Doug Robson of Gallo Blanco opens a Phoenix coffee shop

Doug Robson of Otro Cafe has expanded into the space next door to his restaurant to create Otro Cafecito.

Art lines the cinderblock walls and the bright space offers a few different seating areas with sofas and lounge chairs. The menu features local coffee, fresh pressed juice and pastries.

"The idea was to have a space where people can come, grab a cup of coffee and chill out or work," said Robson.

An Otro twist on coffee drinks

Robson sources the coffee for the shop from Sharon Kroger who runs local roastery and coffee shop Esso. Her beans are known for their smooth profile.

Carlos Diaz, Robson's right hand man and executive chef at Gallo Blanco has added his own touch to the coffee menu with a few Mexican coffee drinks, such as cafe de olla, made of coffee, cinnamon and piloncillo or cane sugar as well as a Mexican mocha made with cinnamon and Mexican chocolate.

"Doug is from Mexico City and I am from Guanajuato," said Diaz. "So the gastronomy is very similar."

Fresh juice and pastries are also on the menu

Diaz also created three fresh juices: green, purple and orange. The green juice made of kale, cucumber, celery, green apple and parsley has the softest flavor. The purple juice is made of beet and a touch of orange and carrot juices, turmeric and a hint of lime. It's beet forward in a good way. And Robson's favorite, the orange, made of carrots, orange juice, ginger and a splash of lime juice is a pop of flavor with every sip, a little sweet, a little sour, ending with a zing of ginger at the back of the throat.

Amanda Helper, the pastry chef for Otro Cafe and Gallo Blanco, brings 15 years of experience to the mouthwatering pastries behind the counter, like the orange espresso morning bun, which offers a beautiful contrast of crunchy exterior and soft interior and a sugary buttery taste brightened with a hint of orange. Other treats include cinnamon conchas, guava cheese Danishes, chocolate chip and Mexican wedding cookies.

Cocktails are coming soon

"In Spring, we'll roll out nighttime cocktails with a unique chef's tasting menu," Robson said.

Hours are from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday. For those in a hurry, the cafe has a to-go window where customers can pick up preordered coffee and pastries.

Details: 6035 N. Seventh St., Phoenix. 602-266-0831, @otrocafephx on Instagram.

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Otro Cafecito’s owner, Doug Robson wanted to create a place where people can relax.

BAHAR ANOOSHAHR PHOTOS/THE REPUBLIC Otro Cafecito offers delicious pastries by Chef Amanda Helper.

Maybe a reading nook, maybe the spot you sit to catch up with a friend.

Some of the mouthwatering pastries at Otro Cafecito.

Carlos Diaz, left, and Doug Robson ose for a photo.