If you’re planning a trip to downtown Tucson, one of the first things you should do is find a local coffee shop to visit. There are plenty of great options to choose from, each with its own unique atmosphere. Whether you’re a fan of fresh, piping-hot coffee or delicious cold brew, one of these coffee shops below will definitely satisfy your cravings. Each one of these places has something different and unique to offer visitors. You’ll have to decide which one you want to see first!
1. Presta Coffee Roasters
Presta Coffee Roasters started out as a coffee cart stationed at Saint Mary’s Hospital. Since then, they have opened up two brick-and-mortar coffee shops in Tucson. The former of the two cafes feature smooth, brown tones, with occasional pops of white or green. The retro-chic furnishings make the space more inviting. The more intimate second cafe is focused on the things that matter most in a restaurant: loved ones, community, and great coffee. The minimalistic white atmosphere allows customers to focus on what’s important. There are few places in Arizona, the country even, where one can get their hands on such exceptional coffee with Nordic-style roasting that typically embodies lighter roasts accompanied by a uniquely elegant serving fashion.
2. Raging Sage Coffee Roasters
The verdant, leafy foliage that drapes Raging Sage Coffee Roasters’ adobe roof is impossible to miss. The coffee shop does an excellent job of sourcing the java beans served inside in a sustainable manner. They have a strong commitment to working with farmers who use environmentally friendly practices. As a result, their coffee is both delicious and guilt-free! This quaint little micro-roastery is dedicated to providing guests with the best coffee experience and they have a faithful scone-loving, highly-caffeinated following to show for it, along with numerous local awards won year after year. Indoor seating at the cafe is limited in space, however, there are plenty of tables and chairs to sit at outside on the expansive patio that is shaded by orange trees.
3. Caffe Luce Coffee Roasting Co.
This company is often lauded for its excellent cold brews. The locally owned and operated coffee shops scattered throughout Tucson each have their unique atmosphere that many love. Caffe Luce is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while relaxing with friends or getting some work done. The coffee house’s two-story downtown location is notable for its artistic flair, huge hand-carved slabs of lumber on the walls, suspended wooden-cube light fixtures, and phonograph records in the restroom. The location clearly has a mind of its own, giving validity to the brand’s acknowledgment as both a social catalyst and foundation in the old city. With this being said, it is important to note that some locations do offer beer and wine options as well as extensive food menus!
4. Exo Roast Co.
The team at Exo Roast Co. has extensive experience in the coffee industry, with many years of collective experience between them. The reason they have been able to develop relationships with small producers in Mexico make most of the materials used in their cafe compostable, and partner with several non-profits to promote social justice and land restoration are due to their expertise. This coffee shop features a mural made of exposed bricks, hardwood flooring, and a spacious atmosphere that makes it ideal for studying. In addition, Exo offers a wide selection of mezcal and natural, organic, and biodynamic wines for a more relaxing experience.
5. Black Crown Coffee Company
Coffee aficionados flock to Black Crown Coffee Company for its top-notch java. The cafe, housed in a standalone cherry red brick building, has earned a reputation for serving some of the best coffee. The cafe has wooden beams and floor-to-ceiling glass windows which makes it stand out. Black Crown Coffee Company is one of the most popular cafes in the area and is always busy with customers. This coffee “house”, which opened its doors to Tucsonans in 2012, is serious about its hand-roasted coffee beans, even going so far as to include the specific beans used in each customer’s cold brew in emailed receipts. There are also some signature drinks that are very sweet like Breast Milk which is an iced vanilla mocha and the Black Widow which is a hazelnut almond mocha.
6. Savaya Coffee Market
Burc Maruflu, the owner of Savaya Coffee Market, grew up learning about coffee from his grandmother. From a young age, he was exposed to the rich smells and tastes of different coffees, and he quickly developed a keen understanding of the complexities of this beloved beverage. Today, Burc is proud to continue the legacy by offering Savaya’s customers the same high-quality coffee that his grandmother Neriman always served. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founding father of Turkey and president, often visited her town and always said that she made the best coffee he had ever tasted. Burc’s family has a long history with coffee, going back to the 1500s when his many-times-great-grandfather traded and roasted coffee beans for the Ottoman Sultan Solomon. His grandfather perfected the art of roasting, becoming the go-to coffee supplier for the empire.
The story of how one of the most cherished coffee lineages from human civilization landed in the Old Pueblo started with a coincidence. Burc’s wife, who works in the medical field, needed to relocate for work. Savaya has rewarded Tucson with excellent coffee, making one wonder if they’ve had coffee before. The sumptuous Turkish-style “Kafette” coffee, which has been five centuries in the making and fit for royalty, is like nothing else figuratively and literally. Its unique flavor is a must-try for anyone adventurous enough to explore the rich history of coffee.
7. Tucson Coffee Roasters
This is a local coffee house that is family-owned and has all the amenities that a wholesome coffee house should have. This includes comfortable chesterfields, an evening patio that is romantically lit, and a sign that teases witty comments such as “I’m in a good place right now, not emotionally, there’s just coffee here.” In addition to the standard, lovingly hand-roasted coffee favorites, TCR also creates a signature lemonade chiller. Their Horchata Latte is a delicious and refreshing take on the traditional horchata beverage, while the black iced tea is perfect for those who enjoy a little sweetness in their tea. They also make five unique syrup flavors right on the premises. On their website, there is a helpful web page that categorizes coffee beans by roast, region, and aroma. This is useful for anyone hoping to learn the basics of coffee beans and their flavors!
8. Ombre Coffee
Ombre Coffee is a beautiful coffee shop that’s located on a corner of Broadway Village. The only way to get in there is via the Bisbee Breakfast Club which overlooks the valley of Tucson. The service here is outstanding, with employees who are always willing to help with a smile. The cappuccinos are also excellent, made with skill, and served with an appealing retro countertop. Before you leave, be sure to buy some freshly roasted coffee beans. They have a scrumptious Buttercup blend that is velvety and luscious, with toasty spiced cocoa and opulent raisin brandy. There is also a slightly sweet apple aroma.
9. Decibel Coffee Works
Decibel Coffee Works was founded by a group of musicians and audio engineers with a passion for coffee and live performances. Their unique projects bring together the best of Tucson’s creative scene, showcasing local talent and meticulously crafted coffee beverages. The cafe is located in a small converted shipping container at the center of the Mercado San Agustin Annex. The annex is a modern structure in the growing westside market district. The district is situated along the beautiful Avenida Del Convento, which is lined with trees. We would suggest sampling their southwestern Cafe de Olla, a Mexican beverage created with unrefined cane sugar, chocolate, clove, star anise, espresso, and milk (or another option), with the ability to add spicy seasonings!
10. Cartel Coffee Lab
The Silberschlags founded The Cartel with the intention of roasting premium coffees. However, as more and more people came to visit their operation, they realized they needed to provide furniture so these guests could relax and chat about the coffee. As a result, a cafe model took shape.
With 10 well-chosen locations, including two in Tucson, Cartel Coffee Lab has become one of the most respected and reliable boutique coffee brands in Arizona. They have recently expanded their reach into California and Texas. With a commitment to quality coffee and an ever-growing list of satisfied customers, there’s no doubt that Cartel Coffee Lab is here to stay. So if you’re looking for a great cup of coffee, be sure to check out one of their many locations!
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