18 Jan 11th–Jan 17th, 2024 phoenixnewtimes.com PHOENIX NEW TIMES | NEWS | FEATURE | FOOD & DRINK | ARTS & CULTURE | MUSIC | CONCERTS | CANNABIS | A Cup Above The 10 best coffee shops in metro Phoenix. BY NEW TIMES STAFF C offee is an essential part of morning routines every- where. But coffee done well is something really special. Rather than rushing out the door, it makes you slow down, sip and smile. There is an abundance of local shops in the Valley serving up solid, well- sourced, damn-good coffee. Some offer cold brew on tap. Others focus on beans flown in directly from Brazil or Colombia. Of all the fine places to kick back and caffeinate in greater Phoenix, these 10 are our current favorites. Cafetal Coffee 777 S. College Ave. #101, Tempe Cafetal Coffee is a “crop to cup” style spot and this Tempe cafe serves coffee imported from the owners’ family farm in Colombia. Family photos decorate the walls along with a large mural of a map showing the journey across the Americas that the coffee travels. A small food menu reflects the family’s roots, including empa- nadas and arepas served with fresh salsa. This Tempe hangout is perfect for students doing homework or locals looking for a comfortable spot to sip from a large mug filled to the brim with rich coffee. Settle into a table, snack on some empanadas and watch as regulars chat with owners who know both their names and orders. Case Study Coffee Lounge 4802 N. 16th St. If you’re shopping at the Camelback Colonnade, make sure to stop in at Case Study Coffee Lounge for your caffeine fix. This little shop is located at the end of a strip mall on 16th Street. Inside, sturdy, hand- crafted chairs give a hint that the owner used to be a custom furniture builder. After developing an allergy that prevented him from woodworking, he turned his crafts- man’s eye to creating coffee. The attention to detail is evident, from the rich espresso to the homemade syrups that flavor specialty lattes. We’re partial to the unusual herbal flavors of the sage and rosemary syrups used in the brown sugar and vanilla lattes. For snacks, the cafe offers sweet and savory toasts and pastries. They have also part- nered with local purveyors to host burrito pop-ups, so check social media for the latest menu offerings. The Coffee Builders 901 S. Seventh St., Building C Find great coffee in an unexpected place at The Coffee Builders. This new cafe opened as part of the Porter Barn Wood complex on Seventh Avenue south of downtown. Located in the parking lot of this custom woodworker, is a small white building serving major flavor. The idea for the coffee shop was born from the owner’s decision to build a showroom to display the kind of architecture and design they can build for restaurants. But the team didn’t stop there. They asked why build a display cafe when they could build a real one? To that, all we can say is thank you. This little coffee shop is a gorgeous space to spend a few hours. Order a strawberry pistachio latte or an orange blossom white chocolate special at the counter and settle into one of the comfy booths. Admire the geometric wooden ceiling that bounces light from the small table lamps in this space filled with rich wood and jewel- toned furniture. For something a bit brighter, head out back to the small but comfortable patio to enjoy your Smorrebrod open-faced sandwich or Lavash flatbread. Driftwood Coffee 8295 W. Jefferson St., Peoria Driftwood Coffee might be the most unex- pected business in Peoria. Located in the heart of Old Town, among antique stores and auto garages, this modern, bright coffee shop, despite the contrast, is all about community. Owners Luke Bentley and Lance Linderman intentionally created a space where people can drink coffee, enjoy a snack and just be together. The coffee shop serves a mixture of coffee from local and national roasters. These beans are used in classic coffee drinks along with specialty options including the Cookie Butter Latte and the House Espresso Tonic made with tonic crafted at the shop. There’s also a small retail section selling art and local ceramics to elevate your coffee experience. Fourtillfour 7105 E. First Ave., Scottsdale Fourtilfour, a little coffee shop tacked onto the corner of a repurposed house, is a hidden gem in Old Town Scottsdale. This tiny space features a roll-up garage door, a small counter and standing room for a couple of customers to peruse the menu. After receiving a decadent lavender honey latte customers can retire to the patio, shaded with brightly colored umbrellas, or wander out into the garden, a serene space that makes the rest of the city wash away. On Saturday and Sunday mornings, the ▼ Food & Drink Cafetal Coffee in Tempe uses beans brought from the owners’ family farm in Colombia. (Photo by Tirion Boan) The Valley is filled with outstanding options for your morning brew, including the new Case Study Coffee Lounge (shown). (Photo by WDC Productions)
