The Coffee Builders is more than a coffee shop and light bites café— it’s a sensory experience where craftsmanship meets culinary and barista artistry. From the outside, it’s a small, non-descript 1960’s building. But the moment you enter, it’s apparent that attention to style, service, and quality went into every detail. Thomas Porter and his team of visionaries make the space feel “more grown up and elegant” than your average coffee shop, he says. Dim lighting and warm materials come together beautifully to set the stage for what’s being served. The menu is inspired by three years and over 200 coffee shops of research travels. It is anchored by Smørrebrød, a Danish open-faced sandwich. One of the most popular smørrebrøds is the Morning Glory, which Porter describes as “an easy going breakfast sandwich.” Only here, bacon and eggs are amped up with port wine shallots, rosemary potatoes, and chive cream. There’s also plank-style Noble country bread sandwiches, sharable lavash, savory rice bowls, mini waffles, and flaky pastries. Gluten-free, table-side warm donut service will be launching soon. Espresso is the base for most drinks, but Porter loves their bourbon cold brew. “The beans are aged in bourbon barrels for six to eight weeks,” he says, which offers a more robust flavor. The Luxury Coffee section features the popular iced cabernet latte, with a cabernet sauvignon and local honey reduction, and the hot black truffle latte with EVOO, dark chocolate, and truffle dust. For specials, there’s often an imaginative menu theme, inspired by popular TV shows, movies, or books, and it often spills out into art installations around the shop. The Coffee Builders “is an ever- changing creative space,” says Porter. THE COFFEE BUILDERS 901 S. 7TH ST., PHOENIX THECOFFEEBUILDERS.COM | 602.904.7550 BREWING MAGIC EAT 2025 | PHOENIX NEW TIMES | MAY 15TH - MAY 21ST 19
