Coffee: Every college student’s not-so-secret addiction. Maybe you’re tired of drinking the same cup o’ joe every morning. Maybe it’s become embarrassing how often you see the same employees. Maybe you’re new to the Phoenix area. Whatever your reason for coming to this article is, here are 5 of the best coffee shops in Phoenix, from one coffee addicted college student to another:
1. Lux Central
Located in Central Phoenix, Lux has the best coffee I’ve ever had. I usually get either an iced black coffee, or an iced soy latte. They also serve alcoholic beverages, pastries (sometimes they have vegan and gluten free pastries!) and other food, which you can check out here. They have very friendly staff, a variety of places to sit (tables, couches, outdoor seating etc.), funky art, good music, and unique customers. Just to name a few, I’ve met a young girl whose eyes grew wide when she saw the Totoro sticker on my laptop, a couple from Colorado who was in town for a friend’s wedding who were looking for vegan places to eat during their stay, and a Russian guy who goes to my university who was just as interested in linguistics as I am and happened to be an acquaintance of a friend. They are also open quite late; until 12am Sunday- Thursday and until 2am Friday and Saturday. You can check out more at their website: http://www.luxcoffee.com
2. Urban Beans Bar and 24 Hour Cafe
I spent most of my nights/mornings at Urban Beans last semester. If you need a change of environment to concentrate, Urban Beans is a great place to be. Not only do they not mind if you spend 6+ hours there (in my case, from 11pm until the early morning), everything on their menu is available at anytime. I recommend a breakfast burrito, the pumpkin curry, or one of their blended beverages. Everything there is vegetarian and some things can be made vegan and/ or gluten free! If you aren’t a vegan or vegetarian, don’t let the lack of meat steer you away. An omnivorous friend of mine had the Pulled Jack BBQ and still enjoyed it. See what else Urban Beans has to offer by browsing their website: https://urbanbeans.com
3. Nami
Nami is known mainly for their dairy-free soft serve ice cream. They have tons of flavors on their menu to choose from as well as a weekly special and a mystery flavor. Aside from the ice cream, they have pastries (some are gluten free), shakes, coffee, breakfast, and on Sundays they have an amazing brunch. The cool thing about Nami? Everything is vegan! It’s also conveniently located next to Green, a vegan restaurant, so you can get dinner before a quick dessert if you’d like. You can read more about Nami here: http://tsoynami.com
4. Cupz Coffee
Cupz Coffee is located in the northern part of ASU’s Tempe campus. The employees are ASU students, are friendly, and provide quick service. If they aren’t busy, they’re totally down to chat with you. They have some pastries and offer a few breakfast items. I usually get an iced soy latte and a toasted blueberry bagel with peanut butter. They have a nice punch card system which saves you some money if you go there frequently. It’s a nice place to relax before or between classes. They even have a TV where they play everything from Mr. Bean to Psycho. Find out more here: http://www.cupzcoffeeaz.com
5. Starbucks at the Arizona State University Memorial Union
I know what you’re thinking; Starbucks? Really? Really. The Starbucks located at the Memorial Union at ASU is a great Starbucks. The employees are ASU students who are all quite friendly, provide quick service, and the atmosphere is wonderful. One time, a barista invited the customers in front of me to go to her cello recital, then I got invited, as well as the customers behind me. Students are always catching up with each other at this Starbucks, working on assignments, and I’ve even run into the occasional Bible study group. The Starbucks is situated right across from the stage outside of the MU, so if you show up at the right time, you might get to take in some good live music as well.
