Tucson has a strong local coffee culture with many independent roasters to complement the national chains. Thanks to the strong coffee and a huge range of customizations, nearly every neighborhood and area boasts convenient and delicious coffee. From downtown to the burgeoning westside market district, we bring you a guide to the best coffee shops in Tucson.
Cartel Coffee
With two locations in Tucson, including one located just north of the University of Arizona campus, Cartel Roasting Co. offers a quaint atmosphere that screams “study space” with an additional vibe of “have long conversations about life for hours on end.” The atmosphere of this coffee shop is trendy yet relaxed with lots of seating options and comfy couches.
The coffee quality here is fantastic, and they have a wide selection of teas and other drinks. They also offer a variety of hot and cold food options such as sandwiches and salads for lunch. Additionally, they sell whole coffee beans if you would like to take some home with you or mail them as gifts to loved ones. At Cartel, the prices are reasonable considering the quality of their products; drinks range in price from $2-$5 while food ranges in price from $5-$9.
Crave Coffee Bar
For a unique coffee experience in Tucson, look no further than Crave Coffee Bar on the east side of Tucson. They have a wide range of coffee drinks and prices that are reasonable for their quality. Their coffee is ethically sourced and bought directly from farmers around the world.
Crave is a popular cafe among locals and they have a reputation for excellent customer service. The owners are always around and friendly. The coffee is top-notch, and the space itself is cozy and inviting. It’s a neighborhood staple that’s worth checking out if you’re in the area.
Yellow Brick Coffee
A bit outside of the usual spots, Yellow Brick Coffee is well worth the trip if you are serious about a fantastic cup of coffee that’s been sourced right. They select specialty coffee from farms around the globe, traceable coffee in small batches, then roast the beans to the highest quality. You can choose how you want your coffee brewed: they offer chemex, siphon, aero press, etc. This isn’t a quick-stop caffeine fix kind of place—this is for the coffee drinker who likes to take the time to sample well-crafted coffee.
Exo Roast Co.
The atmosphere at Exo can best be described as “funky.” The cafe is spacious and bright, and the menu has some unique additions to the usual standards. Apart from the classic drink options (latte, cappuccino), Exo Roast offers seasonal drinks with unique flavors that match every season of the year.
Their iced lavender lattes and pumpkin spice mochas are excellent choices if you visit during the warmer seasons or around Christmas time respectively! There’s also a variety of espresso and decaffeinated coffee drinks available on their coffee list along with a handful of specialty cold brews and kombuchas made in-house that you’ll want to try.
One other thing that makes the menu interesting is that they offer some different drinks made with locally-sourced ingredients, such as a chiltepin-infused cold brew for hot days, and always something different on the menu for the adventurous to try!
Presta
Presta Coffee Roasters is a popular local chain of coffee shops. If you’re looking for a cafe nearby with great coffee, this is the place, as they have three locations in town.
Presta Coffee Roasters brew some of the best coffee in town, but they also have a fantastic chai mix. The espresso is always fresh and the baristas know how to make it right. They have a great selection of pastries and sandwiches that are made with locally-sourced ingredients. The staff here is friendly and helpful if you have any questions about their menu items or drinks.
The ambiance at Presta Coffee Roasters is cozy and relaxed, so feel free to chill with your laptop and get some work done while sipping on an Americano or latte. For something different, try the Coco Rosie!
Cafe Passe
Café Passe is a casual, hip café and bar that serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks. It features a lovely courtyard for outdoor sipping on sunny days. The menu includes avocado toast with fresh tomatoes and pickled onions; green tea pancakes made with matcha green tea powder; and a build-your-own omelet option that lets you choose three ingredients from a long list. You can also order coffee drinks like espresso or cappuccino.
The atmosphere is relaxed but fashionable. The walls are lined with bookshelves (some of which are filled with board games), giving the place a cozy library vibe. A regular hangout for students from the University of Arizona, it’s open until midnight every night except Sunday, when it closes at 10 pm.
The Coffee Shops in Tucson Will Make You Want to Move Here!
The best coffee shops in Tucson are as diverse as they are delicious. Our city has a booming coffee scene featuring several independent shops serving up everything from local roasts to hand-dripped creations and even nitro cold brew on tap. Whether you’re looking for an espresso with notes of chocolate and cherry or a smooth cup o’ joe made with beans roasted right here in town, it’s all within reach!
Are you searching for a perfect plot of land in Tucson, Arizona, with nearby coffee shops? Contact me, Rick Sack, by phone at 520.918.5477 or by email at rick@buytucsonlots.com to find your perfect parcel of land.
