The Coffee Builders, a café on 7th Street near Buckeye Road, is “as if a coffee shop were a speakeasy,” says Thomas Porter, owner of it and the parent company, Porter Barn Wood. As a source for millwork and building materials, Porter Barn Wood has a keen eye for style and function. So when Porter decided to refurbish a small, 1960’s building on property, he set out to make the space feel “more grown up and elegant” than your average coffee shop. Modern flair and warm materials like walnut and brass help the luxe space feel comfortable and inviting. The menu is completely unique, too, inspired by three years and 170 coffee shops of research travels. It is anchored by Smørrebrød, a Danish open-faced sandwich. One of the newest smørrebrød creations features blue crab ceviche and caviar with chipotle aioli, all served on buttered rugbrød bread. One their 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, mini waffles, flaky pastries, and breakfast quiches. For coffee, there’s intention behind every drink. Espresso tends to be the base for most drinks, but Porter loves their bourbon cold brew as well. “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. Additional specialty creations feature turmeric, matcha, chai, and seasonal ingredients. COFFEE BUILDERS 901 S. 7TH ST., PHOENIX THECOFFEEBUILDERS.COM | 602.904.7550 COFFEE BREWED WITH DESIGN EAT 2024 | PHOENIX NEW TIMES | MAY 16TH - MAY 22ND 11
