Apapacho: the Mexican literary café tucked away inside Ici Librairie on the Grands Boulevards

A nod to lovers of littérature and of sweet delights. In the heart of the bustle along the Grands Boulevards, Ici Librairie stands out as one of the capital’s largest independent spaces dedicated to books, spanning 500 m2. But what many passersby don’t realize is that this tranquil, pastel-hued venue hides, at its very center, a true corner gourmand: Apapacho, an authentic little Mexican cafe.

Three years ago, Lucrecia, a Mexican neighborhood resident who was already wowing locals with her handmade conchas, spotted an unused small, central corner in the bookstore and set up there—finding instant success.

The space, vast and spread over two floors, leaves a strong impression with its generous volumes while staying warm and calming. Right in front of the large, sunlit glass wall, a few tables and chairs invite you to settle in.

But here, you order at the counter in a laid-back vibe, and you return your tray at the end. However, be aware: the total number of seats isn’t huge, and the space fills up quickly during peak hours, so you can’t count on finding a free table, even if sunny days let you snag a few spots on the terrace.

The real star behind the counter is the famous concha. For €5.50, the flagship option invites you to savor this brioche traditionnelle mexicaine, lovingly scented with orange blossom and crowned with its cinnamon crackle topping, served with a classic drink.

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Their drinks menu runs the gamut for every taste: from the refreshing cold hibiscus flower infusion, mild and lightly sweet, to traditional specialty coffees, through the comforting chocolat chaud noir.

For bite-sized cravings, Lucrecia also serves tortas (the Mexican sandwiches) in veggie or meat options or ultra-crispy homemade guacamole tortilla chips (Saturdays), while the pastries on display — cookies, lemon cake or banana bread — come straight from the bakery-pastry shop Céline Le Cœur. Keep in mind the menu can vary by day and depending on supplies!

A perfect spot to settle in after picking your current favorite from the immense choix de la librairie indépendante! Because while general literature sits on the ground floor, you can extend your exploration to the lower level, designed to be fully accessible thanks to an elevator.

In the basement, the youth and young adult crowd will find plenty to love, with the option to skim the latest releases on plush cushions. For those who crave total calm, the basement even hides a a tiny, intimate cabin with just two seats, highly sought after! A unique stop where literary passion pairs perfectly with the scents of orange blossom and cinnamon.

This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please let us know.