It’s that time of year again…Arizona students seemingly (and cruelly) are set to go back to school before most of their peers in the rest of the country. To beat the heat and reawaken a dormant study mode, here’s a list of the best coffee houses to study at around the ASU Tempe and Downtown campuses.
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 homework in the best way possible at one of these top Tempe and Phoenix java joints.
*Note: Selections based on proximity to campus, ambience, and tried and tested java goodness. Listed in no particular ranking order.
Tempe campus:
1. 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
2. Xtreme Bean
This is the perfect place to meet for a group project of 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 students on the go, try the speedy drive thru.
1707 E Southern Ave.
Tempe, AZ, 85282
480-820-0333
www.xtremebeancoffee.com
3. Gold Bar Espresso
With an atmosphere like an old blues café featuring a monthly local artist and great java, Gold Bar Espresso is your new reason to get up and go to class. 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
Downtown campus:
1. Royal at the Market – Royal Coffee Bar
Located inside the Downtown Phoenix Public Market, Royal Coffee Bar offers direct-trade coffee pressed fresh daily, just a skip from ASU downtown. A historical setting of Edison-era lightbulbs and recycled wood flooring is sure to put you in study mode. Tempt your tastebuds and complement your java with in-house baked goods that are made with all-organic and seasonal market ingredients.
14 E. Pierce
Phoenix, AZ, 85004
602-254-5465
www.royalcoffeebar.com
2. 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
3. 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. Be aware that the N. Central Avenue location closes at 2 p.m. M-F, so if you need your Fair Trade fix, light rail it to the 1020 N. 1st Ave. location that’s open until 9 p.m., seven days a week.
424 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ, 85004
www.azfairtrade.com
Cool looking coffee shops! Moving to Tempe from the NW soon and as a bona-fide ‘javaholic’, I definitely will be checking these out!
I love the Xtreme Bean but can’t get enough of the crepes at Jobot. While traveling I run across many people who do not realize the great Coffee in Tempe and Phoenix.