Being a student living in any city, locating the best spots for coffee and studying in the area is essential. Yelp and Google reviews are great, but sometimes the perspective of someone who went for the same reasons you are can be extra helpful. In my three years living in Phoenix, I have developed a list of my favorites, each of which I go to for certain reasons. If you’re looking for somewhere to spend a few hours on your laptop in Phoenix, here is my comprehensive list for you.
moxie coffee co.
Located towards downtown, Moxie has been my recent favorite (as in, I’m typing this from Moxie right now on my fourth time here this week). The menu includes a variety of coffee and tea options, and each one comes out looking as good as it tastes, with details such as fresh mint leaves. Moxie also has an array of baked goods that make great snacks, many of which are inclusive of dietary restrictions. The space is open and bright, filled with tables and chairs, music is typically pretty funky, and the staff is super friendly. The attached parking garage guarantees safe and close parking. I find this environment perfect for focusing on work for long stretches. A bonus is that there are often dogs that come through with their owners!
lux central
The atmosphere of Lux is super unique. With loud music, a space packed with different types of furniture, and a bar, this environment is not one for someone looking for a super chill, cutesy study spot. I personally love this space when I want to blend in and be more of a spectator. The coffee is really good, and the breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus are full of really good foods to try. I would not describe Lux as beginner-friendly because parking is difficult. The space can be confusing to someone who is not familiar with it, and there is often a real possibility of not finding a place to sit. Regardless, Lux has a lot of value as being unique, cool, and providing quality food and drinks.
Press coffee roasters
If you’re looking specifically for good espresso that never misses, Press is the place for you. Press has several locations across the valley, making it super convenient to find a location from different starting points. The vibe of Press can be a little bit pretentious sometimes, typically with a colder, more industrial feel, but the espresso simply always hits. I have never gotten a bad or expired shot from Press, so it gets major points for being reliable.
The black sheep
This cafe is located in Glendale, so the location feels quieter than somewhere closer to downtown Phoenix. Without question, The Black Sheep is the best bang for your buck. Lattes and other espresso drinks are priced very low, which is always appreciated as a college student, being a caffeine addict is expensive. The inside has a variety of options, with high tables, lower tables, and couches, and the courtyard out back is also great, with quiet seating out in the sun for nice days. I have never experienced a time at The Black Sheep where there has not been an empty table or couch available, which is nice to rely on. Plus, the bathrooms are super cool, with walls covered in CDs, records, and cassette tapes. This is another location where dog sightings are common, which I always appreciate.
Futuro
Futuro is unique in its location inside of Palabra, a space containing an art gallery and hair salon. The vibe here is very much pretentious, so if that is something you do not prefer (personally, this is a characteristic that is unattractive to me in a coffee shop), then this may not be the place for you. If you’re looking to take cool Instagram pictures where you grab your coffee, then this is the place for you. The drinks offered at Futuro are unique and very well made, so you can rest assured in the quality and taste of the drink you get. Palabra’s location in Phoenix’s Arts District makes it perfect for grabbing coffee and going on a walk to explore the area characterized by murals.
kahvi coffee
Just around the corner from Futuro is Kahvi, a spot that is new to me. This cafe offers much more inside than meets the eye from the street. The coffee at this spot is great, with cool, friendly staff and plenty of seating for visiting or working inside. Connected to the coffee shop is a small store space, filled with both vintage and retail products, such as clothing, decor, and gift-type items. This area is really fun to explore, and really difficult (for me, at least) not to drop a bunch of money. Another neat feature of Kahvi is how it doubles as an event space. With donation-based yoga classes, drag events, and more, this spot is one that brings you in for the coffee, and brings you back for its other features.
fair trade cafe
This spot is one with a colorful atmosphere, having loud, fun music, rotating art on the walls, and eclectic furniture. The sizes of drinks are larger than many other places, which is great if you are looking for quantity in your caffeine fix. Fair Trade Cafe also has a covered courtyard, which is great for Phoenix days where outside is preferable only in the shade. This spot is right next to a parking garage that is free for customers, which is always a pro to rely on when exploring a spot downtown.
Ebb + flow coffee co.
This one’s sort of a bonus (I worked there, so I really do have insight), as it is a bit of a hike outside of Phoenix. Located in the small town center of Verrado within Buckeye, Ebb + Flow is the embodiment of a small, local business feel. This cafe offers a variety of coffee and non-coffee drinks, as well as food, such as breakfast sandwiches, smoothies and bowls made with actual fruit, and a bakery case with options to accommodate many dietary restrictions. Ebb + Flow has the friendliest customer service of any spot on this list, and the products are consistently good. They also offer both indoor and outdoor seating. If you’re looking for a small-town feel, Ebb + Flow (and Verrado in general) offer that refreshing experience.
Explore Coffee Shops in Phoenix
Now, I am not a local to the valley by any means, but I do think I have done a good share of exploring, particularly within the field of coffee shops. Hopefully, my experience and insight can be helpful for any other students looking for the perfect spot to work or hang off-campus.