An Introduction to Tucson's Thriving Coffee Scene
By Stacey Gregory
In Tucson, the perfect cup of joe is never too far away. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or you need to rise and grind, you’ll see coffee isn’t just a beverage here; it’s a journey of flavor, purpose, and connection. We rounded up a few of our favorites to help guide you on your next caffeine-fueled adventure.
Presta Coffee Roasters
100 S. Avenida del Convento +
2502 N. 1st Ave. + 501 E. 9th St.
// prestacoffee.com
Stop by one of Presta Coffee Shops’ three distinctive locations. The Mercado location is a tranquil oasis with pothos hanging from the ceiling, creating a lush green haven in the heart of the Mercado. At the 1st Avenue spot, beautiful wooden walls and a bar adorned with vintage bicycles pay homage to the coffee shop’s namesake and the rich cycling history. For a touch of history and urban charm, the 9th Street café within a converted gas station showcases original brick walls and contemporary metal fabrication.
No matter which location you choose, Presta Coffee ensures a delightful coffee experience. Indulge in classic coffee drinks, expertly prepared pour-overs, cappuccinos, and the popular honey-lavender latte. With a rotating seasonal menu that includes inventive creations, there’s always something new to try. Their commitment to quality extends to house-made syrups, incorporating local and organic ingredients whenever possible. As a roaster, Presta takes pride in its ever-changing selection of single-origin coffees, offering more than 50 unique and experimental processed varieties in the past year alone. Moreover, the matcha and teas from Hugo Tea in Kansas City have earned a reputation as the “best matcha in town,” adding a touch of excellence to your coffee adventure.
Raging Sage Coffee Roasters
2458 N. Campbell Ave.
// ragingsage.com
A beloved micro-roastery nestled in the heart of Tucson, Raging Sage Coffee Roasters is a family-owned destination for coffee and tea enthusiasts. Rooted in a commitment to sustainability, you’ll find a diverse selection of environmentally responsible, shade-grown Arabica green beans and an uncompromising coffee experience.
Carefully sourced green beans are meticulously roasted in small batches, ensuring the unique flavors of each coffee variety shine through. Rejecting superficial aesthetics, Raging Sage prioritizes flavor over appearance, earning them numerous top coffee prizes and a devoted following.
With a warm, welcoming space and a passion for providing the highest-quality experience, Raging Sage remains a true gem in Tucson’s vibrant coffee scene.
Yellow Brick Coffee
800 N. Country Club Rd.
// yellowbrickcoffee.com
Step into a coffee lover’s paradise at Yellow Brick Coffee’s flagship café, where the newly renovated Benedictine Monastery location comes alive with the enticing aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Among the unique features here is the innovative Modbar system, designed to elevate your coffee experience. This under-counter espresso machine creates an unparalleled interaction between patrons and baristas, making you an active participant in the coffee-making process. As you stand at the counter, there’s no barrier between you and the skilled baristas, offering an immersive journey into the art of coffee preparation. Watch in awe as they expertly pull shots and craft mesmerizing latte art, all while engaging in delightful conversations about the art and science of coffee brewing.
Moreover, single-origin specialty coffee takes center stage. From the initial connection with dedicated farmers to the expertly engineered roasting techniques, each step in the process ensures a perfectly brewed cup. As advocates of quality and traceability, Yellow Brick Coffee sources its beans directly from farmers around the globe, handcrafting a unique roast profile for each origin to showcase its finest attributes.
Exo Roast Co.
403 N. 6th Ave.
// exocoffee.com
Passion, experience, and sustainability converge at Exo Roast Co. As advocates of justice and environmental preservation, the ethos of community and planet restoration permeates every aspect of Exo. Embracing low-waste practices, they utilize 85% compostable coffee bags and opt for compostable straws, lids, and cups whenever possible. Encouraging eco-conscious choices, Exo offers affordable reusable cups and warmly invites patrons to bring their own.
What’s more, by working closely with small producers in Mexico, they strive to strengthen connections and shorten the supply chain through direct trade and relationship coffee. The passion for sustainability and social justice also extends to their engagement in small-batch agave spirits projects. At Exo Roast Co., you will not only savor exceptional coffee but also become part of a transformative journey toward a brighter, more sustainable future.
Coffee Times Drive-Thru
3401 E. Speedway Blvd.
// coffeetimestucson.com
Coffee Times is more than just your typical drive-thru coffee shop; it’s a family-owned and -operated business with a mission to give back to the community. This bustling coffee hot spot serves up a delightful array of coffee and espresso drinks, smoothies, and delectable baked goods sourced from local Tucson eateries. Plus, customers contribute to a noble cause, as Coffee Times matches 50 cents from every transaction and donates to a charity chosen by the community every quarter.
Despite the rise of big coffee corporations and the thriving local coffee scene, Coffee Times has carved a niche in Tucson. So, if you’re seeking a morning caffeine fix that makes a positive impact, Coffee Times Drive-Thru is the place to be—where every sip is a step toward uplifting the community, supporting local charities, and celebrating the rich tapestry of Tucson.
Ombre Coffee Roasters
2936 E. Broadway Blvd.,
// ombrecoffee.com
Since Halloween 2016, Ombre
Coffee Roasters has brought the joy of small-batch, fresh-roasted specialty coffee to midtown Tucson in a beautiful historic space in Broadway Village. Stop by to discover a variety of specialty coffee beverages, with monthly rotating specialty drinks made with their own house-made syrups. Nitro cold brew is also available on tap and to-go in a can or 64-ounce growler, with the indulgent caramel nitro cold-brew latte the café’s signature drink. Beyond coffee, Ombre Coffee
Roasters is connected to Bisbee Breakfast Club. This popular local diner serves full homestyle breakfast or lunch, and Ombre Coffee’s expertly brewed beverages.
For those seeking to recreate the Ombre Coffee experience at home, freshly roasted specialty coffee beans can be purchased online and shipped nationwide. Coffee subscriptions are also available for a consistent supply of their artisanal brews.
Whether you’re seeking a tranquil oasis, a sustainable coffee experience, or an immersive journey into the world of coffee brewing, Tucson’s cafés have something to offer every coffee enthusiast. When you’re in Tucson, stop in any of the countless coffee havens in our desert city.