Tempe has been gaining popularity among homeowners especially since the city started major rejuvenation efforts on its Downtown area. Add to that the lively Tempe Town Lake, where kayakers and paddleboarders dot the waterfront, numerous outdoor festivals and sporting events are held, and a thriving college scene resides, and the area not only scores well with millennials but with any desert-dweller looking to take advantage of an active community.

As is the case with any trend-setting city, coffee is life: from the college students pulling all nighters to the early birds perching in their regular booths. Downtown Tempe has embraced its coffee culture, and here’s a guide to the best spots for you to check out.

Photo courtesy of The Human Bean

Waterfront

This area of Downtown Tempe is bursting with activity. Multiple businesses line the lake’s border and the coffee shops serve leisurely beachgoers and adventurous sightseers.

Among a cluster of sought-after condominium communities, like the Edgewater Hayden Ferry Condos or Bridgeview Condominiums, you’ll find Romancing the Bean. This hotspot for local employees making their morning—or lunchtime—java-grab has a menu that would please any coffee lover. This coffee house has a relaxed vibe and offers plenty of gourmet coffee (and teas) from around the world. The owners also take pride in helping increase their customers’ coffee knowledge, so feel free to ask away.

Press Coffee Roasters, near 525 Town Lake Condominiums, offers free refills, a memorable cappuccino, and usually has multiple brewing options available at any given time. Though the parking is limited and the small joint is difficult to spot from the road, this has become the go-to coffee spot for many a resident. Phoenix Magazine even named it 2017’s "Best Roaster of the Valley."

University Drive

Student-life consists of a lot of late nights, which is why there are multiple places to grab coffee on Arizona State University’s campus. And though these coffee houses are typically packed, you can find lulls during the day when you can enjoy your coffee in peace. There are also drive-thru joints like The Human Bean, serving everything from espresso to smoothies, but the coffee houses are not to be missed.

For quaint outdoor seating to relax with a book or quiet conversation, try Infusion Coffee and Tea. Their beans are pricey but worth it and patrons can witness the brewers work their magic in this quirky garage turned coffee shop. Try global coffees, like Piccolo or Affogato, or their signature drinks, like the Ginger Twist (cold brew mixed with lemonade, vanilla, and ginger). 

Near the Delario Condominiums, this Press Coffeelocation has a completely different atmosphere than the waterfront location, and it’s known for having a modern vibe with plenty of outdoor seating. They also make a mean avocado toast. The place has high energy, thanks to the college students, and the baristas are very knowledgeable in their craft. Their macchiatos are reminiscent of those you can sip in Europe.

1865 Coffee is a no-frills coffee shop intended to get the job done. Their menu is limited— think quality over quantity. The atmosphere is relaxed, even with being in the middle of campus, and they happen to be a non-profit connected to the Salvation Army Worship Center. You can’t beat the prices and their iced coffees are perfect on a hot summer day.

Around Campus

At the northeast section of the campus, across from the Wells Fargo Arena and not far from the Lofts at Orchidhouse, you’ll hardly find an eatery, coffee shop, or other establishment not packed with enthusiastic eventgoers. But when events aren’t happening, the coffee shops are still in full swing.

For an intimate place to drop in on your way to work or class, try Phoenix-based Royal Coffee Bar. And though the space isn’t very large—don’t plan to perch all day long—the coffee and pastries are what count. Limited weekend hours might be their only downfall but the place is definitely no-frills, so relax and enjoy.

Tucked behind Mill Avenue, The Blend Teahouse has an upbeat staff and plenty of choices on the menu. Although they cater a little more to tea drinkers (they have a variety of bubble teas), they also offer espresso shots, lattes, and cappuccinos that will please any coffee aficionado.

Cartel Coffee Lab exudes a genuine Bohemian coffee house vibe. And though it tends to be quiet during the week, sans a dozen or so patrons working on their laptops, the weekends are brimming with coffee lovers.

Historic Maple-Ash

Sharing borders with the west side of Downtown, you’ll find the historic neighborhood of Maple-Ash, with picturesque homes dating back to 1935. A stroll along downtown would not be complete without checking out the charming homes and history of this adored neighborhood.

A stop at King Coffee would also be warranted, if you prefer the indie scene and smooth coffee. A favorite among college students and residents, be prepared to hang among musicians and artists. Named one of the Best Coffee Houses in the Phoenix Metro, thanks to their sourcing of beans from local roaster Cortez Coffee, the baristas are more than happy to whip you up something special, should you have a tough time deciding what to order.