Best Coffee Shops in Phoenix — From a Local Roaster's Perspective
Introduction to Phoenix's Coffee Scene
As a local roaster, I've had the pleasure of exploring the vibrant coffee culture in Phoenix. With Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport serving as a major hub, many travelers find themselves with a layover in our city. If you're looking to experience local of Phoenix's coffee shops, you're in luck – many of our standout cafés are within walking distance of major transit hubs. In this article, I'll guide you through my top picks for coffee shops in Phoenix, highlighting what makes each one special and how to get there.
Standout Cafés in Phoenix
- Lux Central in Downtown Phoenix: This café is a must-visit, with its extensive coffee menu and expertly crafted pour-overs. Located just a 10-minute walk from the Van Buren Street stop on the Valley Metro Rail, Lux Central is easily accessible. Be sure to try their signature drink, the "Lux Latte," made with locally sourced milk and honey.
- Cartel Coffee Lab in Tempe: With several locations throughout the Phoenix area, Cartel Coffee Lab is a local favorite. Their Tempe location is within walking distance of the Mill Avenue/3rd Street stop on the Valley Metro Rail, making it an ideal spot to grab a coffee before exploring the vibrant downtown Tempe area. Cartel is known for its high-quality, small-batch coffee beans, which are roasted in-house.
- Berdena's in the Roosevelt Row Arts District: This charming café is tucked away in a historic building in the heart of the Roosevelt Row Arts District. Just a 15-minute walk from the Van Buren Street stop on the Valley Metro Rail, Berdena's offers a unique coffee experience with its expertly crafted drinks and beautiful atmosphere. Be sure to check out the local art on display and enjoy the café's cozy outdoor seating area.
- King Coffee in the Garfield District: Located in the up-and-coming Garfield District, King Coffee is a hidden gem. This café is about a 20-minute walk from the Van Buren Street stop on the Valley Metro Rail, or you can take the bus from the airport, which takes around 30 minutes. King Coffee is known for its specialty drinks, such as the "King's Latte," made with locally sourced honey and vanilla syrup.
Getting Around Phoenix
To get to these coffee shops from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, you can take the Valley Metro Rail, which connects to the airport via the 44th Street/Washington Street stop. From there, you can transfer to other lines to reach your destination. The trip from the airport to Downtown Phoenix takes around 15-20 minutes, and the fare is $2.00. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or ride-share, which takes around 10-15 minutes depending on traffic.
In summary: Explore local of Phoenix's coffee culture by visiting standout cafés like Lux Central, Cartel Coffee Lab, Berdena's, and King Coffee, all within walking distance of major transit hubs and showcasing unique characteristics that set them apart from the rest.
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