Best Coffee Shops in the east valley
Mesa - Gilbert - Chandler
Your Guide to the East Valley's Best Local Coffee Shops
I have called the East Valley home for years and I’ll be the first to admit it… For a long time, our coffee scene was a joke. We all accepted the myth that a truly great cup meant hopping on the 202 or 60 and driving into Phoenix or Scottsdale… or just giving up and settling for a chain. Well, that’s officially over. A coffee revolution has quietly exploded across our neighborhoods, and you won’t believe the incredible cafes hiding in plain sight!
When shops like Peixoto showed up, it changed everything. They brought their family’s crop-to-cup coffee to Chandler and proved you could find world class quality right here. Now you can’t turn around without seeing a new local spot. Homegrown roasters like Lightheart are popping up everywhere and the scene is just exploding. It’s gotten so good that even the cool out-of-state brands like Better Buzz are moving into Gilbert and Queen Creek because they know something special is happening.
The best part is that these places have become the heart of their neighborhoods. Just the other week, I was chatting with a friendly local at a shop in East Mesa who told me she doesn’t even drink coffee! She was just there to hang out and enjoy one of their other drinks. It really proves it’s not just about a quick caffeine fix anymore. Its the whole experience. You can find shops with cozy interiors and amazing patios designed for connection. Places like Sozo even host live music and art shows. And the menus are getting way more creative. You can now find unique drinks like Almond Lavender lattes or tasty vegan treats at spots like The Kind Bean.
This is my guide to the best spots I’ve found across the East Valley. Let’s find your next favorite cafe.
CHANDLER
Sagebrush Coffee Shop & Roastery
Location: 393 W Warner Rd Suite 121, Chandler, AZ 85225
Hours:
- 6:30am-5:00pm (Mon- Fri)
- 7:00am-5:00pm (Sat & Sat)
Website: sagebrushcoffee.com
I remember when Chandler was a specialty coffee wasteland a place where a caffeine addict like me would never stop. Sagebrush is living proof that a meticulous engineering background combined with a decade-long obsession can fix anything. Matt Kellso the owner started this whole empire roasting beans right out of his small home kitchen on Sagebrush Court. The man ate coffee beans like candy as a kid that is the kind of commitment I respect. The vibe here is Engineer Zen all clean lines minimalist space yet somehow still welcoming and calm. They are serious coffee artisans traveling to origin and highlighting wild experimental processing methods like “unicorn” preparation. You must try their famous seasonal drink the Cloudy latte. It perfectly captures the exact scent of desert rain using orange and creosote a truly unique flavor experience. Just understand you do not come here to order a mess of custom syrups. They strictly refuse modifications to their specialty milk drinks because they are dedicated to those carefully balanced flavor profiles. It is a bold policy but it shows they care about the art. If you ask for an extra pump of artificial flavoring you might as well ask a three-star French Chef to bring you a shaker of MSG for the Beef Bourguignon. It is meant to be perfect already.
Mission Coffee and Tea
Location: 2410 S Gilbert Rd.
Gilbert, AZ 85016
Hours:
- 7:00am-5:00pm (Sun – Thur)
- 7:00am-7:00pm (Fri -Sat)
Website: missioncoffeeandtea.com
Chandler often feels like a sprawling suburb. Mission Coffee & Tea is the antidote to that feeling. This is a genuine community hub. The atmosphere is immediately inviting and relaxed. It proves not every great coffee shop needs to be downtown and hyper-minimalist. You can find quiet workspaces here.
This cafe is surprisingly serious about high-level flavor. A dedicated Slow Bar operates here. Baristas prepare pour-over coffee with meticulous precision. This method enhances the flavor clarity and aroma. The focus is on globally sourced single-origin beans. All coffee is roasted locally for optimal freshness. This attention to craft makes it a standout choice for any aficionado.
I truly appreciate the full menu options. Breakfast sandwiches use fresh bread from Wildflower. You must arrive early for the pastries and cookies. They tend to sell out fast.
Beyond great coffee, the shop is a true community center. It is designed for connection, work, and unwinding. The place hosts live music on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Mission Coffee & Tea is a critical part of the East Valley landscape. It is the definition of community warmth built around world class craft.
SoZo Coffee House
Look, I’ve been to a lot of coffee shops. Ugh, so many coffee shops. Some are all aesthetic and no substance. Some have great coffee but treat you like you’re interrupting their day. SoZo is different, and I can’t quite explain it without sounding like I’m gushing, so I’m just gonna gush.
Scott and Lori Morgan built this place. When you read reviews, people mention them by name. They talk about “beautiful people who love what they do.” You don’t normally see that in coffee shop reviews. You see “good coffee” and “nice vibe,” but you don’t usually get people talking about the owners like they actually know them. That tells you something.
The space is ridiculous in the best way. 3,500 square feet. I know, I know, that’s not huge by commercial standards, but for a coffee shop? It’s massive. They clearly thought about how to use it too. You’ve got areas for people who want to work alone, couches for groups to spread out, an outdoor patio for when Chandler’s heat isn’t trying to kill you, private meeting rooms if you’re boring and need to have a “business meeting” (their words probably not mine), and here’s the kicker, a kids playroom so families can actually visit and not lose their minds.
The menu is inventive without being pretentious. Their Cinnamon Toast Crunch Latte is legit one of the best decisions I’ve made in a coffee shop. It shouldn’t work, but it does. The cochata hits different. Their blueberry hibiscus tea tastes like actual blueberries, not “blueberry flavoring” if you know what I mean. They source from Cartel Coffee Lab and do the whole fair trade direct relationship thing, which is cool but also means the coffee actually tastes like someone cared about it from seed to cup.
Food wise, they’ve got vegetable burritos, fresh fruit, oatmeal, apple cinnamon bars. Not trying to be a restaurant, just genuinely good stuff to go with your coffee or tea. You appreciate it.
Weekend nights this place transforms. Live music. Poetry readings. You can actually rent the entire venue if you want to throw an event. Album releases, weddings, baby showers, whatever. The stage and AV system are included. It’s like what would happen if someone said “what if we built a community hub that also serves excellent coffee” instead of the other way around.
Staff’ is actually friendly. Like not the performative “I’m paid to smile” friendly but genuinely interested in making your day better. The details matter too. Wheelchair accessible. Gender neutral restrooms. Apple Pay, Android Pay, all that stuff. Every little thing screams “everyone is welcome here”.
Honestly? If you are in Chandler and you want a place that feels like it was built for humans instead of optimization, SoZo is it. Just so you know though, it can get busy on weekends and parking fills up fast during events. But that’s the price of a place that actually matters to people.
Go try the Cinnamon Toast Crunch Latte. Thank me later.
Location:
Address: 1982 N Alma School Rd, Chandler, AZ 85224
Hours: Open Daily from 7:00am-10:00pm
Website: sozocoffee.org
GILBERT
Mythical Coffee Roasters
Location: 1090 S Gilbert Rd.
Gilbert, AZ 85016
Hours: Open Daily from 7:00am-4:00pm
Website: mythicalcoffee.com
Mythical Coffee is a genuine titan of the East Valley scene a part of a newer wave that proves Gilbert is no longer a “dud” for great specialty coffee. When I first visited this shop it had been open for only two weeks and now it is an essential destination for any serious enthusiast.
The entire concept is built around in-house roasting and a deep commitment to quality. The focus is immediately apparent in their outstanding pour-over bar which features a rotating global selection of meticulously sourced single-origin coffees. You get detailed tasting notes which turn every cup into a global flavor journey.
Mythical’s atmosphere is the classic Arizona Minimalist aesthetic which means it is bright cozy and welcoming but often full because Gilbert is badly underserved by great shops. You might find yourself standing around wondering how long it will take someone to finish their drink. And speaking of unique drinks Mythical’s menu is pure Magical Creativity. You can find anything from a traditional flawless Cortado to a wildly creative and balanced Lavender & Blueberry Latte or a smoky Peach Bourbon Latte. I just hope you are not planning on ordering one of their bafflingly named Banana Colada drinks when the place is busy.
The baristas are true artisans consistently praised for their passion and incredibly friendly service. They also serve excellent food like Carrot Cake Muffins with Cream Cheese Drizzle and, if you are feeling nostalgic for elementary school, Fruity Pebbles Rice Krispies. Mythical is open daily from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM and quickly became a favorite for locals searching for thoughtfully crafted specialty coffee.
Casita Coffee
Location: 7 E Palo Verde St.
Gilbert, AZ 85296
Hours: Open Daily from 7:00am-3:00p
(Sunday 8:00am-3:00pm)
If you ever wander through Old Town Gilbert craving a world-class coffee cup, keep walking south on Gilbert Road for about ten minutes. Cross the railroad tracks. Pass the Art Intersection exhibit. Walk beyond the open field. There you’ll find Casita Coffee. A little shop that feels like a warm hug.
This is not your average coffee stop. It feels like home. The air smells like fresh espresso. The vibe is cozy and full of heart. Casita started as a mobile trailer at the Gilbert Farmers Market. Now it is a beloved brick & mortar cafe at 7 E Palo Verde St.
Owners Ana and Saul Herrera, both ASU alumni, built Casita to celebrate their Latino roots. That pride and energy shows everywhere. You feel it the moment you step in. It’s the kind of place where solo coffee runs turn into quiet moments of joy.
The menu quite creative. The horchata latte is a fan favorite. So is the blue churro latte and the peanut butter latte. Seasonal specials rotate in also. I tried the Chagaccino served hot (though you can get it iced). It was fantastically smooth and rich. But the real star? A simple whole milk latte. One of the best I’ve had (and I’ve had a lot). The coffee itself shines. I got lucky as Mr. Saul Herrera made it himself. He told me he is very particular about purchasing the coffee beans. Casita sources its beans from Moxie Coffee Company, a high-end local roaster. Saul personally chooses his coffee beans. He hunts for the perfect flavor profile. The beans you’ll drink here are usually within 4-5 days from roasting! That freshness shows. My latte used a single-origin Colombia El Nevado. The notes of red apple and dark chocolate were notable (yes, even in an espresso milk drink!). Every sip felt alive.
Behind the counter, a La Marzocco Linea espresso machine hums like a prized instrument. It delivers stunning espresso shots every time. And if you love matcha, Casita is a small paradise for matcha lovers. Plenty of options and all crafted with the same care.
The service matches the quality. The owners and staff know their regulars. They greet everyone with warmth. Families stop by often. There are even toys for kids. The space is cozy, so finding a table can be tricky during rush hours but they offer takeout and outdoor seating too.
Casita Coffee is a Gilbert favorite. Stop by and you will quickly see why it has earned such a loyal following.
MESA
BAK & JO Bakery and Coffee Shop
Location: 2820 E University Dr, Mesa, AZ 85213
Hours: Open Daily 7:00am-7:00pm
Website: www.bakandjo.com
Imagine this: You walk into Bak & Jo on a Mesa morning and immediately notice the aroma. It’s not one single scent but a symphony. Fresh coffee roasting from beans sourced at Xanadu and Sagebrush mingles with warm butter and flaky croissant layers baking fresh from the oven. Your shoulders relax instantly. The space itself invites you to stay. Bright natural light floods across clean, modern surfaces. Music plays softly. You notice a few locals tucked into corners with laptops, others catching up with friends over coffee. Everyone seems genuinely happy to be here.
Order your coffee and watch the care that goes into each drink. Ask for something seasonal or go straight for their authentic Vietnamese coffee. It arrives perfect. Then grab a pastry. Every option calls to you, but if you’re wise, you’ll choose the pistachio cream croissant. Bite into it and experience the craftsmanship: butter-laminated dough so flaky it shatters on your lips, inside a velvet filling of pistachio cream that tastes like luxury but feels comfortable, like a friend’s kitchen rather than a fancy bakery. It’s that rare pastry that makes you pause and actually taste what you’re eating.
Beyond the croissants and excellent breakfast burritos, Bak & Jo carries authentic Banh Mi that transport you straight to Vietnam. The owners run this place with genuine care and you feel it in every detail. If you have dietary restrictions, Sweet Simon, a vegan and gluten-free bakery nestled inside, proves that special diets don’t mean sacrificing flavor or quality. Their creations are genuinely delicious, not “good for vegan” but just plain good.
The atmosphere here is deliberately relaxed and de-stressing. This is a place you want to linger and not rush through. Whether you’re catching up with a friend, powering through work, or just seeking a moment of peace with exceptional coffee and pastries, Bak & Jo delivers on every level. This is what a modern cafe should be like. Skilled, diverse, inclusive, and genuinely welcoming.
Pair Cupworks
You’re walking along lively West Main in Mesa on a warm afternoon. Your shoulders are tense from the heat outside. You step into the cool space of Cider Corps looking for relief. You follow the sound of conversation deeper into the space, past the cider taps and past the pizza counter. There at the back corner sits Pair Cupworks. A small nook at the end of the counter. A modern menu on a TV screen is small but electrifying. You notice a dedicated “Slow Bar” section offering a rotating list of unique pour-overs, categorized by flavor profiles like fruity and funky! Behind that counter you’ll see a Barista pulling espresso shots with the focus of a surgeon and steaming milk with precision. The drinks are crafted like assembling art.
You step up to order. You catch sight of another customer’s drink being handed over: it’s beautiful. Latte art. Then your attention is drawn to the counter, where you see a shot of espresso dripping rich and dark from the group head of the La Marzocco Linea machine for another order. You decide to go with the vanilla latte made with a house made syrup. While you wait, you notice the space. The seating is generous, the kind of place where you can actually spread out. Around you, people are working on laptops, meeting friends, lingering. The chairs cradle your lower back in a way most coffee shops never do. Indie music plays softly. Despite the activity from the cider drinkers and pizza crowd, there’s something calm here. Something intentional.
Your drink arrives. You lift the cup and that smell intensifies. You take a sip. The espresso is smooth and the vanilla syrup adds subtle sweetness and complexity without drowning out the coffee. It’s balanced & thoughtful. This isn’t just a beverage, it’s a moment.
Try the Americano with cardamom syrup and discover how a single spice transforms everything creating layers you weren’t expecting. Their pour-overs let you taste the characterstics of each origin while the craftsmanship shows in every sip. Yes, specialty drinks here run six to seven dollars. Yes, the portions are modest. But what you’re paying for is precision. You’re paying for house made syrups created on site. You’re paying for baristas who studied their craft and genuinely want to nail your drink. You’re paying for beans roasted with intention and served with respect. This is coffee as craft. And when you taste it, you understand the price immediately.
The location is quiet and unmarked. Not advertising itself to drive by traffic. This is a place you have to know about or stumble upon. The shared space with cider and pizza means afternoons can feel a bit chaotic, especially weekends around noon. But that’s part of the charm. It’s real. It’s local. It’s three small passionate businesses thriving together in one corner. Walk deeper into Cider Corps. Follow that roasted coffee and cinnamon smell. You’ll find Pair Cupworks waiting. You’ll understand why people keep coming back.
The full list (East Valley)
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Finding great coffee should be an inspiring experience. My name is Ozzy and I personally vet and curate the best independent coffee shops and roasters across Arizona so you can find your perfect spot with confidence.
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