Tucson
Best Coffee in Tucson
All Tucson Specialty Coffee Shops
Tucson sits in the Sonoran Desert with a coffee scene that feels unexpectedly rich and alive. Independent shops, neighborhood carts, and serious roasters have turned this city into a destination for anyone who cares about what is in their cup. You find bright Nordic style pour overs, classic espresso, horchata lattes, and Mexican inspired drinks all within the same city grid. Many spaces double as creative hubs where students, artists, cyclists, and remote workers gather from early morning to late afternoon. The result is a culture that treats coffee as craft and as community at the same time.
This directory exists to help you navigate that energy and find your own favorites in Tucson. Maybe you want a slow bar, or a patio on The Loop, or a bustling spot near downtown. Maybe you care most about local roasting, ethically sourced beans, or creative signature drinks. Whatever you seek, Tucson has a shop that fits. Use this guide to explore and support local businesses. Taste how much passion this desert city pours into every cup.
Prepare to be obsessed with what I think is the best bakery in Tucson. Seriously, this place is the real deal... a true passion project where quality is everything. It is a tiny charming spot where you can sit at the counter and watch the mother-daughter team work their magic in the open kitchen. The stars here are the incredible pastries and artisan breads. You croissants! The lamination is just perfect. But what really sets them apart is their sourdough program. They have a specific bread schedule with sourdough loaves and focaccia available on certain days. It is absolutely worth planning your visit around! The coffee is just as thoughtfully prepared with shots pulled on the legendary La Marzocco Linea and enhanced with house made syrups like cardamom or honey lavender. Ugh, you just need to get there early because they sell out fast for a reason. This is a must visit!
Number and Street:
844 S 6th Ave
Sonoran House in Tucson's historic Rincon Market is a sunup-to-sundown destination in the Sam Hughes neighborhood. This new location elevates the coffee experience. It transitions from a morning cafe into an upscale restaurant and cocktail bar. They serve their own small-batch roasted coffee including the signature Sonoran Roast for espresso. Chef Gabriella Alba curates a menu of upscale Sonoran fare from a scratch kitchen. Enjoy everything from a Breakfast Crunchwrap to mesquite smoked tri-tip and craft cocktails like the highly-praised espresso martini. The space also includes a market with curated local goods. For a true Tucson experience that blends exceptional coffee with a high-end culinary focus, pay Sonoran House a visit.
Number and Street:
2513 E 6th St
Dandelion Cafe & Bakery is a quaint and charming coffee shop in the historic district of downtown Tucson. The cafe is a cute local spot with a welcoming atmosphere. They have an in-house bakery offering delicious pastries, muffins, and breakfast burritos. Baristas craft classic espresso drinks on a high end La Marzocco machine.
Number and Street:
200 N Court Ave
Carino Coffee Bar is an adorable pink coffee cart in Tucson. It's a beloved local gem run by owners Jon and Itzel. They create a cozy and welcoming spot with a relaxed, artsy charm. The shop's commitment to craft is evident in their choice of an elite La Marzocco espresso machine. This machine allows for exceptional control over espresso extraction. The menu features creative, high-quality drinks like the Matzatli Matcha with pineapple spice tepache and the La Adelita latte.
Number and Street:
901 S 6th Ave
Located at 640 N Stone in Tucson, Chappopin Cafe offers a vibrant and authentic taste of Latin coffee culture. This cafe is celebrated for its unique handcrafted specialty drinks that cannot be found elsewhere. The menu features creative recipes like the spicy Chingona latte, the traditional Cafe de Olla, and the tropical Playa latte. Patrons consistently praise the rich and authentic flavors that honor Latin heritage. The staff is known for being exceptionally passionate and welcoming. Chappopin Cafe is a true community hub hosting events like social dancing and local vendor markets. It is perfect for a soulful coffee experience.
Number and Street:
640 N Stone 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
Located in downtown Tucson Harley's Coffee Co. features a modernist urban decor. The bright interior has large windows and a variety of seating options. Its menu includes specialty drinks like Cafe de Olla and seasonal offerings. The shop also serves pastries and non-coffee refreshers.
Number and Street:
316 E 6th St Suite 150
By Day It's Coffee...By Night it's Something Else Entirely! Bar Crisol Exo sits in Tucson's historic Barrio Viejo as a beautiful extension of Exo's coffee mission and the founders' deep connection to Mexico. Housed in a converted bungalow, this cafe feels less like a business and more like stepping into the warm and stylish home of a friend.
The space is genuinely magical. Multiple cozy rooms overflow with antiques and art inviting you to settle in and linger. The real standout is the stunning sun filled patio, a tranquil garden oasis perfect for disconnecting and savoring the moment. This is a place that intentionally forgoes Wi-Fi encouraging genuine conversation & relaxation instead of constant connectivity.
For the coffee lover, the menu showcases Exo's roasted beans with precision and care. Every drink demonstrates commitment to craft from perfectly pulled espresso shots to inventive and balanced creations like the spicy-sweet Chiltepin Cold Brew and the fragrant Orange Cardamom Latte.
As evening arrives, Bar Crisol-Exo transforms into something different. The space becomes a destination for curated mezcal tastings and cocktails. It is a place where Tucson's coffee tradition seamlessly blends with Mexican craftsmanship.
Number and Street:
196 W Simpson St
This is not a coffee shop. Adventure Coffee Roasting is a roaster only with no public cafe. However, they are included in this directory as an great source for quality coffee beans to take home.
Find organic and locally roasted coffee from Adventure Coffee Roasting, a second-generation family-run business in Tucson. Their story began in 1982 when a single exceptional cup of coffee in Quebec sparked a decades long passion. The journey evolved from roasting beans in a popcorn popper to professional training and eventually selling at local farmers markets. In 2007, they established their first roastery and later expanding to their current facility with two Diedrich roasters to meet growing demand.
Today, the business continues its mission of quality and sustainability. Their coffee can be found at local farmers markets and retail partners throughout Tucson. Please note that the Espresso Roast is known for being very dark which may present a challenge for some brewing setups and taste preference.
Their commitment to quality and dedication to organic roasting make them a solid local worth seeking out at farmers markets and retail stores.
Number and Street:
1117 S Sherwood Village Dr