The best coffee shops in Tempe

Updated: 2025-04-01

Discover the best coffee shops and roasters in Tempe, Arizona — perfect for your morning latte, espresso and caffeine fix!

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1. Brick Road Coffee

A Wizard of Oz themed coffee shop in Tempe. This is the most community focused cafe in the Valley. We love that they're LGBTQA and sober-community friendly! Their helpful staff and commitment to social issues have quickly made this a staple in the area. Be sure to check out Brick Road Coffee's social media accounts to get involved.

In regards to Brick Road's coffee menu, try popular favorites like their Flying Monkey latte (the large has a whopping six shots of espresso!) or if you're looking for a milder coffee blend, their Cinnamon Roll Latte or Spiced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso are equally delicious.

2. Gold Bar Espresso

A classic, no-frills coffee shop in Tempe, Gold Bar Espresso has been a staple in the community for years. This cafe feels like an old school coffee shop — you won't find an updated website or social media account for it either. It’s a fantastically, cozy place to work from or meet a friend for a chat. If you enjoy lattes, try their Mocha Especiale, it's a dark chocolate blend of deliciousness. They also have a wide variety of seasonal drinks.

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Pro tip: Fridays are free shot espresso day at Gold Bar!

3. Jasmine Jo Coffee

This shop is a social media influencer's dream! A flower shop and cafe all wrapped into one, this fun business offers a wide variety of coffee and tea beverages. Their signature lattes include: Rose Cake, Dirty Daisy and Caramel Calla Lilly. Give Jasmine Jo a try next time you're near Kiwanis Park in Tempe.

4. Experiment Coffee and Pastry

Formally named "Experiment at JRB"

If you want yummy baked goods to go along with your morning cup of joe, look no further than Experiment at JRB. They serve well-known pastries such as croissants, cookies and muffins, as well as unqiue desserts like kouign-amann cakes. Don’t be intimidated by Experiment's location. It’s tucked away in the warehouse district in Tempe, but it’s well worth it!

5. Shibam Coffee

Located on Apache Boulevard in Tempe, Shibam Coffee is a charming Yemeni coffee house that offers a unique, flavorful twist on your coffee experience. Known for its freshly roasted beans prepared daily, Shibam serves a wide range of coffee and tea options, along with traditional Yemeni pastries that perfectly complement your drink. Whether you're a coffee enthusiast or simply looking to try something new, Shibam is a must-visit spot for an authentic taste of Yemeni culture.

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Not sure what to order? We highly recommend Shibam's Sicilian Pistachio Latte!

6. Coffee 48

Coffee 48 offers a unique Vietnamese coffee experience, serving up flavorful and aromatic beverages in a small, grab-and-go setting. Known for its expertly crafted Vietnamese coffee, this spot is a must-visit for anyone looking to try authentic coffee made with condensed milk or other traditional ingredients. Despite its compact size, Coffee 48 draws in a steady stream of customers who come for the bold flavors and quick service.

7. King Coffee

Looking for a cozy spot to get some work done? King Coffee in Tempe is the perfect choice! Just a short distance from the ASU campus on Mill Ave., this cafe serves up the best seasonal flavors in town. How about a Cadbury Egg Latte to fuel your day?

8. Infusion Coffee + Tea

If you’ve been to Four Peaks Brewing Co. in Tempe, you’ve probably seen this shop next door. In fact, Infusion Coffee is consistently ranked in the top coffee shops in Tempe! What's even more enticing is their coffee classes where you can delve into the art of home roasting, master barista techniques and create captivating latte art.

9. Steve's Espresso

Nestled on the corner of Baseline Rd. and McClinktock Rd. in Tempe, Steve's Espresso is easily one of the best coffee shops to chat with friends over a latte. Its cozy and inviting atmosphere is the perfect backdrop to enjoy a cup of coffee or one of their made-from-scratch pastries.

10. Happy Joe Coffee

If you're an ASU student or a frequent visitor of Downtown Tempe, Happy Joe Coffee is the coffee shop for you. This is not your average cafe, along with regular coffee beverages, they also offer CBD infused drinks! If you and your friends (or coworkers!) are regulars here, be sure to utilize their "Buy your friend a drink" blackboard.

11. Cartel Roasting Co.

Another great coffee shop if you're in the ASU (Tempe campus) area, Cartel Roasting Co. is consistently ranked as one of the best cafes in Tempe, Arizona. On any day of the week, you'll find the shop bustling with students and young professionals. It's a wonderful place to get some work done or meet a friend for a chat. Cartel is also a fantastic option for specialty coffee roasts.

12. Press Coffee

If you're looking for a coffee shop with multiple locations in the Valley, Press Coffee is the best option. Within Tempe, you can find a Press Coffee shop on Mill Ave. and inside the Skywater Apartments on Rio Salado Parkway. Press is also a small batch coffee roaster that ships their beans worldwide — did we mention they roast their coffee in-house every day?

13. Aruma Cafe and Wine Bar

Aruma Cafe, nestled in the creative Culdesac development in Tempe, is the vibrant pink haven you didn’t know you needed. Known for its killer specialty coffee and laid-back vibe, it’s the perfect spot to kick back, work, or hang with friends. With a focus on top-tier ingredients, Aruma Cafe serves up expertly crafted drinks by day and pours wine by night. Whether you're craving a perfect cup of coffee or something sweet, this café is the go-to spot in Tempe for both locals and visitors alike.

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Not in the mood for coffee? Aruma's wine bar is open Thursday-Saturday from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

14. Palette Collective Coffee

A haven for coffee enthusiasts and creatives alike, Palette Collective Coffee promises an extraordinary experience of locally roasted coffee. Enjoy your love of coffee amidst an inspiring space adorned with art. This is a perfect spot to connect with fellow creatives and savor the perfect blend of caffeine.

15. Skyluxx Coffee

This cozy yet modern café captures the essence of a contemporary coffeehouse with its sleek decor and warm ambiance. The skilled baristas at Skyluxx take pride in crafting a diverse range of artisanal coffee baeverages, from velvety lattes and aromatic espressos to indulgent mochas. Located on the corner of Mill Ave and Southern, SkyLuxx is a great addition to the Tempe coffee scene.

16. The Buzzed Goat

New to Tempe in April 2024, The Buzzed Goat has quickly established itself as a welcomed presence in the local coffee community. Focusing on cold brews, this establishment offers a range of delightful beverages and features a convenient drive-thru option.

17. Cortez Coffee

Looking for the best coffee beans in Tempe? You’ve got to check out Cortez Coffee! Their Pura Vida Dark Roast makes the absolute best cold brew we’ve ever had. Shop online, sign up for their email list and you’ll be all set to enjoy some seriously awesome coffee

More Local Coffee Shops in Tempe

That's our Tempe, Arizona coffee roundup! Whether you're near ASU, Tempe Marketplace or on the outskirts of Tempe — these are the best lattes and espressos for all your needs.