Tempe, Arizona is a coffee lover’s paradise. The city has many great spots to grab a cup of joe. From cozy cafes to trendy roasters, there’s something for everyone.
You’ll find a mix of local gems and popular chains in Tempe. These shops offer more than just coffee. Many have tasty food, nice atmospheres, and friendly staff.
Whether you want a quick caffeine fix or a place to relax, Tempe’s coffee scene has you covered.
1. Brick Road Coffee
Nestled in Tempe, Brick Road Coffee offers a warm welcome to all coffee lovers. This LGBTQ+ owned neighborhood spot prides itself on creating a space where everyone feels at home.
You’ll find more than just great coffee here. The shop serves up artisanal brews, tasty pastries, and even pizzas.
It’s the perfect place to relax, connect with friends, or get some work done.
Brick Road Coffee isn’t just about serving drinks – it’s about building community. The owners, Gabe and Jesse, left their corporate jobs to create a legacy of kindness and inclusion.
Their goal is to make a positive impact on their neighbors’ lives.
When you visit, you’ll experience a friendly atmosphere where ideas are shared and relationships are built. It’s a coffee shop that truly cares about its customers and employees alike.
Rating: 4.7 (496 reviews)
Location: 4415 S Rural Rd #10, Tempe, AZ 85282
Contact: (480) 590-7246
Website: Visit Website
2. Infusion Coffee & Tea Crafters
You’ll love the cozy atmosphere at Infusion Coffee & Tea Crafters. This local gem in Tempe offers a wide range of handcrafted beverages to satisfy your caffeine cravings.
The skilled baristas take pride in their craft, creating perfectly balanced drinks. You can choose from classic espresso-based options or try their unique tea blends.
Infusion also serves tasty pastries and light bites to pair with your drink. The shop’s warm decor and friendly staff make it a great spot to relax or catch up with friends.
Don’t miss their seasonal specials, which showcase creative flavor combinations. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or tea lover, you’ll find something to enjoy at this charming Tempe cafe.
Rating: 4.7 (820 reviews)
Location: 1300 E 8th St #100, Tempe, AZ 85281
Contact: (480) 968-2533
Website: Visit Website
3. King Coffee
You’ll love the warm and inviting atmosphere at King Coffee in Tempe. This local gem offers a perfect spot to grab your morning brew or meet up with friends.
The skilled baristas craft delicious coffee drinks using high-quality beans. You can choose from classic espresso options or try one of their unique specialty lattes.
King Coffee also serves up tasty pastries and light bites to pair with your coffee. The cozy seating areas provide a comfortable place to relax or get some work done.
Located on Mill Avenue, King Coffee is easy to find and has become a favorite among ASU students and Tempe locals alike. Stop by to experience their friendly service and great coffee for yourself.
Rating: 4.6 (369 reviews)
Location: 1020 S Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281
Contact: (480) 307-6557
Website: Visit Website
4. Cartel Roasting Co.
Cartel Roasting Co. is a coffee lover’s paradise in Tempe. You’ll find a wide range of carefully curated coffee offerings here, from single-origin beans to unique blends.
The shop works closely with coffee producers to ensure sustainable and high-quality products. You can taste the difference in every sip, with flavors like frangipane, black cherry, and apple in their Honduras Joconte Estate blend.
Want to skip the line? Use their mobile app to order ahead and start earning rewards. You can also explore their subscription programs, which let you try different coffees without the hassle of choosing each time.
Cartel Roasting Co. isn’t just about selling coffee. They aim to build a community of coffee enthusiasts. You can learn about brewing methods, listen to their podcast, or join events to connect with other coffee lovers.
Rating: 4.4 (1400 reviews)
Location: 810 S Ash Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281
Website: Visit Website
5. Eden Tea & Coffee House
You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere at Eden Tea & Coffee House. This non-profit spot is part of Community Ministries International and sits inside the Campus Christian Center.
Eden aims to create a space where students can connect with each other and with God. They serve great coffee, tea, and pastries in a cozy setting.
The shop partners with Mythical Coffee from Gilbert, AZ. You can enjoy their storytelling-inspired brews here. Eden also offers locally crafted Gift of Chai teas, which are good for you and the environment.
Stop by Eden for a peaceful break from your day. It’s open on weekdays, giving you plenty of chances to relax with a tasty drink and maybe make some new friends.
Rating: 4.9 (75 reviews)
Location: 1034 S Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281
Contact: (480) 269-0104
Website: Visit Website
6. Experiment Coffee and Pastry
You’ll find a hidden gem in Tempe at Experiment Coffee and Pastry. This spot is perfect for foodies looking for top-notch baked goods and coffee.
The bakers start work before sunrise to make sure everything is fresh. You can grab warm croissants, breakfast sandwiches, and pastries to start your day right.
If you’re in the mood for lunch, try their artisan breads and sandwiches. The coffee is great too, so you might want a second cup to go with your meal.
Experiment uses high-quality ingredients and provides excellent customer service. You’ll enjoy a culinary experience that’s a step above the rest when you visit this upscale bakery and coffee shop.
Rating: 4.9 (201 reviews)
Location: 1135 W Geneva Dr, Tempe, AZ 85282
Contact: (480) 653-1649
Website: Visit Website
7. Gold Bar Espresso
Gold Bar Espresso is a hidden gem in Tempe that coffee lovers need to try. You’ll find this cozy spot tucked away on McClintock Drive, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The baristas at Gold Bar take pride in their craft, serving up expertly made espresso drinks and specialty coffees. You can taste the difference in every sip, thanks to their high-quality beans and attention to detail.
Beyond great coffee, Gold Bar Espresso also offers a selection of tasty pastries and light bites. It’s the perfect place to grab a quick breakfast or settle in for an afternoon of work or catching up with friends.
Don’t miss their outdoor seating area, where you can enjoy your coffee in the Arizona sunshine. It’s a great spot to relax and watch the world go by.
Rating: 4.7 (645 reviews)
Location: 3141 S McClintock Dr, Tempe, AZ 85282
Contact: (480) 839-3082
Website: Visit Website
8. Press Coffee – 100 Mill
Press Coffee on Mill Avenue is a great spot to grab your morning cup of joe. You’ll find it in the heart of Tempe, perfect for students and professionals alike.
The cafe offers a welcoming atmosphere where you can start your day right. They’re open early on weekdays, so you can get your caffeine fix before work or class.
Press Coffee takes pride in their high-quality brews. You can expect expertly crafted espresso drinks and smooth drip coffee to satisfy your cravings.
If you’re in a rush, you can still enjoy Press Coffee at home. They offer online ordering for their beans, so you can brew your favorite Press blend anytime.
Rating: 4.6 (325 reviews)
Location: 100 S Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281
Contact: (602) 595-3421
Website: Visit Website
9. Cafetal Coffee
Cafetal Coffee is a cozy spot in Tempe that’ll make you feel right at home. You’ll love the warm atmosphere and friendly staff who greet you with a smile.
The coffee here is top-notch. You can choose from a variety of beans and brewing methods to suit your taste. Their espresso drinks are particularly good, with rich flavors and perfect crema.
Don’t miss out on their pastries. They’re freshly baked and pair perfectly with your coffee. You might want to try their signature empanadas for a tasty treat.
If you’re looking for a quiet place to work or study, Cafetal Coffee has you covered. They offer free Wi-Fi and plenty of seating options. You’ll find it easy to settle in and focus on your tasks.
Rating: 4.7 (415 reviews)
Location: 777 S College Ave #101, Tempe, AZ 85281
Contact: (480) 557-5245
Website: Visit Website
10. Press Coffee – Skywater
You’ll love the vibe at Press Coffee – Skywater in Tempe. This cozy spot is perfect for your morning coffee fix or an afternoon pick-me-up.
The baristas are friendly and skilled, making each drink with care. You can enjoy your favorite espresso drinks, pour-overs, or cold brew. They also offer tasty pastries and light bites to go with your coffee.
Press Coffee – Skywater is open daily, so you can get your caffeine fix any day of the week. It’s a great place to meet friends, study, or get some work done. The calm atmosphere and free Wi-Fi make it ideal for productivity.
You’ll appreciate the clean, modern design of the space. There’s plenty of seating, including comfy chairs and tables for laptops. The large windows let in lots of natural light, creating a bright and welcoming environment.
Rating: 4.5 (350 reviews)
Location: 601 W Rio Salado Pkwy #103, Tempe, AZ 85281
Contact: (480) 794-1107
Website: Visit Website
Coffee Culture in Tempe
Tempe’s coffee scene is vibrant and diverse. You’ll find a mix of local roasters, cozy cafes, and trendy spots catering to coffee lovers of all types.
Local Coffee Trends
Tempe coffee shops are embracing sustainability. You’ll see many cafes using eco-friendly cups and straws. Some even offer discounts if you bring your own mug.
Cold brew is huge in Tempe. The hot Arizona climate makes it a popular choice year-round. Many shops have their own unique cold brew recipes.
Latte art is also big here. Baristas take pride in creating beautiful designs in your foam. It’s not just about taste – your coffee should look good too!
Plant-based milk options are widely available. Oat milk is especially popular for its creamy texture in lattes.
Seasonal Flavors
Tempe coffee shops love to celebrate the seasons with special drinks. In fall, you’ll find pumpkin spice lattes everywhere. But local shops often put their own twist on this classic.
During the holidays, look for peppermint mochas and gingerbread lattes. Some cafes even create their own unique holiday blends.
Spring brings floral flavors like lavender and rose to Tempe’s coffee menus. These pair well with light, fruity pastries.
In summer, iced drinks rule. You’ll see creative cold brews infused with flavors like vanilla or cinnamon. Fruit-based iced teas are also popular when temperatures soar.
Sustainability Practices
Many coffee shops in Tempe are taking steps to be more eco-friendly and ethical. They focus on reducing waste and sourcing beans responsibly. This helps protect the environment and support coffee farmers.
Environmentally Friendly Cafes
You’ll find several green-minded cafes in Tempe. These shops use compostable cups and lids to cut down on plastic waste. Some have installed energy-efficient equipment to lower their carbon footprint.
Look for cafes that offer discounts when you bring your own mug. This encourages reuse and less trash. A few shops even have bike delivery services for local orders.
Some cafes compost their used coffee grounds. They give them to local gardens or offer them free to customers for use in home gardens.
Sourcing and Ethics
Many Tempe coffee shops care about where their beans come from. They work directly with farmers to ensure fair pay and good working conditions.
Some roast their own beans from sustainably grown crops. This gives you fresher coffee while supporting eco-friendly farming.
Ask baristas about their sourcing practices. They’re often happy to share info on the farms they work with.
Look for certifications like Fair Trade or Rainforest Alliance on coffee bags. These show the beans were grown in ways that protect workers and the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tempe has many great coffee shops to explore. Here are answers to some common questions about the coffee scene in this vibrant Arizona city.
What are the top-rated coffee shops near Arizona State University?
Cartel Roasting Co. is a popular spot near ASU. Students love its cozy vibe and quality brews. Brick Road Coffee is another top choice, known for its friendly staff and tasty drinks.
Can you recommend some cozy coffee spots in downtown Tempe?
King Coffee offers a warm, welcoming space in downtown Tempe. Its comfy chairs and local art make it perfect for relaxing. Infusion Coffee & Tea Crafters is also cozy, with a quiet atmosphere for working or chatting.
Where can I find specialty coffee in Tempe Marketplace?
Eden Tea & Coffee House at Tempe Marketplace serves unique coffee blends. They offer a range of specialty drinks you won’t find elsewhere in the area.
Which coffee houses are considered local favorites in Tempe?
Brick Road Coffee is a beloved local spot. Tempe residents praise its community feel and yummy pastries. Cartel Roasting Co. is another favorite, known for its expert baristas and house-roasted beans.
What are the unique coffee experiences available in Tempe for a coffee connoisseur?
Cartel Roasting Co. offers coffee tasting sessions where you can sample different roasts. At Infusion Coffee & Tea Crafters, you can watch as they make pour-over coffees using special methods.
Are there any highly reviewed coffee shops in Tempe that also serve food?
King Coffee serves tasty sandwiches and baked goods along with their coffee.
Brick Road Coffee is known for its delicious breakfast items and lunch menu.
Both spots get great reviews for their food and drinks.