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.
If you want to experience the original Decibel vibe, you have to hit up their spot in the historic Menlo Park district. This isn't your typical cafe. It's a super cool walk-up window built into a rustic shipping container which is just awesome. I love the setup here. It’s all outdoors and you can grab a table in these semi-private nooks created by the massive container doors. Just so you know, there's no indoor seating here so it is all about enjoying that Tucson weather. The coffee is just as amazing as their Broadway location with fantastic espresso and a chai that has the perfect amount of spice. It's the heart of the Annex and a perfect stop for anyone exploring the area. You have to check it out.
Number and Street:
267 South Avenida del Convento Bldg #9
What makes a specialty coffee roaster worth the drive to Tucson? Decibel Coffee Works might be the answer. Ugh, I might have to rewrite my entire list of top Arizona coffee shops because this place is a must-visit. The moment you walk in, lush plants hang overhead and the mid-century vibe hits you immediately. It's immaculate. The staff is welcoming and genuinely kind. They roast their own beans on a Diedrich roaster using high-quality sourced specialty coffee, and you can taste the difference in every single sip. The quality isn't an accident. Now, their Mavam under-counter espresso machine is a piece of art. This is the kind of equipment that signals serious dedication to craft. The baristas pull incredible shots. Their Cafe de Olla is a fantastic take on a Mexican classic, executed with precision. The specialty beans they use, like Sangre Negra, Monolith, Sharp End Blend, and single-origins like Ethiopia Yirgacheffe and Panama Boquete, are the same ones you can buy on their website if you want to brew at home. But here's where it gets interesting: their in-house baker, Nikki, creates vegan scones and homemade ice cream that pair perfectly with the coffee. One thing missing? A pour-over slow bar. If Decibel ever adds one, I might sell my Phoenix house and move to Tucson. Just saying. You will not be disappointed.
Number and Street:
2631 E Broadway Blvd
Located in the historic Benedictine Monastery near the University of Arizona, Yellow Brick Coffee at the Benedictine is a bright, modern cafe with a minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired design. The open and airy space is praised by visitors for its clean aesthetic and abundant natural light. The shop is one of two Tucson locations and serves as the brand's flagship cafe. Yellow Brick roasts its own coffee, offering an extensive pour-over menu featuring a rotating selection of single-origin beans. The centerpiece of their bar is a futuristic, under-counter Modbar espresso system. In addition to a full coffee menu, they serve a variety of pastries, smoothies, and a food menu with breakfast and lunch options that utilize locally sourced bread.
Number and Street:
800 N Country Club Rd Ste 3180
Located inside Tucson's stunning Historic Pima County Courthouse, Yellow Brick Coffee's downtown location offers a truly unique experience. It is also known as YBC. This walk-up window serves as the sister location to their flagship cafe at the Benedictine Monastery. The atmosphere is praised for its noble charm and beautiful architecture. Patrons can enjoy their coffee in the lovely adjacent courtyard. The staff are consistently described as friendly, kind, and helpful, contributing to a welcoming vibe. This is an essential stop for high-quality coffee in a memorable, historic setting. A visit is highly recommended.
Number and Street:
115 N Church Ave.
Discover one of Tucson's most beautiful coffee settings at Presta Coffee's Mercado San Agustin location at 100 South Avenida del Convento. Ugh, you have to see this place. It's a gorgeous, plant-filled coffee bar set within the lively public market. The whole vibe is just incredible, especially when you can grab a coffee and sit out in the stunning shared courtyard. The bar itself is beautiful, with white geometric tiles and an open, airy feel.
They're serving up their own locally roasted coffee and have some cool, science-lab-looking Kyoto-style towers for slow-drip cold brew. It is a really popular spot, and when the baristas are on their game, the coffee can be fantastic. Just so you know, the experience can be a bit hit-or-miss depending on who is working.
Number and Street:
100 South Avenida del Convento #180
If you are looking for what might be the best coffee in Tucson, you have to go to Presta Coffee Roasters. I am serious, this place is the real deal, especially their location in the historic Iron Horse neighborhood. You can just feel the passion for coffee the moment you walk in. The vibe is super cool and minimalist, with a subtle bicycle theme, and the baristas are always so friendly and knowledgeable.
They roast their own beans on a big, beautiful Joper roaster, which is a fantastic sign. What I love is their dedication to craft. You can get a perfect pour-over or Chemex, and the baristas pull incredible shots on a top-of-the-line Synesso MVP espresso machine. It is a fantastic place to just hang out on their spacious patio and enjoy a truly exceptional cup of coffee. You will not be disappointed.
Number and Street:
501 E 9th St
Have you ever seen coffee that looks like it was brewed in a science lab? At Presta Coffee's location at 2502 N 1st Ave, you can. This local roaster showcases its craft with visually striking Kyoto-style cold drip towers for a unique cold brew experience. The shop also features a full slow bar with pour-over, Origami, and Chemex options, catering to those who appreciate a meticulously brewed cup. This is the "roastery" location.
Number and Street:
2502 N 1st Ave #100
Tucson Coffee Roasters is a local roaster and cafe known for its daily roasted coffee. The shop offers a warm and inviting atmosphere. The interior is decorated with eclectic local art, movie posters, and rustic wood paneling. They serve a full menu of espresso drinks from a Nuova Simonelli machine. The menu includes French press coffee and house-made syrups.
Number and Street:
250 S Craycroft Rd
Cartel Roasting Co. in Tucson is a spacious industrial-style coffee shop that roasts its own beans on a San Franciscan roaster. The open layout and ample seating make it a very popular destination for students and remote workers. They pull shots on a La Marzocco espresso machine and offer a slow bar for pour-over coffee enthusiasts. The menu includes a variety of traditional espresso drinks, single-origin coffees, and a selection of teas and baked goods.
Number and Street:
2516 N Campbell Ave