Haute Coffee

Have you ever had a latte made with actual gelato? You can in Tucson for under $5. Located in Tucson's upscale La Encantada shopping center, this open-air gem serves some of the best lattes in Arizona at prices that rival chain coffee shops. The moment I walked in, the design just blew me away. The wavy and layered ceiling panels reminded me of the stunning architecture at Press Coffee at Raintree in Scottsdale. The baristas are working on a gorgeous red La Marzocco which is like the Ferrari of espresso machines.

Their big claim to fame is that flavored lattes are made using gelato from Frost (Frost is the shop right next door owned by the same person). This is not just a gimmick. My vanilla latte was one of the best I have ever had. The gelato creates a super creamy texture and surprisingly balanced sweetness (not cloying like syrup-based drinks). It is a completely different experience. The lavender lemonade we tried was also excellent (though Peixoto still holds the crown for that).

The space is seriously beautiful and modern, but seating is very limited since it is an outdoor setup in the shopping center. This makes it more of a grab-and-go spot while you are browsing La Encantada. Wait times can stretch a bit during busy periods (I visited on Black Friday and it was packed) but the quality and price make it worth the patience. For world-class espresso at coffee chain prices, Haute Coffee delivers something truly special.