Mary comes from Los Padillas, James came from Pajarito. It was love at first sight for these south valley kids who married and had Melanie and Stephanie. As a self educated person James advanced his career from a block layer to a US Army Corps of Engineer and Mary went from homemaker to educator. Purchasing their first home off of Old Coors & Bridge. The family home became known as the little YMCA for the entire neighborhood no one was ever turned away. It is with that community spirit, enthusiasm, and love that Melanie and Stephanie honor their parents by naming the cafe after them and centering it in the same ethos they grew up with.

The Mary James Café is a safe and inclusive space available for private events that align with our ethos.

The Mary James Café believes in Science, Technology, Engineering, ART, and Mathematics  (S.T.E.A.M) and prioritizes these events in particular ones that centers or are organized by Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) who identifies as Trans, Women, and/or Queer. Please contact us to reserve space as our calendar fills up quickly.