Phoenix may be a desert, but it’s certainly not a coffee desert. So forget those big chains, the city’s local coffee connoisseurs are just as well represented.
Take, for example, Thomas Porter, a carpenter-turned-chef and café owner, who visited more than 200 coffee shops and tested even more bean variety before choosing his own blend. But he wasn’t the only one we spoke with who put that level of care into sourcing beans. In fact, that dedication was a consistent theme throughout this list.
If you’re looking for coffee shops branching into zany concoctions with flavors like truffle, bourbon, or ancho chile, along with an ambiance that makes you want to post up for hours, we have what you need. We considered menu creativity, overall ambiance, and quality to bring you a serious list of Phoenix’s must-try coffee shops.
Coffee Builders
Now, back to carpenter Thomas Porter, who created a specialty coffee shop and café serving fanciful beverages and food with a serious attention to detail. While the menu includes the expected staples, it’s the playful tweaks that dazzles coffee lovers.
Luxury offerings like the Black Truffle Latte, with black summer truffle, dark chocolate, and olive oil steamed into milk, and the limited-time Rebel Spy, made with bourbon-aged cold brew and vanilla cold foam, should be on any must-try list. Porter himself designed and built the modern, speakeasy-like interior, featuring a tessellated ceiling for sound deflection, tufted velvet seating, and walnut-paneled walls. 901 S. 7th St., Phoenix, thecoffeebuilders.com
32 Shea
Once a tiny Fotomat that developed photos and sold 99-cent film, this espresso-coffee bar has become a neighborhood staple known for a welcoming staff, food, and beverages. Local is the name of the game here, from beans roasted by Matador Coffee Roasting Co. in Flagstaff to a from-scratch kitchen, and community events like dog adoptions.
Two drinks worth noting are the Nutella Mocha with housemade Nutella syrup and the limited-time Bee’s Knees Latte with elderflower, honey syrup, and lavender sweet cream. Use the drive-thru, settle inside, or head to the back patio, where a zen Buddha fountain and pet-friendly atmosphere set a relaxed vibe. 10626 N. 32nd St., Phoenix, 32shea.com
Laymoon Café
Founded by a sibling duo with Palestinian and Syrian roots, Laymoon’s mission is to be a safe gathering place to celebrate “culture, craft, and the comfort of belonging” in downtown Tempe. The Middle Eastern–inspired interior is warm and polished, with details like handwoven Persian rugs, mint pendants, and burnt umber clay tile in the coffee bar.
The menu impresses with lattes like the Tiramisu, made with tiramisu syrup, house-made espresso whipped cream, and a dusting of cocoa and espresso powder, and the Salted Caramel Date, featuring espresso, date syrup, caramel drizzle, and a signature salted finish. The food menu is just as creative, with offerings like the Zaatar Bagel, served open-faced with Palestinian olive oil, salt, za’atar spice, and your choice of cream cheese or labne. 616 S. Forest Ave., Tempe, laymoon.cafe
Wonderift Coffee
After exploring South Mountain Park and Preserve, drift into Wonderift, a family-owned coffee shop that feels like the “cool uncle’s garage meets bike shop.” Guests rave about its Banana Bread Latte, made with housemade banana syrup and garnished with banana coins, as well as the Sonoran Mocha, layered with Dutch-process cocoa, ancho chile, and an agave cream top. With Arizona-roasted Provision Coffee, house-made syrups, and fresh bakes (gluten-free available), Wonderfit’s commitment to local partnerships and quality is infused in every cup and bite. 12020 S Warner Elliot Loop, Phoenix, AZ 85044, wonderiftcoffee.com
Firefly Organic Coffee and Market
The philosophy here is simple: guests shouldn’t have to choose between taste and health. Firefly Organic Coffee and Market stays true to its name, using organic beans third-party tested for mold, pesticides, and heavy metals, and with seed-oil-free food. The sourdough cinnamon rolls have built a loyal following as well as the signature Firefly Glow Latte, made with espresso, raw honey, vanilla, cinnamon, and grass-fed collagen.
The atmosphere, calm and spa-like, is a place where people can exhale and relax while enjoying ingredients that have been thoughtfully chosen. 9035 E. Pima Center Pkwy., Suite 13, Scottsdale, FireflyScottsdale.com
Gio’s Coffee Organic
It began as a farmers’ market booth selling cold brew and drip coffee made with organic, fair-trade beans from Gio’s family’s Peruvian coffee plantation. Today, it’s a popular coffee shop in downtown Tempe with a loyal community following. The beans’ chocolatey, nutty profile appeals to those who prefer a bold, not bitter, cup. Enjoy a straight cold brew or indulge in favorites like the White Chocolate Mocha, served iced or hot. A visit isn’t complete without sampling the Peruvian hand-baked goods, like savory, meat-filled empanadas or alfajores, two vanilla wafers filled with dulce de leche then dusted with powdered sugar. 414 S. Mill Ave. #111, Tempe, gios-coffee.com
Matilda’s All Day Café
A beloved coffee truck inspired a bigger dream: transforming a 1914 bungalow in Downtown Phoenix into a community café. The space is described as a “mid-century European café meets a 1970s New York bar,” but with a relaxed Phoenix feel. Guests love the Honeycomb, made with local raw honey, vanilla bean, cinnamon, espresso or matcha, and milk. Picnic on the lawn, sit porch-side or at the bar, or tuck into a cozy corner inside for memorable coffee, food, and cocktails. 822 N 6th Ave, Phoenix, matildasallday.com
Global Ambassador’s Le Market
Located inside Phoenix’s luxurious hotel, The Global Ambassador, Le Market offers a space that feels sophisticated without being stiff. During the work week, it draws mostly professionals, while on weekends, families sprawl across the patio and lawn.
Sit back and indulge in the Mont Blanc Cold Brew, the signature cold brew finished with a cream top, freshly grated nutmeg, and a hint of orange zest, along with buttery croissants and Paris baguettes. Whether you’re stopping in for a solo morning ritual or a leisurely weekend afternoon outdoors, Le Market’s mission is to meet guests exactly where they are. 4360 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, globalambassadorhotel.com
Maple House
Maple House in Chandler acts as a coffee shop by day, but by night it becomes a hospitable bar. The Little Lottie Latte, named after the owner’s daughter, is a white chocolate and pistachio treat worth indulging in. Or, try the Maple Walnut, made with housemade walnut orgeat. Coffee purists will appreciate the locally roasted espresso beans from Infusion. Sit inside for a modern farmhouse feel, or head to the patio, where fire pits and corn hole creates a true backyard atmosphere. 198 W. Boston St., Chandler, maplehouseaz.com
Berdena’s
Step into Berdena’s light, airy mid-century space and you’ll feel the good energy immediately. This is another hotspot where ingredients are locally sourced, from beans roasted by Mythical to divine pastries from Wanda’s Bakery in Scottsdale and house-made syrups. Sip on favorites like the seasonal Honey Orange Cardamom, garnished with Johnny Bee pollen, or the Strawberry Matcha, made with a thick strawberry syrup and ceremonial grade matcha. 1215 E. Missouri Ave., Suite 6, and 7051 E/ 5th Ave. Suite I, Scottsdale, berdenas.com
The Thread Cafecito
If you’re craving Miami-style Cuban coffee, roasted weekly for a bold, sweet, and smooth flavor, you’ve found your place. In downtown Phoenix, The Thread serves a café con leche the traditional way, balancing rich espresso with steamed milk. The empanadas are made from scratch without lard or shortening, and many of the recipes come directly from the CEO, the daughter of an immigrant.
Walking in, the sense of community is immediate, reflected in its tagline: “People meet here. Celebrate here. Heal here. Have hard conversations here. Laugh here. You don’t have to buy anything to belong here.” That’s a coffee shop with heart. 130 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, bestcoffeedelivered.com
Case Study
Case Study shows us what happens when everything is made in-house, from cold foams and syrups to freshly-roasted beans. Even the mid-century modern furniture and the bar were hand-crafted by the shop’s owner. Try the Cherry Vanilla Cold Brew, a seasonal drink with vanilla syrup, cherry foam, and a dried cherry garnish, or the Vanilla Rosemary, made with Lounge espresso beans and served hot or iced.
Stop in on Tuesday evenings for a nightclub feel with live DJs in rotation, or visit any day to be surrounded by local artists, thinkers, and movers from across the Valley. 4802 N. 16th St., Phoenix, casestudycoffeelounge.com
Peixoto Coffee Roasters
There’s fair trade, and then there’s family trade. At Peixoto, the beans come from a generational family farm in Brazil, then are imported and roasted specifically for its customers. Keep it classic with a traditional iced latte, or opt for a seasonal special like the Blackberry Pistachio Cold Brew. Next, settle into the bright, airy space to enjoy coffee with light floral notes. Multiple locations, peixotocoffee.com
La La Land Kind Café
Regulars say the line can wrap around the block, but the baristas are well-trained to keep things moving. The mission is to spread kindness and positive energy, reflected in the shop’s signature bright yellow design. One favorite is the playful Banana Cloud Latte, made with fresh bananas, vanilla bean, a banana cloud top, and either espresso or ceremonial matcha with cinnamon. We’re also keen on the Matcha Squared Latte, featuring double the matcha, an umami-rich ceremonial matcha cloud top, and a housemade syrup. Most drinks lean sweet, but not overly so. Multiple locations, lalalandcafe.com
Light Heart Coffee
Founded by four friends with a shared love of quality coffee, Light Heart Coffee has a trendy minimalist design that still manages to feel warm and cozy. Guests can keep it classic with an iced mocha latte or get adventurous with the Island Time, made with fragrant housemade cake syrup, toasted coconut, and coconut flakes. The attention to detail is evident in the hand-crafted syrups and curated seasonal menu. Multiple locations, lightheartcoffee.com
