Roast Profiles: Mario Martusciello of Matador Coffee

This piece is the start of a new series called Roast Profiles, in which we meet the local behind-the-scenes folks who make Phoenix coffee taste so amazing. For this week’s installment, we chatted with Matador Coffee’s founder and roaster Mario Martusciello about his approach to the art and craft of…

5 Must-Try Iced Coffee and Tea Drinks in Metro Phoenix

It’s June, and we’re in Phoenix. Goodbye beautiful tolerable climate, hello heat advisories and near-instantaneous sunburns. Thankfully, Phoenix has some pretty tasty iced coffee (and tea) drinks to look forward to this time of year. Here’s a smattering of our favorites for summer. Rollover Donuts’ (Iced) Orange Cardamom Latte We…

5 Signs Your Barista Is Giving You Great Service

The coffee industry gets a bad rap when it comes to service — and some of that reputation is probably deserved. The specialty coffee industry has struggled to prove itself worthy within the larger food and beverage world, and many baristas (and even whole shops) will sacrifice hospitality in order…

Blue House Serves Simple, Mobile Coffee in the Heart of Tempe

Tempe-based Blue House Coffee might be the best coffee you haven’t tasted yet. The company has been pedaling its coffee around ASU’s campus since 2012. No, we didn’t spell that wrong — someone actually rides a cart around on a bicycle. We stopped by to check it out, and oh,…

King Coffee Brings a Fresh New Face to an Old Tempe Favorite

King Coffee, a new near-campus coffee shop, opened four weeks ago in the space once occupied by 3 Roots Coffee House (RIP). The storefront has seen some turnover since the iconic hippie cafe closed its doors a few years ago, but we’re hoping King Coffee will stick around…

32 Shea Makes Flavored Syrups, and They Taste Real Good

There are a lot of reasons to like 32 Shea. The patio is adorably cozy. The atmosphere is casual, the staff are attentive and kind. And there’s a chair in the bathroom! Not just a boring chair, a really nice cushy one, perfect for feeding a baby or taking a…

The Velo Bike Shop & Cafe Is Our New Favorite Thing

They say that the right number of bicycles (and coffee shops) (and cats) is always however many you currently have plus one more. Thankfully, Downtown Phoenix has found a great new source for both bikes and coffee at The Velo Bike Shop & Cafe. Sadly, you’ll have to find a…

When Good Restaurants Have Bad Coffee

The Henry is undeniably beautiful. The Sam Fox Concept is bright and sunny, has a gorgeously polished interior, sumptuous seating, and a patio that summer dreams are made of. The food is, in classic Sam Fox style, simple but well-executed, the cocktails are top-notch, and the whiskey list is long…