Per the usual, I stumble out of bed every morning and before I can become a functional human being, I need coffee. Thankfully, Cafeteria Guindas was within walking distance of the hotel that I was staying at and allowed me to get my caffeine fix rather quickly. There must be a hostel of some sort nearby judging by the number of plainly dressed backpack-toting German tourists ordering coffee. I'd try to time my visit so I could snag a seat at the bar before they arrived, usually around 9:00 am.
The cafeteria is owned and operated by a husband and wife who work there every day, except for when they are closed on the weekends. The wife is definitely more of the "business woman" and always looks a bit stressed. If you come to Cafeteria Guindas often enough, she'll eventually remember your order. By the end of my time in Santander, I didn't even need to say anything and she would bring me a café solo. The coffee here is very smooth and has very little acidity, so I can see why no matter what hour of the day, there are people drinking coffee inside or out on the small terrace. read more
