A darling independently-owned coffee shop is bringing coffeehouse culture to the Pleasant Grove neighborhood of Dallas. Called Cafe Ciro, it's in soft-opening mode at 2247 S. Buckner Blvd., where it's serving unique Mexican-inspired drinks and snacks.

Cafe Ciro is from young entrepreneur Britany Guereca, who initially launched it as a pop-up in 2022, first out of her parents' front yard in Pleasant Grove, then stepping up to farmers markets and other events — developing a devoted following for her one-of-a-kind approach.

“Our clients have followed us since we were selling at home," Guereca says. "They now come to support our vision of supporting our community."

The shop is inspired by her childhood in Durango, Mexico, where she grew up drinking café de olla, a drink that her grandparents brewed in a clay pot and infused with spices. The shop is named for her grandfather Ciro, and she serves that same recipe she grew up with now in her own shop.

She wanted a space where Hispanics feel at home, finding familiar flavors and ordering in their own language if they choose to do so. This is why most of the names of the drinks are in Spanish, the staff is bilingual, and they play Latin music.

The drink menu is original and extensive. While there are the traditional espresso-based drinks such as cappuccinos and lattes, Cafe Ciro is known for its selection of sweetened beverages in an a wild and creative array of flavors: flavored lattes such as Choco-Banana, Tiramisu, Tres Leches, Churro, and Gansito, a mocha latte with strawberry jam, inspired by the Mexican candy.

They're big on matcha with flavored matcha lattes such as the popular strawberry matcha, along with beautifully layered options in flavors such as banana and mango. Drinks range from $7 to $10.

They also have a small menu of snacks including chilaquiles in a Chinese to-go box, and build-your-own mini pancakes with a variety of toppings.

A big part of the appeal of the shop is its colorful, assertively-girlie atmosphere with lots of pink: pink walls, pink signage, pink aprons and visors worn by the staff. There's a greenery wall for Instagram photos, a lounge area outfitted with white couches, and potted plants that lend a homey touch.

Guereca is a young mother who got through symptoms of post-partum depression by spending time in coffee shops. She noticed many shops were dull and dim, so she wanted to create a joyful space for people that stands out and cheers people up. She has definitely succeeded:

“Our neighborhood deserves a coffee shop, and I am proud of being able to employ our families and families in the community," Guereca says.