Portland, Seattle, and the San Francisco Bay Area are metro areas known for their coffee scenes here on the West Coast – and rightfully so, given the number of independent coffee shops and the home-grown brands that have scaled nationally. When I travel with my husband, the only non-negotiable is a morning (and often afternoon) coffee stop. Suffice it to say that the number of different coffee shops we visit per year is at least equivalent to the number of days we are on the road. One of the most underrated coffee destinations in the United States is Scottsdale, Arizona. Here are our favorites and our “wish list” for when we return!
Press Coffee Roasters
Press Coffee Roasters is one of the OGs of the specialty coffee scene in the Scottsdale area, having opened their first location in 2008. They have a flagship roastery in Phoenix, but it is the conveniently located Waterfront cafe in Scottsdale that we have visited during our trips in the area. In addition to the coffee roasted in-house daily, they have a delicious, straightforward breakfast menu that includes breakfast burritos and avocado toasts. My favorite specialty coffee is their Espresso Honey Cinnamon Shaker – perfect for the Arizona heat!
Cartel Roasting Company
Bette Midler and Drake co-hosting a spring training tailgating party is the cafe description of Cartel Roasting Company’s Scottsdale location. While I can’t say those were the first words that came to mind when we walked in, we were there for spring training, so they are on to something! We were impressed by their creative espresso tonic creations, but it is hard to pass upon their Dirty Chai with a shot of vanilla. This is the place to go for a caffeine fix before heading out to the ballpark!
Four Coffee Co
This small 2015. For the cars and coffee crowd, check out their event schedule for their weekly gatherings. Their menu is catered for the coffee purists, so order your favorite and enjoy it out on the patio or on your way to breakfast.
Jojo Coffeehouse
If you like your coffee with a hearty breakfast, Jojo Coffeehouse is the breakfast and brunch cafe in Scottsdale. The restaurant itself is light and airy with a caffeinated buzz. Their signature Brazilian coffee bean is the basis of all their coffee-based beverages. For those who cannot choose just one signature drink, they serve up an iced latte flight of five different selections, which goes perfectly with the breakfast burrito.
Wish List
There are only so many opportunities for coffee in a given day, so here are the places we can’t wait to try next:
Adventures in Sweets 
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