1801 E. Baseline Road Tempe, AZ 85283
480-777-5373
http://www.stevesespresso.com Beyond the Tempe tourists know and love for its rowdy college bars there's a different Tempe, one that's all about neighborhood joint's like Steve's Espresso. You won't find anything pretentious here, just quality coffee and a great atmosphere. All their coffee is brewed French press style instead of drip and if you like what you taste you can buy it by the beans by the pound. They're locally roasted and delivered to the shop every week meaning you can also take pride in knowing you're helping support a local business. In addition to lattes, mochas and the usual espresso drinks they've got frozen granitas and an ever-expanding selection of loose leaf teas. If you're staying to read one of their newspapers or magazines you might also want to order a frittata or stuffed brioche, both of which come fresh from the kitchen. If you're on the go try a house made muffin, scone or cookie. More >>
200 E. Rio Salado Parkway Tempe, AZ 85281
480-967-1141
http://www.myspace.com/teainfusion Why, look, it's an indie business tucked amid the chains at the Tempe Marketplace. The modest list of sandwiches, salads, and pastries won't lure anyone for its originality, but in the midst of a shopping spree, a Tuscan chicken and artichoke sandwich on ciabatta bread would be fortifying. In any case, the tea is worth a try, if only because there are nearly 70 kinds on hand. More >>
3619 E. Indian School Road Phoenix, AZ 85018
602-840-5282
http://www.terrajava.biz Long considered to be one of the coolest art/coffee houses in Phoenix, Terra Java Coffee House & Bake Shop's offers comfy couches and other relaxing seating, Wi-Fi access, and plentiful, spacious tables that make it a great place for students to study. Its baristas also whip out any number of caffeinated concoctions - ranging from high-octane cappuccinos to teas from around the world - and monthly gallery exhibitions from local creative types are featured on the walls. Although it no longer features any live music (owing to its daily 6 p.m. closing time), the weekly spoken word and poetry session goes down on Saturday afternoons. More >>
http://www.urbanbeans.com This Central Phoenix spot opened in 2009 as a simple coffee house. But since then it's transformed itself into a coffee shop, wine bar, lunch spot and more. On any given day you'll find a great selection of house made pastries – but we're not talking run-of-the-mill muffins and scones. They offer unique flavor combinations of the savory and sweet variety that are constantly changing, meaning if you want to catch your favorite flavor you'll just have to stop on by. Of course they offer freshly brewed coffee and espresso drinks as well as teas and other specialty beverages. At night things turn into a more swanky scene with wine, beer and small plates available for after-work imbibing on their spacious outdoor patio. More >>
1707 E. Southern Ave. Tempe, AZ 85282
480-820-0333
http://www.xtremebeancoffee.com If we had to pick two things we love most about Xtreme Bean in Tempe, we'd have to go with their late hours and speed. When we're jamming to get that paper done by midnight and need a caffeine boost to keep it going, this is the place to go. Located in an old bank, the coffeehouse satisfies all you could need with Wi-Fi access, plenty of coffee and espresso drinks and lots and lots of seating. The sleek, clean interior means we aren't getting distracted with dreams of shabby, chic redesigns for our own aparentment but the constant flow of people keeps us from falling asleep. From the perfectly-sweet iced mochas to the well-balanced iced teas, there's always a good reason to stop by this neighborhood favorite. More >>