Light Heart Coffee
Gilbert, AZ
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About This Place
Business Name:
Light Heart Coffee
Area:
Gilbert Heritage District (Old Town)
Address:
51 W Vaughn Ave, Gilbert, AZ 85233
Does Light Heart taste as good as it looks? It depends on what you are looking for. If you want a beautiful Instagram-worthy drink that also tastes good, absolutely yes. If you want explosive flavor that matches the dramatic presentation, you might be surprised by how restrained the taste is.
I recently visited the downtown Gilbert location which opened in December 2025. This is the newest outpost from four friends (Caleb and Moriah Holland, Elliott and Maddi Morris) who launched their first shop in 2022. The brand grew quickly thanks to photogenic drinks topped with pink cold foam and vibrant matcha layers that look like art statements on your feed.
This location fills a gap that the Gilbert Heritage District has been missing for a while. The space features open seating, natural light, earthy tones, and boho-inspired decor that feels vacation adjacent (a nod to the founders' time in Hawaii). There is a long outdoor patio perfect for people watching with your dog.
This location has a full kitchen (unlike the original Scottsdale shop). You can order breakfast sandwiches and burritos with hash browns inside. The staff happily accommodates modifications. Pastries sell out early so arrive before midday if you want one.
Light Heart uses coffee beans from Moxie Coffee Co. I actually reviewed this roaster last year on this site. They are the Colombia Laboyano beans if you care to know. Good stuff but I personally would have preferred the El Nevado over the Laboyano.
Light Heart relies on a Victoria Arduino machine. This is a brand synonymous with extreme precision as it is often the chosen hardware for the World Barista Championship and the U.S. Coffee Championships. It’s the kind of gear that turns coffee brewing into an exact science.
As for the matcha, Light Heart uses organic ceremonial grade Nekohama matcha sourced directly from Japan. Apparently, about half of their sales are now matcha-based drinks.
I visited on a Sunday early afternoon. The line was long but moved quick. I tried two drinks. The NISU (homemade vanilla syrup, raspberry walls, cardamom) and the Berry Cobbler (their most popular drink, a brown sugar latte or matcha with wild berry puree). Both were well-crafted with lighter, more delicate profiles than the bold visual presentation suggests. The NISU was a bit sweeter than the Berry Cobbler but not overly sweet. It could be because the two drinks were two different sizes. The drinks are beautifully made and taste pleasant. Just understand that the approach here leans elegant and subtle rather than punchy. The visual impact is the main event and the flavor is a supporting character.
The aesthetic is undeniable. The drinks are gorgeous. The space is thoughtfully designed. The staff is friendly and efficient even when slammed. Light Heart excels at creating an experience. There are coffee shops where the drink is the star, and there are coffee shops where the photo of the drink is the star. Light Heart falls in the latter camp with a brief seasonal menu to keep the feed fresh.
Gilbert needed a specialty coffee shop in the Heritage old town area. Light Heart fills that role with charm and genuine hospitality. The drinks are well made and the experience is enjoyable. You just need to know what you are getting into before you order.
Discover more coffee shops in Gilbert and the East Valley.
Location & Details
4.3
(
58
Reviews
)
Hours:
Open daily 7:00AM-5:00PM
Sundays 11:00AM-3:00PM
The Coffee Experience
In-House Roaster
Slow Bar (Pour-Over, etc.)
Features Single-Origin
Retails Single-Origin Beans
Milk Alternatives
Nootropic or Mushroom Coffee
Siphon Brewing
Menu Highlights
In-House Bakery
Artisan Breads
Pastries & Sweets
Vegan Options
Crepes Available
Dubai Chocolate Available
Ice Cream Available
Serves Bagels
Refreshers
Commitment to Craft
Esspresso Machine Make:
Victoria Arduino
Esspresso Machine Model:
Eagle One
Amenities & Vibe
Wi-Fi & Work Friendly
Indoor Seating
Outdoor Seating
Pets Allowed Outside
Pets Allowed Inside
Payment Methods
NFC Mobile Payments
Debit Cards
Credit Cards
Accessibility & Facilities
Restroom
Wheelchair Accessible Seating
Contact Information
Gilbert
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Levante Coffee
Middle Eastern coffee culture meets Brazilian beans in Chandler
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Levante Coffee
Middle Eastern coffee culture meets Brazilian beans in Chandler
Adventurous menu & Genuine hospitality
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Aden Coffee House (formerly Shibam) serves Yemeni coffee and Turkish desserts in a warm relaxing space. View the artisanal menu and photos for authentic flavors. The menu (see photos) features traditional kettle-brewed coffee, organic date lattes, Turkish desserts, and Peru single-origin espresso drinks.
Something pulled me back here after the rebrand. Owner Ammar decided to ditch the Michigan-based Shibam franchise name and go independent as Aden Coffee House. The offerings remain rooted in Yemeni coffee culture but the space feels even more itself now. More confident maybe. More settled into what it wants to be.
I always loved the aesthetic here. I cannot fully put my finger on what makes it work but something about this cafe feels warm in a way that pulls you in. Very comforting and relaxing. The kind of place where you sit down and your shoulders drop an inch.
The folks here are extremely friendly. The hospitality shines through regardless of background. Some baristas may not be of Middle Eastern origin but they have genuinely embraced that famous Middle Eastern warmth. You feel welcomed the moment you walk in. That energy matters more than people realize.
I put the new-ish menu to the test during my visit. Started with the signature Yemeni coffee made in the kettle right in front of me. Watching that process alone is worth the trip. Then I tried a regular latte made from their Peru single-origin beans. The drink arrived in a beautiful cup visually polished and at just the perfect temperature. A beautiful (3 group) Nuova Simonelli espresso machine sits on the counter to anchor the espresso program. Positive experience all around.
Gone are the Ethiopian beans they used for espresso in the past. The shop now focuses on Peru single-origin instead. The Ethiopian beans were darker roasted and the Peru comes in at a medium roast. I welcome this change. I am not usually a big fan of dark roasted coffees even when they happen to be from my favorite origin of Ethiopia. The medium roast lets more flavor through. I also tried the potato samosas and they were amazing. Not spicy at all which worked for me.
My wife ordered the organic date latte in hot format and I (of course) had to steal a few sips to try it. Very tasty and balanced between the coffee and sweetness. It felt a bit chocolaty which was a nice surprise. Then came the pistachio mousse cake. Not too sweet and delicious in that clean way good desserts pull off.
Most of their desserts are imported from Turkey. There were quite a few options on display and honestly I wanted to try them all. I guess I had to leave something for my next visit. The menu also features the popular Dubai chocolate if that is your thing.
I am unusual in some ways. I review coffee shops regularly as my side hustle. I usually don't have the luxury to visit a coffee shop multiple times because I have to keep exploring and trying new ones all the time. Arizona is a big state and there are tons of great coffee shops. That is my dilemma. Many of my regular readers know this by now. But Aden Coffee House makes me want to break my own rule. They retain the rich traditions of Yemeni coffee culture while providing a distinct and flavorful alternative to typical coffee shop experiences. Perfect if you are looking to break from the routine and indulge in rich and authentic flavors. The warmth here is real. The coffee is thoughtful. The desserts are worth the detour. Sometimes you find a spot that just gets it right.
Looking for more Tempe gems? Check out my review of Shaghf Cafe or checkout Arizona Coffee shops with late hours.
Number and Street:
977 E Apache Blvd
Carefree Coffee Roastery menu (see photos) features on-site roasted coffee, German baked goods, and specialty drinks in a mountain view setting! This micro roastery roast coffees weekly just feet from your table.
I do not get up to Carefree much. The drive from the East Valley takes effort. But when I head that direction (usually on the way to Bartlett Lake), I make it a point to stop here. The combination of fresh roasted coffee and that relaxed vibe makes the detour worth it every time.
Lars and Maggie Hesse run this place. The story goes that Lars's mother brought him an exceptional coffee one day and it changed everything. He shifted completely into roasting and learned the craft from Patrick O'Malley at Infusion Coffee (check out my Infusion Coffee shop review). Today, Lars roasts small batches every week just feet away from where you sit and drink.
The roasting philosophy here is specific. Everything stays medium roast. Lars calls dark roast "burnt coffee" and refuses to go there. I agree with him 100%. He aims for balanced acidity with distinct flavor notes. You can taste the difference when the beans are this fresh and handled this carefully. The roaster sits right in the shop. You can watch it work while you wait for your drink. They serve hot coffee, espresso, iced lattes, and a slow bar too. The baristas sometimes draw custom latte art if the mood strikes.
One unusual option is their Matcha, Beet or Turmeric Lattes or in tea format. I have not tried any yet but they clearly have fans.
The pastry case leans German and homemade. Lars's mother bakes many of the items including biscotti and a blueberry yogurt coffee cake that is a big hit. You will also find breakfast bagels, Avocado Smash, lunch sandwiches and some salad options.
The space itself stays small and modern with a wraparound patio that includes cornhole and mountain views. Free Wi-Fi runs fast enough for laptop work. Lars often greets regulars by name while moving between the roaster and the bar. The whole vibe feels more like a local hangout than a high turnover cafe.
One quirk to know about. They sometimes close for short summer breaks in August. They post updates asking people to stock up on beans before they go "on coffee break." Very Carefree energy in the best way.
If you find yourself heading north toward Carefree or making the trek to Bartlett Lake, build in time for this stop. Fresh roasted coffee, German pastries, mountain views, and a pace that lets you actually relax for a minute. That combination is hard to find anywhere else in the Valley.
Looking for near by gems? Check out my review of Bull & Brew Coffee and Bakery or discover The Village Coffee Shop in Cave Creek.
Number and Street:
7171 E Cave Creek Rd
You do not expect to find specialty coffee on Route 66 in Kingman, but Mudd on 66 proves you wrong fast. This bright, modern cafe serves serious espresso, fun signature drinks, and road trip ready vibes right on 217 E Andy Devine Ave.
You might roll into Kingman planning to just grab gas, hit a drive-thru, and keep moving but you notice Mudd on 66. Sitting right there. Space is polished and bright but yet somehow instantly cozy. You think, alright, maybe just one quick coffee.
Look, you do not just walk into this place. You kind of get pulled in by the whole scene. The patio faces the active train line. There is a big colorful Kingman and Route 66 mural which is perfect for pictures. The chairs look like they were picked by someone who actually enjoys sitting down. You can hear trains rumble by while you drink your coffee. It feels like a Route 66 postcard that got upgraded to real life.
The coffee is where Mudd on 66 really earns the stop. They use beans from the acclaimed Late For the Train out of Flagstaff which I also reviewed on this site. This creates a Route 66 to Route 66 connection in your cup. The espresso is pulled on a gorgous looking Sanremo Cafe Racer machine. That's a $39K state of the art hand-built Italian beauty. The esspresso tasts like it has character. You can feel the notes, not just dark roast punishment. A straight latte is balanced and smooth. The kind of drink where you suddenly realize you are sipping slowly because you do not want it to end.
If you are into fun drinks, you will feel very seen here. There is a red velvet latte, toasted white mocha, dirty chai, matcha, and seasonal creations. Nothing feels gimmicky. More like comfort drinks for the road. You can keep it simple with an Americano or drip or you can go full dessert in a cup. No judgment.
Food wise, this is classic light breakfast and snack territory. Bagels, pastries, oatmeal, and locally sourced breakfast burritos show up as your supporting cast. Enough to keep you from regretting your life choices two hours later on I-40. It is the kind of menu that understands you are traveling or just easing into your morning.
Here is the part I really like. Mudd on 66 is not some random franchise. It is part of a bigger local story. Owner Lenore has deep Kingman roots and is one half of the duo behind this whole Corner on 66 revival.
The shop does not feel like it was dropped out of a corporate catalog. It feels like someone asked what travelers and locals actually need on Route 66 then went all in. A comfortable indoor space, a chill patio, good coffee, friendly staff, and a location where you can walk to other spots like the museum.
Service has that small town we are glad you are here energy. This is the kind of place where you find yourself thinking, I could sit here for a while. So if you are planning a Route 66 run, a Vegas to Arizona loop, or just a day trip that happens to cross Kingman, Mudd on 66 is the stop you build into your route on purpose. Get your coffee and enjoy the fact that someone turned a forgotten corner of the Mother Road into a real hangout.
Are you heading over to Flagstaff? You can check out the top coffee shops in Flagstaff to plan your trip. You might also want to see the fantastic coffee shops in Sedona.
Number and Street:
217 E Andy Devine Ave
Imagine stepping off the streets of Flagstaff and teleporting straight to a sidewalk cafe in Paris. Petit Marche is a gem that combines a curated market with a serious espresso bar. I love that you can grab a Montreal Style bagel or a fresh baguette while you wait for your drink. You have to try the "Carda-Mami" latte which mixes cardamom and pistachio for a flavor that is totally unique. The "Ferrero Rocher Latte" with sea salt cold foam is another must-try if you have a sweet tooth. It is a small spot but the outdoor seating is perfect for soaking up the downtown vibes. The staff is incredibly friendly and willing to guide you through their market selections. Seriously you need to grab a sandwich and a coffee here before you head out on your next Northern Arizona adventure.
Number and Street:
111 E Aspen Ave
Macy's European Coffeehouse is arguably the most iconic and long-standing coffee shop you can visit in downtown Flagstaff Arizona. This place has been a local staple since 1979. You should expect a line out the door on weekends. The vibe inside is pure bohemian energy with eclectic art and a buzzing crowd. I have to warn you that they do not use artificial syrups here. They use real spices and cocoa to flavor their drinks. You absolutely must try the vegetarian biscuits and gravy or the Macy's Special. It is basically a latte mixed with their famous hot chocolate. It gets crowded and loud but that is part of the charm. If you want a quiet place to study this is probably not it.
Checkout other cool cafes in nearby Sedona.
Number and Street:
14 S Beaver St
Lund Canyon Coffee brings a distinct taste of London to Flagstaff with exclusive Square Mile beans and an incredibly cozy European atmosphere. You need to meet the owner Mahmoud because he treats every customer like family the moment they walk through the door. It honestly feels like you walked into a friend's living room with all the mismatched chairs and colorful local art covering the walls. The coffee quality here is unmatched since they import their beans all the way from the UK to ensure a perfect extraction every time. You have to try The Greek which is a sweet iced espresso drink with foamed milk that will absolutely change your life. They do not serve standard drip coffee here so be ready to order a proper Americano or a slow pour-over instead. The pastries are baked fresh in house and the spinach feta roll is the perfect savory pairing for your morning brew.
Number and Street:
601 Piccadilly Dr
White Dove Coffee is a hidden local gem tucked away in a strip mall on the east side of Flagstaff. If you are looking for a spot that feels like a warm hug you need to visit this cafe immediately. This cozy shop sits quietly off the beaten path but the inside feels like a rustic cabin with a fireplace and plenty of comfortable seating. You will see a Nuova Simonelli machine on the bar where they pull rich Cubano shots for their signature Revelation mocha. They roast their own beans in small batches and the aroma hits you the second you walk through the door. I highly recommend you try the blueberry scone or the massive breakfast burrito because they make the eggs fresh in house. It is the perfect place to curl up on a vintage sofa with a White Dove Special and just relax.
Number and Street:
2211 E 7th Ave
This is not just another coffee stop on Historic Route 66. Firecreek Coffee Company is the actual beating heart of downtown Flagstaff. The space feels like a sanctuary built for artists and students who need somewhere real to land. High red walls surround you. A massive stage hosts live events. The whole atmosphere pulls you in and refuses to let go.
This location serves as the main hub for their six Arizona spots. You can also walk over to their original roastery on South San Francisco Street (just a few blocks away). That is where they roast beans for the norther part of the state. The smell alone is worth the detour.
The menu here balances adventure with comfort. Order the Campfire latte. It comes topped with a toasted marshmallow that melts into the espresso and creates this smoky finish. It pairs perfectly with the dark moody interior. You feel like you are sitting around an actual campfire without the bugs or smoke in your eyes.
Do not settle for a basic tea bag situation here. They serve Hugo Tea and it is exceptional quality. The Gui Shan Oolong is lightly oxidized with notes of wildflower honey, sandalwood and white pepper. It tastes incredibly sophisticated (which I was not expecting from a coffee shop tea menu!).
The vibe shifts in the evening. Firecreek has a full liquor license. They serve coffee cocktails like the Whiskey Chai. It turns the place into something between a cafe and a bar without fully becoming either one.
Be prepared for a line on weekends. Locals and tourists both pack this place. Grab a seat on one of the worn leather couches if you can. Watching the crowd is worth the wait.
Firecreek Coffee Company Phoenix location serves the Valley with the same quality and care.
Firecreek Coffee Sedona brings mountain town magic to every cup.
Number and Street:
22 Historic Rte 66
Flagstaff has a hidden gem that brings the authentic soul of Chiapas Mexico right to the mountains. Mayan Winds Coffee Emporium is easily one of the most heartwarming spots you will find in town because the owners source organic beans directly from family farms in Latin America. You can taste the difference in every single cup and I was blown away by the rich Mexican Mocha which has just the right kick of cayenne and cinnamon. You really need to ask for a sample of their traditional cacao or honey while you are there because the owner loves sharing the history behind them. The vibe is super peaceful with vinyl records playing in the corner and plenty of comfy seating. Do not leave without trying a pistachio muffin or a spicy chai because they are absolute game changers.
Number and Street:
2144 N Fourth St
If you are looking for the absolute freshest beans in Flagstaff where you can literally watch the roasting magic happen, you need to get yourself to Single Speed immediately. This place is a total vibe for anyone who geeks out on gear and bean origins, and I honestly love that you can grab a seat in the cozy upstairs loft to look down at their "lab" while you sip. Just so you know, true craft takes time here, so do not expect a quick "drive-thru" experience when the line gets long or the baristas are dialing in a shot. They really push the boundaries with their roast profiles and extraction, which means the flavor is often adventurous and bold rather than safe and predictable. You have to try a single-origin pour-over or the Flagstaff Fog, but do not sleep on the McLovin breakfast sandwich because it is life-changing.
Number and Street:
1000 E Butler Ave
What If Coffee Was the Only Thing That Mattered? Exo Roast at 403 N 6th Ave does exactly that. This specialty coffee roaster features rotating single origin coffees and pour-overs as the centerpiece of the experience. Located in a historic building with high ceilings and exposed brick walls, the flagship location showcases on-site roasting equipment center stage. Coffee is the star here, not an afterthought.
Exo serves espresso classics, creative specialty drinks like the Mole Dulce Latte and Chiltepin Cold Brew, and a carefully curated selection of house-made pastries. Every element is designed to support and enhance the pure coffee experience.
The brand also operates Bar Crisol/Exo, a sister location offering a different atmosphere while sharing Exo's commitment to specialty coffee and craftsmanship. Both locations share the same passion for exceptional coffee while offering distinct atmospheres for different coffee experiences. You can also explore Bar Crisol/Exo to discover the sister location.
If you are serious about coffee, Exo is non-negotiable.
Number and Street:
403 N 6th Ave
What happens when you combine a beloved vegan coffee truck with a permanent home? You get EspresSoul Cafe, one of the most unique and soul warming spots in Tucson. This woman-owned cafe is a masterclass in creativity, blending Persian inspired charm with a modern boho aesthetic. I love their hybrid approach. They built a loyal following with their vibrant yellow truck and now offer a cozy permanent community hub without losing their mobile roots. The menu is just incredible and vegan by default. I am obsessed with "The Baklava" latte. It's a life-changing drink that perfectly captures the essence of the classic dessert. You also have to try the baklava pastry which is made fresh by the owner's mother. They pull shots on a beautiful three-group Ascaso espresso machine and the baristas are genuinely passionate about crafting the perfect drink for you. The whole place is a labor of love and you can feel it the second you walk in. Go visit them you will leave with a full cup and a happy soul.
Number and Street:
1525 N Wilmot Rd
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