Maria Ramirez – with the help of her family – recently opened her first cafe inside the Arts@Large gallery and gathering space, 1100 S. 5th St. Prior to the cafe, the Ramirezes vended at Mexican Fiesta for a decade.

"Maria's Cafe is 100 percent a family affair," says Maria. "It's me, my husband, daughters and grandkids."

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Maria's is cheerful, clean and filled with natural light. During our visit, customers were having lunch with friends or colleagues, working on laptops or engaging in small meetings. Mexican Art, which is for sale, and fresh flowers accent the space.

"Everything here is hand-made and hand-stirred," says Maria.

The menu is small yet solid with a choice between a panini, quesadilla or a sandwich, along with baked goods, hot and cold coffee drinks, "summer refreshers" (cold drinks) or Jarrito's soda. We had a tasty chicken and cheese quesadilla with a horchata latte and a cup of the house coffee, called Café de Olla, which is a slow-brewed, Mexican coffee made with cinnamon, Mexican spices and unrefined sugar. 

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"The recipe is my mom's," says Maria. "The smell reminds me of growing up. So many customers have told me the taste and smell bring them back to the feeling of home. And that's our mission: to offer a welcoming place for everyone."

Arts@Large is a community and education non-profit located in an historic 1890s building. The organization focuses on making arts education accessible to youth, empowering educators and providing gathering spaces for the community. (Put it on your list for a Gallery Night stop!)

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Maria's Cafe is in a three-year contract with Arts@Large to rent the space. It was formerly occupied by Green Baked Goods.  

"So far, the community has really embraced us, and it's been wonderful," says Maria.

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Maria's Cafe is open Tuesday-Sunday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and for special Arts@Large events. Follow Maria's on Facebook and Instagram.