By Marta Vallejo, Staff Writer 

Viva Coffee Roasters is a small but cozy coffee shop located on Madison Road. It is a comfortable and well-designed space that balances being lively enough to feel social, while still maintaining a quiet environment suitable for studying and relaxing. 

The overall vibe of Viva Coffee Roasters can best be described as warm and relaxed. Upon entering, the space feels open but not overwhelming. The smell of coffee overtakes the shop and improves the experience. 

People are either working, reading or enjoying conversations. The second floor especially feels intentionally designed for relaxation and productivity, making it an ideal spot for study sessions and casual meetups with friends. 

What makes this coffee shop unique is that they import their coffee beans from Honduras. By partnering with local Honduran coffee producers, they bring the beans from Honduras over to Cincinnati, where they brew them into various top quality coffee blends. The owner, Gerardo Vivas, is Honduran and was missing coffee from his home. Through sheer determination and passion, he combined Honduras and Cincinnati with his coffee. 

Viva Coffee Roasters offers a wide variety of coffees and teas. One of the standout items is the Iced Lemon Poppyseed Matcha, a spring special. The matcha itself has a smooth base, while the lemon adds a bit of sharpness that makes it feel incredibly pleasant. The poppyseed element gives a subtle texture, without being too overpowering. Overall, the drink is balanced and refreshing, especially for those who prefer drinks that are not overly sweet but still flavorful. 

Alongside the vast drink selections, Viva Coffee Roasters also offers bakery treats, such as their blueberry bread. The bread is soft and moist, with a comforting homemade feel. Its brown sugar topping adds a light crunch to each bite. The blueberries provide a natural sweetness that pairs well with the bread, making it a snack that does not feel too heavy or sugary. 

In terms of pricing, Viva sits at a fairly reasonable range for a speciality cafe. While exact prices vary, a combined order of a drink and a treat from the bakery will range from $10 – $12, making it fairly affordable compared to many modern coffee shops. Considering the quality of the drinks, the atmosphere and the service provided, the pricing feels pretty adequate. 

Speaking of service, Viva Coffee Roasters also excels in this regard. Since the shop is spread across two floors, the staff personally brings order to the customers, which adds an attentive touch. At times the owner chats with the guests and checks on them to see if everything is okay. This level of service makes the shop feel more personal than big coffee chains. 

Overall, Viva Coffee Roasters, located at 1979 Madison Road, delivers a well-rounded cafe experience that combines quality food, comfortable seating and excellent service. This is the type of coffee shop that encourages people to stay for hours, whether they are studying, working or simply relaxing with a friend. With its cozy atmosphere and menu, it stands out as a reliable and enjoyable spot for both casual visits and productive afternoons.