Lovecraft Café, recreation of literary monsters in pastry

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The mission of Lovecraft Café is to interpret the darker side of literature and convert it into flavors, textures and shapes by way of the desserts and craft beer they serve. It is a gastronomical-conceptual space that pays homage to H.P. Lovecraft and other classic authors of horror and suspense, like Edgar Allan Poe or Mary Shelley.

In the thick of Lorenzo Boturini street, one of the most well known spots in Mexico City for tacos and garnachas, Lovecraft Café is located in the neighborhood of Venustiano Carranza. The design of the locale is meant to recreate a tea room from the 19th century, with curtains of gothic fabric, ornate wallpaper, chandeliers, velvet furniture and diverse artworks referencing the monsters of the U.S. writer.

What to try? Beer and desserts

The highlight of Lovecraft Café is its attractive desserts. Rubén Dario Vázquez, owner and creator of the cafe’s concept, works directly with many master pastry chefs. “I try to make every dessert have a specific personality inspired by each story or character and the flavors I associate with them.”

Lovecraft Café also employs its creative purpose to the craft beer they serve, pairing them with their sweet and savory options. They offer beers specifically brewed for them, as well as 15 other brands to try. The selection is carefully curated by Rúben, who is trained in craft beer production, giving the clients more options and unique pairings. 

Primigenia, one of the house beers, is a very aromatic oatmeal stout with notes of coffee and chocolate. Its label features an illustration of the mythical creature Wendigo.

The other beer of the house is Profunda, an American Pale Ale with notes of mango, peach and grapefruit and a generous body. It has a dry finish with light bitterness. Its label features Dagon and the depths, characters from the novel The Shadow Over Innsmouth. Rúben explained that his intention was to translate Lovecraft’s description of the ocean into a tropical style of beer to play with the author’s literary ideas. 

One of the desserts that represents this intention to translate ideas, and my personal favorite, is the Reanimator Pastry, based on the horror story Herbert West, Reanimator by Lovecraft. It is a bittersweet chocolate skull bathed in a warm sauce of red fruits. As it melts, the skull’s brain is exposed; an anatomically correct mold made with passion fruit. It can be perfectly paired with the house beer Primigenia to intensify and compliment the flavor of the chocolate. 

Another dessert you must try is Polaris, a sphere made from coconut yogurt mousse filled with blueberry jelly and placed atop a bed of blueberry sauce. It is based on the story by the same name by Lovecraft that deals with themes of melancholy, distant memories, cold environments and forgotten worlds. Polaris pairs perfectly with the house pale ale Profunda.

Whisper of the Darkness is a chocolate hazelnut mousse with an orange filling and with a glassy, mirror-like surface. Its dark color is very attractive along with its tentacles made of chocolate that are inspired by the novel He Who Whispers in the Dark by Lovecraft. If you would like to enjoy it with something other than beer, try the unusual and delicious cappuccino or an Italian soda that comes with vapor rising out the glass. Definitely a post-able beverage. 

Their desert menu changes every three months, so check their social media for the most current availability. 

Savory Menu and other drinks.

At Lovecraft Café you will also find delicious snacks if you are looking for something savory before you delve into the desserts. There are ciabatta sandwiches made with artisanal bread, fresh vegetables and the meat of your choosing. There are also chicken strips, hot wings, french fries, cheese fingers and, my personal favorite, boneless chicken popper seasoned with lime pepper.

Besides the beer, they offer coffee from the tropical region of Coatepec, made into espresso, cappuccino, americano and affogato, as well as chai, hot chocolate, tea, tisana, italian soda and soft drinks. 

Store and more…

Visit the Lovecraft Cafe store and find board games, books, stuffed animals, t-shirts, umbrellas, collectible figurines and even slippers, all based on literary characters from horror and suspense genres. Your inner goth will thank you.  

It’s worth mentioning that they play the music at a low volume, allowing you to chat or read easily. Usually it’s a mix of new wave like Depeche Mode, The Cure, and Joy Division, among many others. Before the pandemic, they offered board games for your table, but for the moment they are not available due to Covid-19 regulations. 

Even if you’re not the biggest fan of H.P. Lovecraft you will still love their very attractive desserts and their selection of craft beer. Let us know what you thought when you visit them. 

Translation by Ryan LaBonte