Although Starbucks is near the plaza, disguised by an adobe facade, you might want to get your latte at a local joint such as Ecco (105 E. Marcy St., 505/986-9778, 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Mon.–Sat.), which is packed with coffee junkies and Wi-Fi fanatics in the mornings; later, people come in to try the exceptional gelato, varying in flavors from familiar strawberry to adventurous black sesame ($3 and up).

If you don’t mind a walk, head over to Ohori’s Coffee, Tea & Chocolate (507 Old Santa Fe Tr., 505/988-7026, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Mon.–Fri., 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Sat., $3), Santa Fe’s small-batch coffee epicures. You can drink a cup of the black-as-night brew there and buy a pound or two to take home; if you’re staying on Cerrillos Road, the second location at 10981/2 South St. Francis Drive might be handy.

For a mellow tea-drinkers’ scene, drop in at Green Palace (209 E. Palace St., 505/983-2239, 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Tues.–Thurs., 11 a.m.–midnight Fri. and Sat., 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Sun., $4), which also has a menu of light meals (hummus-avocado sandwiches and other hippie delights, about $8) and stays open late for acoustic strummings and open-mic nights; tea tastings on Tuesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. help guide you through the enormous list.