expected. I honestly did not see the sign that magazines must be purchased before taking them to a table. A barista came over and curtly told us we had to pay for them before reading. I understand the policy — but the delivery felt unnecessarily sharp. When I went to the register to pay and mentioned the interaction, the employee simply said, “what do you want me to say?” instead of offering a simple apology or clarification. A few minutes later, another employee loudly dumped trash and coffee grounds in the walk area, leaving grounds on the floor. It felt careless and not very hospitable for customers trying to enjoy their coffee. I really wanted to love this place — it has potential! — but I would encourage the owner to work with their team to consider a warmer tone with guests, and a little more attention to the customer-facing environment. A friendly explanation goes a long way.
This coffee shop has been a disappointment over and over. The staff is rude and dismissive, like they’re doing you a favor by just taking your order. One employee in particular (she looks like Josh from blues clues, lower space buns w/hello kitty clips. so you know exactly who I mean) is consistent unhelpful and brushes people off when there’s an issue. The food isn’t much better. I’ve ordered I’ve ordered their quiche several times, and at least five times (one being today) was unfortunately raw. When I pointed it out in the past, nothing, no apology, no refund, no replacement. Employee just brushed it off like it didn’t matter. And to top it all off, I even left a 20% tip once and she couldn’t even bother to say thank you. That was the final straw for me. For a place that charges super elevated prices you’d expect better service and food that is actually cooked. Sadly you’ll find neither here. Also I would like to add that their parking situation is a nightmare, you’re better off going to Starbucks at least you’ll know you’ll get good service and consistency every time.
I went there in the middle of the winter, so their outdoors don't look that enticing, but you can check other reviews... their outdoor space is a wonderful place to enjoy a summer day. This is a fun cafe that still preserves a great atmosphere in spite of the magazines (hence it's name) heydays gone (I heard that they used to have thousands of different titles, don't know that truth of it, but I am quite sure they had quite a subscription base...). Food is simple and casual, but tasty. You order at the counter and wait to be called. Of course, coffee and teas are a big part of the menu. Fun place to chat with friends or work with your computer.
Crema Reviews
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