Something special is brewing in Mid City Baton Rouge — and it’s coming soon to the former DIY Disco space, perfectly tucked between Elsie’s and Radio Bar. Las Brujas is getting ready to open its doors next month, and this isn’t just another coffee shop announcement. It’s a full-circle moment decades in the making.

Las Brujas — Spanish for “The Witches” — is named after a small farm where four generations of the Villa family lived. David’s grandfather, his aunt, and David himself were all born in the original farmhouse. The land was alive with horses, cows, goats, pigs, chickens, rabbits, gardens, and fruit trees. And always, under the shade of trees lining the pastures, there were coffee bushes.

Caretakers would harvest, hull, and dry the beans, filling sisal sacks to take into town to sell. David’s father remembers helping with that process. Coffee wasn’t trendy. It was part of daily life — part of the land.

Now that story is landing right here in Baton Rouge.

If the name David sounds familiar, it’s because he previously owned Coffee Upside Down. With Las Brujas, he’s bringing that experience back — but bigger, more intentional, and deeply rooted in heritage.

The coffee program is powered by Ed Kuhlman of Rebel Roaster Coffee in Slidell, who brings over 30 years of roasting expertise to the table. Las Brujas will feature air-roasted coffee, a method that allows the beans to levitate and tumble through hot air instead of roasting against hot metal. The result? A cleaner, sweeter, more aromatic cup. The smell and taste mirror each other beautifully, and the bitter, burnt aftertaste is left completely behind.

And yes — there’s a showstopper involved. Ed is bringing in an antique vintage espresso machine that’s set to become the heart of the space. It’s the kind of piece you walk in and immediately notice — timeless, elegant, and a perfect nod to old-school craftsmanship.

Las Brujas will offer blended cold brew, thoughtfully sourced milk options (with coconut milk made in house), and whole bean bags so you can recreate the magic at home. Expect offerings like Colombia “El Tiple” Huila Supremo, Mexico Chiapas “Turquesa,” and the bold “El Abrazo” dark roast blend — each one roasted to highlight clean, expressive flavor.

But here’s where it gets even more exciting: Las Brujas isn’t just a coffee shop. It’s also bringing a curated, locally focused grocery concept into the mix.

You’ll find pastured eggs, sourdough from St. Bruno Bakery, natural wines, dairy from Bayou Sarah and Southern Maid, goods from Mushroom Maggie, and partnerships with producers like Pearl River, Home Place Pastures, Carona Farms, Fullness Farms, Feliciana’s Best Dairy, Circle R Southern Maid goat milk, and plants and flowers from Mist & Mallow. It’s the kind of place where you stop in for a latte and leave with dinner ingredients, fresh bread, and maybe a new plant baby.

The interior is leaning into rustic, thrifted charm — warm woods, layered textures, vintage finds, local art, and greenery throughout. It’s designed to feel welcoming, collected, and full of personality. A space where you can meet friends, work for a few hours, grab a bottle of natural wine, or simply enjoy a beautifully roasted cup of coffee.

Las Brujas feels like the kind of place Mid City will instantly claim as its own. It’s personal. It’s intentional. It’s rooted in family history — but it’s also vibrant, inviting, and ready to bring something fresh to the neighborhood.

Get ready, Baton Rouge. Las Brujas is almost here, and it’s bringing generations of coffee love with it.