Did someone say Coffee?
We love our coffee. Hot or cold, frothed or sweetened, we love it. But it’s not just the coffee, its the experience. We enjoy a coffee while we enjoy our lives. It’s part of the social atmosphere.
There are so many choices these days. Here are a few of my favorites and why they made the list.
Maverick Coffee 10269 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
This delightful Scottsdale shop blows us away. Two of Maverick Coffee’s owners are talented athletes — and the shop’s baristas’ is every bit as disciplined. The shop, which sells coffee from San Francisco-based Ritual Coffee Roasters, a relaxed atmosphere with perfect coffee preparation. The staff isn’t afraid to have a little fun. Every Friday customers are encouraged to challenge their barista to a game of Rock, Paper, Scissors, and if the customer wins, they get their coffee for free. Yay!
Bergies Coffee Roast House 309 North Gilbert Road, Gilbert
For coffee-lovers in the East Valley, Bergies is a down-to-earth space serving the freshest roasts and an array of exciting drinks. Brothers and owners Brian and Bruce Bergeson serve the perfect roast for each individual batch of beans. The shop itself is small and cozy, situated among a larger patio space in the heart of downtown Gilbert. Check their calendar of events, you will find live music on the weekends.
Lux Central 4400 North Central Avenue
With a loud and lively atmosphere in the evenings, Lux is the place to hang with friends in uptown Phoenix. 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, Nicaragua. They also serve a variety of great eats as well as beer, wine, and cocktails in the bar area. There is plenty of community-style seating and stays open late daily.
Gold Bar Espresso 3141 South McClintock Drive, Tempe
If you leave Gold Bar Espresso not wanting more, your 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: 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 a meeting space.
A Shot of Java 7003 North 58th Avenue, Glendale
A Shot of Java is going to be the most authentic coffee shop you’ll find anywhere in downtown Glendale. It’s a tiny coffeehouse — and it does feel a lot like a living room with a few tables, local art, and the order counter. The menu includes pour-over coffee, cold brew, lattes and mochas, Vietnamese-style coffee, and additional options like tea, Italian sodas, smoothies, and hot cocoa. The alley is heavily shaded by trees (or lit by twinkle lights) with bistro-style tables and chairs and artwork.
Lola Coffee Bar 1001 North Third Avenue
I just loved Lola Coffee Bar in downtown Phoenix. They seem to always have a great selection of pastries and sweets. There is 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 12 North Center Street, Mesa
Stopping into the Lost Dutchman coffee shop 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. Its the perfect set up to relax and work on your laptop.
Press Coffee Tempe, Phoenix, Scottsdale
Press Coffee specializes in super fresh, super high-quality coffee. Their hand roasts 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.
Press Coffee has locations all over in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe
Mama’s Cold Brew Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale, and Gilbert
Mama’s Cold Brew coffee is completely organic, brewed for 24 hours and served with homemade organic creamers. When a local mom just can’t find the perfect cup of coffee, she makes her own. When she realized how good it was, she had to share it with the rest of the Valley. Mama’s Cold Brew coffee is completely organic, brewed for 24 hours and served with homemade organic creamers. 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.
There it is, our favorites. Do you have a favorite to share? Be sure to contact us!
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