BEST NEIGHBORHOOD COFFEE HOUSE, CENTRAL PHOENIX 2006 | Mama Java's Coffeehouse | Shopping & Services
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BEST NEIGHBORHOOD COFFEE HOUSE, CENTRAL PHOENIX

Mama Java's Coffeehouse

Timur Guseynov
Look for neighborhood regulars perched at the outside tables, Wi-Fi-ing away with well-behaved pooches at their feet. Enjoy mellow musical and literary events, or just drink in displays of fine art along with your espresso drink, tea, or smoothie. It's a perfect break from the wildly diverse shopping opportunities of Gaslight Square, although, frankly, sometimes you'll want a break from Mama Java's; the joint is really jumping, in a Zen-like way. Its mini-library, for instance, seems designed especially to inspire the musicians, artists and writers who hang here. One night during a bluegrass set, our companion mentioned he'd dreamed that his truck was stolen. We reached for Gustavus Hindman Miller's 1901 classic Ten Thousand Dreams Interpreted, and looked it up: "To dream that you are looking for a carriage, you will have to labor hard, but will eventually be possessed with a fair competency." Now he owes us a scone.

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD COFFEE HOUSE, WEST VALLEY

Copper Star Coffee

Lauren Cusimano
Okay, okay, so Copper Star Coffee is barely a toe's length over the western edge of the city, into the avenues. But we have to tip our latte to this adorable coffee house, the best we've found in the West Valley and tops on any Phoenix list, no matter how you map it. This onetime gas station has a drive-through, but you'll want to step inside to appreciate the concrete and cinder-block comfort (really, it's comfortable, try it out) of Copper Star. The bagels were fresh and the staffers were happy to toast them, not the case at inferior coffee houses where the customer is left to her own devices with an old toaster. The lighting was nice, the vibe was good; they let us hang some fliers on a big bulletin board strategically located near the restrooms. We'll definitely be back.

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD COFFEE HOUSE, SOUTHEAST VALLEY

Coffee Talk

It's no coincidence that this neighborhood java spot shares a name with the faux talk show created by Mike Myers for Saturday Night Live. It's exactly the kind of place his character, Linda Richmond, would find appealing a charming, two-story historic bungalow, complete with winding ivy and two large gardens with wrought-iron patio furniture. New owners Betty Freeman and daughter Carrie Hensley have cleaned house, literally, removing the rows of dusty antiques but leaving well-worn floral couches and mismatched plaid chairs. The original walls were also left intact, providing dozens of nooks and crannies perfect for private conversation, which is why we love this place. It's cozy and quiet. There's no rush to order, and the pleasant staff won't complain if you take three hours to sip a cup of tea and talk. So turn off the cell phone, leave the laptop in the car and catch up with an old friend over a latte.

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD COFFEE HOUSE, TEMPE

Three Roots Cafe

Believe it or not, there's more to Mill Avenue than the main drag you just have to know where to look. Half a block south, nestled into the Maple/Ash neighborhood, is one of our favorite Tempe joints, Three Roots Cafe. Hanging out in the tiny java house is like chillin' in your best friend's living room, and chances are, if you hang out often enough, the people there will become your best friends. This is the kind of place where the girl behind the counter lives around the corner and the regulars have been friends and neighbors for years. Kinda like Cheers, but with caffeine and vegan food instead of booze and peanuts. Don't let the insider atmosphere make you feel like an outsider. The staff couldn't be friendlier, and the overstuffed chairs and couches beg you to sit and enjoy a latte. Three Roots also regularly hosts community art and music events, proving there's hope for culture in Tempe yet.

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD COFFEE HOUSE, SCOTTSDALE

The Village Coffee Roastery

This joint is fresh. The coffee beans are roasted on-site, producing an intense, rich flavor that makes chain-store lattes look (and taste) like instant. There's a large selection of flavors, including macadamia nut and chocolate raspberry, a popular mocha java and a dark roast that's ideal for espresso. Somehow The Village manages to put as much effort into its sandwich menu as it does its coffee. Our top pick is the to-die-for tuna salad, a creamy blend of albacore with roasted pistachios and mango chutney. Back to the bean. The secret to the velvety texture of the coffee is that it's brewed the Italian way, producing a stronger cup with a smoother flavor. Just ask the baristas and they'll explain the process to you faster than they can whip up a caramel macchiato.

BEST CUP OF COFFEE AND LOAF OF BREAD ON ROOSEVELT

Tammie Coe Cakes

We've loved Tammie Coe's oversize cookies and fruity tarts forever, it seems, but we're not here to talk sugar at the moment just good, old-fashioned artisan breads and steaming java. Finally, a storefront bakery in downtown Phoenix that we can really sink our teeth into. Tammie's husband and business partner, Michael, takes care of the pan component, preparing a variety of delicious loaves from scratch (you'll come back for the batard just for the crust alone). Topped with freshly roasted tomatoes and garlic, the focaccia also will send you into carbo-happy orbit. From what we hear, the Coes live in a cool loft directly over their little shop in the Roosevelt Arts District just west of Seventh Street. How they manage not to turn into walking blimps is beyond us.

BEST CUP OF COFFEE ON GRAND

The Trunk Space

There's something about JRC and Stephanie's little red espresso cart at the Trunk Space that's just so personal and accessible. It's like a car full of clowns, except the clowns are coffee, prepared with mad skills right in front of you. They also serve tea, snacks, fancy sodas, and even boba. Most things on the menu run $3 or less, and that's a conscious choice by your gracious hosts. Between sips, absorb a live performance, shop for art, apparel, books and gifts, and marvel further at how this much fun and coffee! can fit into this skinny julienne-fry of a gallery.

BEST SHOPPING OPPORTUNITY ON GRAND

Red Door Gallery

The vintage boutique in the back of Red Door is like three dozen estate sales on LSD, and we're drawn like magpies to the shiny, colorful objects on display. Artist Indigo Verton collects and prices the merchandise (mostly women's clothing and accessories) with a canny eye. If you want a little something for five or six bucks, it's here, but if you crave the pale blue Hello Kitty flight bag, it'll cost you. Last year, we admired gloriously hideous housewares from the mid-20th century, but those items seem to have moved over to .anti_space with designer Lisa Jacobs. There's still style aplenty at Red Door, though, and the selection of elaborate old hats, hostess aprons, and Sally Bowles-esque lingerie is a special treat. Devious Wigs and Things rounds out the offerings with fake hair and lashes in rainbow hues. The boutique's not open every day, but you can call Verton to check on the hours.

BEST REASON TO GO TO MESA

The Old JC Penney

The name JC Penney doesn't usually conjure visions of shabby-chic treasures and super-cute baby clothes, but we make an exception for the shell of the former department store, at the intersection of Main Street and Robson in historic downtown Mesa. The original brickwork remains, but the rest of this building has been transformed into a two-story, high-end boutique mall housing Domestic Bliss, Baby Bliss and Bella Fine downstairs, and Green B clothing boutique upstairs. High ceilings and hardwood floors are the backdrop, and onstage, vintage meets new fashion. Domestic Bliss offers fine linens, bedroom accessories and custom design with an emphasis on shabby-chic flair. Find a white cottage play area for the kids as you shop for baby couture and high-dollar accessories such as nursery chandeliers in Baby Bliss. Bella Fine offers Tuscany-inspired home accessories and specializes in oversize mirrors, wall clocks, and custom floral designs. Upstairs, pass through Green B's pink and pressed glass antique door to indulge your inner diva with some serious bling. Embellished tee shirts, crystal studded belts, purses and slippers dot the dark green and black backdrop reminiscent of a Paris boutique. Be prepared to drop some of your own green: We found fabulous hand-stitched tee shirts for (gulp) $137. But just think the eye candy is free.

BEST NEW BOUTIQUE

Frances

We thought we had original taste, until we walked into Frances. Then the mixed emotions started. On one hand, we were delighted to see vintage cowboy boots alongside oilcloth, rhinestoned belt buckles next to the cutest lines of greeting cards we'd seen in a long time. On the other hand, we had to realize that not only is our taste unoriginal, it's not nearly as good as the taste of the owner, Georganne Bryant, who named this adorable shop after her grandmother and filled it with the most imaginative, whimsical, must-have stuff in town. There's a vintage section with carefully chosen dresses, purses and tees. A baby section, with only the best for the newest. Orchid-scented candles, polka-dotted flip-flops, jewelry, garden supplies. We're in love. We've always wanted to open our own boutique, but now there's no reason. Thank you, Frances!

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