I was immensely impressed by the growth of the third wave coffee scene in Phoenix over the last year. I've been to thousands of coffee shops in my day, and my favorites reside here. For the ones you should visit, see the map to the right. I really love Cartel Coffee Lab in Tempe. They are probably the most cutting edge shop in Phoenix, roasting some of the best beans in the world, including many from the Cup of Excellence competition.
I also really really love Royal Coffee Bar. Their old shop downtown was one of the most inspiring environments I've ever stepped into, and their two new shops are no different. I can honestly say that as soon as I set foot in the new shop at the Phoenix Public Market on Pierce st. I wanted to hug someone around me, immediately. This is a perfect mix of stellar coffee and a modern/homey woodsy mix of design that makes my heart warm. See pics below.
Another amazing shop in the area is Giant Coffee, serving Four Barrel from San Francisco. If a furniture designer/interior decorator married a world barista champion/surfer, this shop would be the child. Really good, tons of light, pleasing environment.
I also really love Liberty Market's E-61 Espresso bar in Gilbert, Sola in Scottsdale, Press Coffee, and Lux Coffee.
