Photo: Living on the Cheap Media File
Did someone say Coffee? We love our coffee. Cold or hot, frothed or sweetened But it’s not just the coffee, it’s the experience. We enjoy a coffee while we go about our daily routine. It’s part of the social fabric of our lives.
There are so many places in the Valley to experience the best. Especially now when it’s time to stay indoors. Here are a few of our favorites and why they made the list.
Lux Central – Phoenix & Lux Max Annex – Scottsdale
With a loud and lively atmosphere in the evenings, Lux is the place to hang with friends in uptown Phoenix and in North Scottsdale. They offer an extensive list of espresso drinks with baristas who know how to serve it up.
All coffee beans are hand-roasted in house and come from Brazil, Sumatra, and Nicaragua. They also serve a variety of great eats as well as beer, wine, and cocktails in the bar area. There’s plenty of community-style seating and Lux stays open late daily.
Gold Bar Espresso – Tempe
If you leave Gold Bar Espresso not wanting more, you’re crazy. The family-owned and operated coffee shop has been serving coffee lovers in Tempe since the mid-’90s. It has a large selection of beverages including coffee and espresso drinks, as well as Italian sodas, teas, smoothies, and hot cocoas.
Stop in on a weekend night and enjoy live jazz or grab a few friends for one of their popular game nights. If it’s just coffee and Wi-Fi that you require, they’ve got a few tables outside and a backroom area that’s perfect for meeting space.
Lola Coffee Bar – Downtown Phoenix, Arcadia
You’ll love Lola Coffee in Downtown Phoenix and Arcadia. There’s always a great selection of pastries and sweets.
Look forward to plenty of seating on the cozy, shaded back patio and a selection of well-crafted coffee drinks. The Matador is the drink to try — espresso, mocha, and cinnamon topped with espresso whipped cream.
Lost Dutchman Coffee Roasters – Mesa
Stopping into the Lost Dutchman coffee shop in Downtown Mesa will get your day started. Yes, there are options like Americano, cappuccino, and cold press, but there are hyper-local orders like the Gold Rush, and the decaffeinated Flying Dutchman steamers.
In addition to a cup of coffee, you can grab green coffee beans for home roasting or a quick treat from the in-house, Lombardo’s Gelato Company. It’s the perfect set up to relax and work on your laptop.
Press Coffee – Tempe, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler
Press Coffee specializes in super fresh, super high-quality coffee. They hand roast their coffee in-house with beans said to be handpicked. You can trust them because they are the winners of “Best Roaster” for 2017 in both Phoenix New Times and Phoenix Magazine.
Ever-expanding, Press Coffee opened their impressive neighborhood Roastery, at 32nd and Shea in Phoenix. It’s right off the 51 Freeway, so it’s very easy to find.
Cultivate Coffee – Phoenix
A new neighborhood favorite with a passion for community, Cultivate Coffee is making its mark on the Sunnyslope area. Handcrafted coffee and tea beverages can be enjoyed along with delicious gluten-free goodies.
Cultivate Coffee roasts their own beans, infuses them into their delightful coffee drinks, and sells their whole bean coffee by the pound. Certainly a place with a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
Village Coffee Roastery – Scottsdale
Originated by a chemist in the 1990’s, Village Coffee Roastery uses the perfect combination of craft and skill in roasting, which truly results in a most perfect cup of coffee.
Find your ideal coffee match via a quiz on their website, and purchase your custom selection online. Or, stop by the Scottsdale store and sample the best coffee scientifically crafted from Arabica beans found around the world.
Mama’s Cold Brew – South Phoenix
Mama’s Cold Brew coffee is completely organic, brewed for 24 hours and served with homemade organic creamers. When a local mom just couldn’t find the perfect cup of coffee, she made her own. When she realized how good it was, she had to share it with the rest of the Valley. The perfect cold coffee.
Mama’s has no brick and mortar store but is found in different local businesses and farmer’s markets around town. Mama’s Cold Brew is available at businesses in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale, and Gilbert.
Elevate Coffee – North Phoenix
A pleasant surprise located within the Shops at Norterra, off Happy Valley Road is Elevate Coffee. The lattes are superb as well as the yummy chai. Plenty of seating inside and out. There’s also a meeting room the community can reserve.
If you feel hungry, there’s a number of breakfast options and sandwiches for lunch. The bagel and cream cheese is the best. Their coffee beans are for sale at Elevate and available online. Elevate Coffee partners with Hope Church.
Cabin Coffee – Northwest Phoenix
Looking for that outdoor atmosphere inside cool air conditioning? Join the hospitable folks at Cabin Coffee. With delicious coffee drinks, such as the Avalanche and Rustic Latte. Yes, there’s moose, but not mounted to the wall, just fun figurines.
Experience a rustic and outdoor ambiance through video display of woodsy outdoor scenes. A delicious full menu is offered for breakfast and lunch. Cabin Coffee’s roasted beans are available for purchase.
Driftwood Coffee – West Phoenix
Join with friends and family for coffee, tea, and pastries at Driftwood Coffee in the West Valley. Specializing in offering a variety of coffee using roasted beans locally and nationally sourced, allowing customers their preference for that perfect cup.
The atmosphere invites community gathering over coffee, burritos, art, and tea. What a perfect balance at a perfect place. Shop for coffee beans in-store and online too.
There it is, our favorites. Do you have a favorite to share? Be sure to contact us!
Anything North/West Valley?
I’d better get to work and add some Coffee Houses in the West Valley and North, Kell. Give me a few days while I research please. Do you have any favorites?
I would have said Driftwood, but you’ve added them already. Thanks for the additions!
P.S. Definitely going to check out Cabin Coffee, too.
I love Village Coffee Roastery – Scottsdale!!!! Thank you so much for including them and Press Coffee too. Fabulous coffee and friendly baristas. I also appreciate that they offer a variety of NON-Dairy creamers including oat and almond milk. Since you were asking for favorites, I have another favorite in Scottsdale, called Maverick’s which is just East of Scottsdale Road off Shea Blvd. Also, how about Cartel Coffee? They have been a long time favorite here in the Valley.
Thank you Susan! We appreciate your input. Thank you also for mentioning Maverick, I was unsure if they were still in business, they’ve moved around a bit. Yes, Cartel, they make a mighty chai tea latte too.