Coffee + Chill
- AzBOO
- Aug 14
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 20
I've said it before and I'll continue to say it, every summer and as many times as I want, "It's just too hot." If the weather is bringing you down, it could be time to reconnect with friends and pooled the office for the best spots in Tempe.
And, as a 90s kid, is there anything better than a really good coffee shop? Cozy nooks for reading or chatting, chilly drinks in summer or warm ones in winter, and caffeine, caffeine, caffeine.
IMO, the best coffee shops encourage you to linger. They invite you to take a seat and settle in with a book or a friend. There are plenty of drive through coffee stands all over the Valley for those fast-paced lifestyles, but I'm here to talk about that first kind. These are the cool places that pair good coffee and good vibes.
Okay, seriously, I love this place. Brick Road Coffee provides the quintessential example of everything good about coffee shops in the 90s when, arguably, coffee shops hit peak coolness in American culture.
Amazing coffee, plenty of places to linger, and that slight hint of subversive community-focused action for a better, kinder, and more inclusive world. What's not to love?
The coffee shop sits right next to Jerry's Artarama. The art store is perfect for inspirational strolls through aisles of art supplies. I've enjoyed many a date night with my fella that start with coffee from Brick Road and meander to Jerry's Artarama.
Five out of five stars. Okay, so we don't actually have a star system here but highly recommend.
Address: 4415 S Rural Rd No.10, Tempe 85282
Website: brickroadtempe.com
This adorable Tempe spot combines the cheery charm of a local flower shop with an elegant array of beverage options and tasty toast for those feeling peckish.
Their "Handcrafted Sips" include such magical concoctions as Turquoise Rose Matcha and Cool Mint Macchiato along with seasonal flavors like their Blackberry Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso. Teas and tonics round out the menu so everyone can find something that delights them.
The flower shop is more than an aesthetic. It's fully functional. You can do everything from snagging a small bouquet with your morning coffee to picking out your wedding flowers all in the comfort of this neighborhood coffee shop.
Address:107 E Baseline Rd Suite A4, Tempe 85283
Website: jasminejo.com
Okay, so Peixoto is in the Historic stretch of downtown Chandler, but it's quite popular with hep cats throughout the East Valley. Their charming flagship offers a bright space with an industrial edge to the design that gives this small enclave a big city feel.
And the coffee is incredible. That's because they roast their own coffee that is produced on the Peixoto family farm in Brazil for the real localistas.
In addition to a simple menu of traditional espresso drinks, Peixoto Coffee offers a shifting menu of seasonal and speciality drinks. Summertime drinks include a Lychee Caramel Latte or the Toasted Coconut Matcha.
Personally, I'm counting down the days until their Autumn menu comes out. Last year's selections included a Pumpkin Chai, a Kettle Corn Latte, and an Apricot Cardamon Cold Brew.
Address: 11 W Boston St Suit No. 6, Chandler 85225
Website: peixotocoffee.com
To be fair, this is a special place that is currently in development for their 2026 Grand Opening. That's because this park and event space is on a hidden stretch of historic land near downtown Tempe.
But the owners have opened the grounds to the public for events, historic tours, and other special occasions. Coffee and snacks are usually available. The menu here includes seasonal farm offerings or flavors inspired by the gardens, like their Raspberry Rose Latte or Lavender White Mocha.
The most popular drinks are the Grasshopper which combines chocolate with mint grown in the garden and the Orange Mocha made using oranges also produced on the grounds.
Check out their events page for a preview of this magical garden and gathering space.
Address: 1986 E. University Drive, Tempe 85288
Website: starlightmemorial.com
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