Even if coffee’s not your thing, grab some fresh-brewed tea, an Italian soda, a sandwich or specialty pastry. With everything just within an over-the-counter reach, change up the ambience and enjoy studying in the best way possible with a cup of joe at one of these top Tempe and Phoenix java joints.
Cartel Coffee Lab
With changing art on the walls and a regular event on “Final Friday,” Cartel hosts a steady clientele of the style conscious, sleek gadgets and earbuds ready. “It’s become the neighborhood living room,” says Amy Silberschlag, who co-owns the shop with her husband, Jason. Have a definite coffee state of mind and don’t pass up the Iced Chai – try it and you’ll never look up from your cup.
225 West University Drive, Ste. 101
Tempe, AZ
480-225-3899
www.cartelcoffeelab.com
Xtreme Bean
This is the perfect place to meet for a group project or if studying solo and don’t mind background noise. With ample space to spread out, choose from seating on the outside patio, tables on the interior main floor or from one of the study rooms with individual outlets. Better yet, this java hub is open 24 hours on weekends. For those on the go, try the speedy drive thru.
1707 E Southern Ave.
Tempe, AZ, 85282
480-820-0333
www.xtremebeancoffee.com
Gold Bar Espresso
Tempe’s Gold Bar features feels like an old blues café, featuring a monthly local artist and great java. Organically inclined, Gold Bar carries naturally flavored syrups and vegan cookies, as well as Kosher pastries from Phoenix-based Karsh’s Bakery.
3141 S. McClintock Dr., Ste. 6
Tempe, AZ, 85282
480-839-3082
www.goldbarespresso.org
Songbird Coffee & Tea House
New to downtown Phoenix’s Roosevelt Row, this cute cafe serves up brew from Tempe’s Cortez Coffee Roasters, tea from Tucson’s Maya Tea and yummy bites, like burritos from Phoenix’s Fusion Latin Foods, without the sit-down restaurant feel.
214 East Roosevelt Street
Phoenix, AZ
602-374-4192
www.songbirdcoffeehouse.com
Jobot
Located in the Arts District of Phoenix, Jobot is the place to be for great coffee and street crepes (savory and sweet). A healthy stride from the ASU downtown campus, enjoy Jobot’s famed iced toddy on the patio or in the adjoining gallery next door. Savor extra study time on weekdays until midnight and 24 hours Fridays and Saturdays.
918 N. Fifth St.
Phoenix, AZ, 85006
602-228-7373
www.jobot-coffee.com
Fair Trade Cafe
With fair trade certified coffees, delicious lunch sandwiches and delectable vegan pastries, this is a great place to hunker down during the weekdays and enjoy some live music to accompany your studying at the Roosevelt location on weekends.
Roosevelt location:
1020 North 1st Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85003
602-354-8150
Civic Space Park location:
424 North Central
Phoenix, AZ 85003
602-253-6912
www.azfairtrade.com
Where is your favorite Valley coffee joint to sit down and get some work done?
