Best Coffee In Tempe

In a city buzzing with cafes, Infusion Coffee and Tea Crafters stands apart not just as a coffee shop, but as an institution. Forget the fleeting trends of minimalist design! Infusion is a temple dedicated to the pure, unadulterated power and knowledge of coffee. This is where the craft is studied, perfected and celebrated. Functioning as a world-class roastery, a full coffee lab, and a vital training ground for the industry’s best.

This is no mere coffee school. Infusion holds the prestigious title of being the first Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) Academy in the Americas. This means baristas and roasters literally travel from across the globe to train within these walls. That pedigree is your guarantee: whether you order a simple drip or a complex single origin pour-over, your drink will be executed with flawless precision. At the heart of their espresso bar beats a Sanremo Opera, a marvel of Italian engineering. This espresso machine is a statement piece in the specialty coffee world, giving baristas unparalleled control over the extraction process.

The journey begins with a deep commitment to ethical direct-trade sourcing. The beans are then roasted in-house on their Ozturk roaster to coax out their most vibrant and nuanced flavors. The result is a stunning menu that caters to every palate. The star of the show for coffee purists is the Slow Bar which is a veritable playground of brewing methods. Choose your single-origin bean (perhaps a natural Ethiopia or a washed Papua New Guinea) and then select your ideal brewing method from a list that reads like a coffee lover’s dream: V60, Chemex, Aeropress, French Press, Syphon, Ibrik, and Moka Pot.

For those seeking a bolder creation, the signature drinks menu is a testament to their creativity. Try the “Spro’j” a surprisingly delightful combination of espresso and orange juice that has become a local legend. But the artistry doesn’t stop with coffee. As their name implies, tea is treated with equal reverence, offering everything from a ceremonial matcha affogato to expertly steeped loose-leaf varieties. And if you fall in love with what you’re drinking, you can grab a bag of their house roasted beans.

Dubbed by some as a “toy store for coffee lovers”, the atmosphere inside Infusion is a captivating blend of bohemian eclecticism and rustic wood. The space itself tells a story of devotion to the craft. One wall is adorned with a colorful mosaic of coffee mugs. While another wall displays the intricate parts of espresso machines like mechanical art. Woven together with pieces from coffee-producing regions, the decor creates an environment that is both worldly and welcoming.

This creates a dynamic, focused hub that buzzes with energy. As a testament to its world-class reputation, the cafe is often bustling, and finding a seat during peak hours can be a competitive sport. Parking out front can be equally challenging, but a pro tip for those in the know is to check the large alley with ample parking just behind the building. For a true peek behind the curtain, find the window looking into the dedicated lab. You might just witness the next generation of coffee masters at work.

While the price for specialty items may be higher than your average chain, you aren’t just buying a drink, you’re investing in an unparalleled experience crafted by some of the best in the business.
You can find this hub of coffee knowledge at 1300 E 8th Street, Tempe.