THE SCOOP ON PHOENIX COFFEE

Where to go for the best brew in the Valley

By Teresa Bitler

Phoenix may not seem like a coffee-drinking destination. However, no matter the time of year—or what the weather is like—Phoenicians love their coffee. Starbucks and Dutch Bros. may line Valley streets, but it’s the local coffeehouses that truly shine.

PEIXOTO COFFEE

The beans used at this popular downtown Chandler coffeehouse come primarily from owner Julia Peixoto Peters’ family farm in Brazil. Pronounced “payshow-tow,” Peixoto’s approach to coffee is imported from Brazil, too. Instead of artificially flavored syrups and whipped cream, the drinks at Peixoto use natural flavors only, if any flavorings at all.

Allegiant passengers can order pour over, espresso-forward drinks like lattes and nitro cold brew. For those who prefer something else, Peixoto also offers chai, loose leaf tea, matcha and hot chocolate. Hungry guests can nibble on a pastry or indulge in affogato or a nitro coffee float. peixotocoffee.com

The fun sign outside of Bergies, which has been named Best Coffee Shop by the East Valley Tribune

BERGIES COFFEE ROAST HOUSE

Located in a historic Gilbert cottage, this coffeehouse stands out for its fresh, in-house roasted beans. Not only are the beans never more than 14 days old, but a member of the Bergeson family tastes each batch to ensure quality. As a result, the East Valley Tribune has named it Best Coffee Shop every year since 2016.

Although the drip coffee is popular, patrons also recommend the mocha latte, red eye and café au lait. Bergies sells iced drinks, too, ranging from iced coffee to iced turmeric latte. All drinks complement Bergies’ cinnamon rolls, muffins and scones. bergiescoffee.com

SONGBIRD COFFEE & TEA HOUSE

Local rules at Songbird Coffee & Tea House. The coffee comes from Cortez Coffee Roasters in Tempe, the tea from Maya Tea Company in Tucson and the kombucha from Fermented Tea Company in Tucson. Because Songbird is in the Roosevelt Row Arts District, even the artists, musicians, writers and poets it hosts are local.

Guests line up for Songbird’s made-to-order coffees, espresso drinks and cold brew on tap. Tea lovers can choose from more than 25 types while the more adventurous can try matcha, kombucha or CBD/ hemp extract. Songbird also serves housemade pastries. songbirdcoffeehouse.com