A specialty focused spot pouring carefully dialed espresso in downtown Mesa. The menu stays small and the shots stay serious.
Visit Pair Cupworks
Local & Independent
Best Coffee Shops in Mesa, AZ
I will be straight with you. Mesa is not a craft coffee town. Compared to Phoenix, Tempe or Gilbert, the specialty scene in Mesa is thin and a lot of the “coffee shops” are either drive-thru chains or sugar stops rather than places that respect the bean. I am not going to pad this list to make Mesa look like something it is not. What I can tell you is that a handful of spots genuinely punch above the city’s weight. Hooligans pulls the best espresso in Mesa, full stop. Pair Cupworks is right there with them on quality too even if the location does it no favors. A few others below are worth your time. The rest of Mesa I will leave to Google Maps.
Downtown & Historic
Coffee Shops in Downtown and Historic Mesa
The walkable core along Main Street, where the historic district mixes local art, Filipino flavors and specialty espresso.
Part cafe and part local art gallery. Jarrods pairs coffee and a deep tea list with rotating work from Mesa artists, a quiet and creative corner of the historic district.
Visit JarrodsA Filipino inspired cafe on West Main Street serving ube, taro and tiramisu lattes, coffee jelly drinks and fresh pandesal. Open mic and community events keep the space lively.
Visit Barako
East Mesa & Eastmark
Coffee Shops in East Mesa and Eastmark
The east side is home to the best espresso in the city and the most searched local cafe in Mesa.
If you want the best espresso in Mesa, this is my first stop. Hooligans pulls a shot that outclasses nearly everything else in the city, in a relaxed neighborhood setting.
Visit HooligansThe most searched independent cafe in Mesa, and for good reason. A dependable espresso program and a comfortable room have earned Moka a loyal local following.
Visit Moka & CoA bakery and coffee shop in one. Bak and Jo pairs fresh baked goods with a solid cup, which makes it an easy pick when you want a bite with your coffee.
Visit Bak and Jo
West & North Mesa
Coffee Shops in West and North Mesa
Easygoing neighborhood cafes spread across the west and north sides, good for an everyday cup or a longer sit down.
A bakery and coffee shop in one. Bak and Jo pairs fresh baked goods with a solid cup, which makes it an easy pick when you want a bite with your coffee.
Visit Bak and JoA relaxed neighborhood coffee shop with an easygoing and welcoming feel. A reliable everyday stop on the west side of Mesa.
Visit Pura Vida GrindsA full cafe and coffee house serving espresso drinks alongside a food menu, which makes it a good choice for a longer sit down visit.
Visit Higher GroundsExplore All Mesa Listings
23 Listings
Mesa's best kept secret: Bak & Jo blends Vietnamese cafe culture with artisan bakery and specialty coffee. Must try the pistachio cream croissant and authentic Vietnamese coffee.
This welcoming gem in Mesa successfully brings together a high quality bakery, a modern coffee shop, and Vietnamese-inspired cafe under one roof.
Bak & Jo source their beans from local specialty roasters such as Xanadu Coffee Co and Sagebrush which are both highly regarded in The Valley of the Sun for quality and single-origin offerings. Every espresso drink here is built on rich and flavorful coffee.
While the standard coffee menu is expertly executed, their creative seasonal lattes and authentic Vietnamese coffee are standout offerings. The in-house bakery deserves equal praise with phenomenal breakfast burritos, authentic Banh Mi, and an array of delicious pastries. Their pistachio cream croissant is a revelation: buttery layers of laminated dough embracing a smooth and nutty pistachio filling that tastes luxurious without being heavy.
Sweet Simon is highly rated vegan and gluten-free bakery adjacent to Bak & Jo. The unique offerings don't compromise on flavor. See why Bak & Jo is featured in my curated best coffee shops in Mesa.
The friendly and relaxed atmosphere makes Bak and Jo an absolute must visit for a high quality cafe experience. You'll leave de-stressed and satisfied.
Number and Street:
2820 E University Dr UNIT 110
Located next to the historic Nile Theater in Mesa, The Nile Coffee Shop is a locally owned, 100% vegan cafe that serves as a community hub. The menu features a full range of espresso drinks, a pour-over option, and an extensive list of creative specialty lattes and matcha beverages. In addition to coffee, they offer a complete plant-based food menu for breakfast and lunch including their popular avocado toast bagel and various sandwiches. The shop frequently hosts events and provides a cozy welcoming space for guests.
Number and Street:
105 W Main St #7309
Jarrod's Coffee, Tea, & Gallery is a unique and eclectic establishment in downtown Mesa operating out of a renovated vintage house. The space serves as a vibrant community hub functioning as a coffee shop, an art gallery showcasing local artists, and an event venue for live music, comedy, and poetry nights. The menu offers a wide range of coffee and tea drinks including flavored lattes and nitro cold brew complemented by fresh food items like sandwiches and vegan pastries.
Number and Street:
109 W University Dr
Hava Java is a neighborhood cafe in Mesa that functions as a community "third space," offering a wide-ranging menu that includes coffee, tea, smoothies and a full selection of breakfast and lunch items. The venue also serves craft beer and wine, and regularly hosts events like live music, trivia, and open mic nights. With comfortable indoor seating and two outdoor patios, it caters to a diverse clientele looking for a place to study, socialize, or unwind.
Number and Street:
2849 N Power Rd Suite 103
The Organic Bean Cafe is a cozy shop in downtown Mesa that emphasizes all organic, fair-trade, and gluten-free ingredients. Sourcing its beans from local roaster Bergie's Coffee. The menu offers a range of standard espresso beverages, cold brew, and specialty drinks like Banana Coffee and keto-friendly options. The cafe provides a charming and inviting atmosphere, with a focus on serving vegan and health-conscious customers.
Number and Street:
40 N Macdonald
Lost Dutchman Coffee Company is a local roaster and coffee house situated in downtown Mesa that roasts its own specialty-grade beans at a micro-roastery in Tempe. The menu demonstrates a commitment to craft coffee with offerings like French press and "Mario Pour-over," alongside a selection of espresso drinks. In addition to coffee, the shop serves in-house made pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and gelato in a cozy, rustic atmosphere.
Number and Street:
12 N Center St
Moka & Co offers a truly exceptional and authentic journey into the heart of Yemeni coffee culture making it a great destination in Mesa. The menu is a masterclass in balance offering both Pour Over and French Press alongside a selection of traditional specialties like the creamy Mufawar and aromatic Sana'ani all made from high quality Yemeni beans.
Check back soon for my full review. I am planning a detailed visit this summer and I'll be sure to put their menu to the test.
βΆClick to View the Drink Menu
Note: Menu items are subject to change. Some items could be seasonal and may not be available.
Lattes
Dubai Chocolate Latte β’ Moka Spice Latte β’ Pistachio Latte β’ Saffron Latte β’ Biscoff Latte β’ Spanish Latte β’ Salted Caramel Latte β’ Caramel Macchiato β’ White Moka Latte
Espresso Bar
Espresso β’ Americano β’ Cappuccino β’ Latte β’ Mocha Latte β’ Cortado
Coffee (ΩΩΩΨ©)
Mufawar β’ Maleki β’ Sana'ani β’ Qishr β’ Jubani β’ Arabic β’ Turkish β’ House Brew β’ Cold Brew β’ French Press β’ Pour Over
Tea (Ψ΄Ψ§Ω)
Adeni Chai β’ Yemeni Tea β’ Saffron Adeni β’ Iced Adeni Chai β’ Matcha Tea
Matcha
Matcha Latte β’ Pistachio Matcha Latte β’ Lavender Matcha Latte β’ Strawberry Matcha Latte
Refreshers
Yemeni Limeade β’ Vimto Fruit β’ Strawberry Lemonade β’ Hibiscus β’ Mango β’ Pomegranate β’ Mango Dragon Fruit β’ Dragon Fruit β’ Passion Fruit β’ Strawberry
Frozen Blends
Lemon-Mint β’ Strawberry-Banana β’ Pineapple-Mango β’ Pineapple β’ Mixed Berry
Alt. Creamer
Alt. Creamer
βΆClick to View the Food Menu
Note: Menu items are subject to change. Some items could be seasonal and may not be available.
Food & Pastries
Dessert foot item selections available
Number and Street:
1766 S Greenfield Rd #103
Buddha's Brew Coffee Cafe offers a unique and relaxed atmosphere in Mesa uniquely co-located with a tattoo parlor. The establishment features a spacious art-filled interior and provides an extensive food menu with a notable array of vegan options for both breakfast and lunch. The drink menu includes standard espresso beverages, a variety of featured flavored lattes, and other options like protein shakes and teas.
Number and Street:
710 E Main St
Hooligans Coffeehouse distinguishes itself as a premier destination for meticulously crafted coffee emphasizing precision through specific espresso-to-milk ratios for every drink. They partner with highly regarded Arizona roasters, showcasing intentional sourcing and a commitment to flavor integrity. The atmosphere is vibrant and inviting, offering a perfect blend of high-energy urban flair and cozy seating ideal for short work sessions or coffee fellowship. The staff is consistently lauded for their extensive product knowledge, impeccable service, and ability to balance complex signature lattes with the rich, bold character of the underlying espresso. Hooligans offers a genuinely next-level experience for coffee connoisseurs in the East Valley and comes highly recommended for its uncompromising quality.
Number and Street:
4537 S Power Rd suite D107
Mesa Coffee Shops FAQ
Local answers from cafes I have visited across Mesa.
>Mesa has a deep bench, but a few names come up again and again. Moka and Co is the one locals search for most, and Pair Cupworks draws a serious specialty crowd. For an all around first visit I point people to those two, then Coffee Rush Mesa for a quick, reliable cup. Each is a local independent, not a chain.
Yes. Mesa has a growing specialty scene with shops that focus on single origin beans and carefully dialed espresso. Pair Cupworks leans hard into the specialty side, and Beanchain Coffee is worth a stop for a more refined pour. If you care about where the beans come from, these are the places to start.
Moka and Co is one of the most searched independent coffee shops in Mesa, known for a strong local following. It pairs a solid espresso program with a comfortable space that keeps regulars coming back. It is a genuine neighborhood favorite and an easy recommendation for anyone new to the Mesa coffee scene.
Downtown and Historic Mesa hold some of the most walkable coffee in the city, close to the Arts District and Main Street. Pair Cupworks is a downtown anchor for specialty coffee, and the area rewards wandering between a cup and the local shops. It is the best pocket to explore on foot.
For a true espresso focused visit, Pair Cupworks and Moka and Co pull the shots I send people to first. Both take the espresso side seriously rather than treating it as an afterthought. Go early if you want a quiet table before the mid morning rush fills the room.
Yes. If you want a photogenic sit down, Bak and Jo pairs a bakery and coffee counter in a warm, inviting space, and Pair Cupworks keeps a bright, clean look that reads well on camera. These are the spots I recommend when the vibe matters as much as the cup.