A.T. Oasis Coffee & Tea Shop

A.T. Oasis Coffee is one of the most special coffee experiences in Phoenix. This is a place where the coffee is rooted in genuine origin. The food is made daily by hand and the staff treat every single person who walks through the door like a cherished friend.

The shop sits on a strip along Thomas Road with plenty of parking. It is a modest storefront from the outside but the moment you step in the room opens up into something warm and culturally rich. Wooden tables and chairs fill the floor. Along the walls there are tall shelving units running nearly floor to ceiling. Coffee bags are neatly stacked row after row alongside mugs, traditional brewing equipment and ornate pottery. An Oud (a traditional stringed instrument of Middle Eastern and North African origin) is mounted proudly on the upper shelf. Raw honey jars and loose leaf teas in clear containers fill the remaining shelves. There is a patio out front if you prefer to sit in the open air.

Ethiopia is where the story of coffee begins. The coffee plant (Coffea arabica) is believed to have originated in the forests of Ethiopia. This is why Ethiopia is considered the true birthplace of the world's most beloved drink. What makes Ethiopian coffee so remarkable is that a significant number of its native coffee varieties remain uncataloged by scientists. There are likely countless wild varieties that the world has not yet named or tasted. When you drink Ethiopian coffee you are drinking something ancient and deeply complex. No other origin carries that weight.

Aisha and Abdul are the heart of this shop. They import Ethiopian beans and work with a local roaster to bring them to life. The two primary offerings are the Yirgacheffe (yur·guh·chef) and the Sidama. The Yirgacheffe (named after its growing region in southern Ethiopia) is tea-like and delicate and is known for bright floral and citrus notes. The Sidama is a fuller bodied cup with deeper fruit complexity and a hint of chocolate and light spice. Both are exceptional and available as whole bean bags to take home.

The espresso blend combines both the Yirgacheffe and the Sidama. I understand the thinking behind it. Blending is a common way to chase balance and broaden appeal. But in this case I felt the Yirgacheffe's natural acidity got amplified in the espresso process (pressure) and the Sidama's rich depth did not quite get the room it deserves. The latte I ordered (hot with whole milk) was still genuinely good and I enjoyed it. But I kept thinking how extraordinary it could be with the Sidama carrying the espresso on its own or perhaps a Ethiopian Guji if they ever consider expanding the lineup. This is less a complaint and more a quiet wish from someone who clearly wants to see what these beans can really do at full expression.

The drip and cold brew on the other hand are matched with the Yirgacheffe exclusively. That is exactly the right call. Filter brewing methods are where the Yirgacheffe truly shines, coaxing out those delicate floral aromatics that espresso tends to overshadow. I tried samples of both and they were excellent.

Now, the A.T. Ginger Coffee. Listed on the menu as a trademark item, is described as a special ginger spice coffee that Aisha herself developed. The menu notes that Aisha and her staff pour their heart and soul into every cup. I have not tried it yet but regulars of this shop rave about it. It is on my list for my next visit and I have a strong feeling it will be worth calling out in its own right.

The A.T. Chai Tea is made from scratch using a unique organic blend of spices. The Black Spice Tea is another house specialty, prepared with Aisha's own secret spice blend. Both feel like extensions of the same care that runs through everything here.

Do not leave without trying the Sambusas. They are made fresh daily, lightly fried and filled with lentils. They are not spicy at all which makes them approachable for just about anyone. I bought some to take home and they disappeared quickly.

One last thing. A.T. Oasis sits just minutes from the Phoenix Microcenter, which finally opened its doors here after what felt like an eternity of waiting. If you are making the trip out to Thomas Road for Microcenter, this shop is a natural and very worthy stop. Consider it your reward for the drive.