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Cartel Coffee Lab
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Coffee & Tea, Breakfast & Brunch
1 N 1st StSte 107
Phoenix, AZ 85004
(480) 712-0675
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7 am - 3 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage, Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Hipster
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Kali R. said: "For food, Astor House serves up a series of a la carte items that covers a smorgasbord of tastes in cuisine. For example, if I were to come in with my Mexican/Greek friend Luca, my Cuban friend Lisette, and our Southern friend John…" read more »
76 reviews for Cartel Coffee Lab
Review Highlights
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"...I was hooked on the Bacon Chocolate Chip cookies made fresh..." In 2 reviews -
"...to check out their pastry happy hour in the afternoons for..." In 3 reviews -
"it was the smoothest espresso i have ever tasted." In 11 reviews
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76 reviews in English
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Review from Ken A.
Broomfield, CO
3/5/2012
Wow, this place is amazing. I first started coming here for a good cup of coffee in between meetings downtown. They have some of the best espresso drinks I've ever had. They also have some kind of "clover" machine that allows the barista to control many aspects of how the coffee is brewed, etc.
I have been meaning to grab breakfast/lunch there as all of the food looks amazing. Today, I stopped in for some lunch and the barista/waitress suggested a wrap variation of their turkey sandwich that included roasted peppers, pesto, and some other goodies. I have to say this is the best lunch I've had in Phoenix and will be a regular from now on. This place is a new favorite! -
Review from Taryn C.
4/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
I figured it out. Phoenicians are so deprived of good coffee, they have no idea what it is, and if it bit them in the ass they still wouldn't know what it was.
I don't let friends drink Starbucks so I certainly wasn't feeling Sbux when I was at a conference here, about two blocks from this joint. As far as coffee goes, this place was ok. I got an iced mocha with an extra shot (on the recommendation of the barista when I said I was from NYC and needed some "good shit."). The people were very nice there. The coffee though...I've had better. Sorry.
But the kicker was the peanut butter bacon chocolate chip cookie. Well all righty. Interesting concept, not sure I'd get it again though.Listed in: Coffee Tea Me?, Move to Babylonia, WiFi Paradise
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Review from Nicole H.
Phoenix, AZ
2/27/2012
If you want be told how to drink your coffee, this is the place for you. I love the fact that they roast their own coffees, etc. Great. But three things frustrated me...
1. My pregnant friend wanted a decaf Americano with a half of a shot of espresso. The baristra refused to make that. When we asked why, we were told "because it would ruin the taste." So, although the customer wanted it that way, they refused to make it. We were told it had to be entirely caffeinated or decaffeinated.
2. There is no sugar or sugar substitutes anywhere in the place. After they refused to make my friend her drink, I didn't want to ask about the sugar and get a lecture about why I could not have any to put into my coffee.
3. They have very nice looking, giant cookies. And the cookies tasted great. But it was still raw in the middle. Kinda crappy when it costs over $2.
I got an iced coffee, which was good...less bitter than normal iced coffees. But between the rap music blasting (not the most soothing coffee shop choice, but does work with the name of the shop) and the lack of "give the customer what the customer wants" attitude, I think I won't be going to this place again.
I love suggestions about how to enjoy, drink, and appreciate my coffee. But if I want to ruin my coffee, let me do it. -
Review from Edgar G.
San Francisco, CA
5/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
I came here before the Giants/Dbacks Opening Day game and ordered the iced hazelnut latte. The latte was good but not the best I've had. I would come back if I'm in the area in the near future.
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Review from Christopher P.
Phoenix, AZ
5/10/2012
Wasn't expecting much when I was looking at the front of the store, but when I walked inside I was blown away. The coffee was great and fresh, sitting on top of a great atmosphere to blog, do HW, etc. Definitely should try it if you have a chance!
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Review from craig s.
Peoria, AZ
Updated - 5/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
Said I was going to try their coffee or expresso. Gave them a try this morning. Ordered two shots of expresso with an inch of foam. They made jokes about the amount of foam which I found very tasteless, arrogant and rude. The drink I order came and it was not what I had ordered. Again time to listen to a very rude person. Two shots of expresso and an inch of foam should be about two inches in the cup they use. There was less than in inch. I questioned them about it and received some mumbo jumbo about the foam being in the expresso. I believe what he was trying to say was I know more about expresso than you and I know how not you what you want. Really turned me off. I do not profess to be an expert on expresso. I have been drinking it for the past 30 years all way from Italy, Greece, and across America. I am not an expert but I do know what I want. And it is not someone rude arrogant person. The taste of their expresso was just slightly better than one of the well known chains. Customer service I would rate at a D-. At a D- you don't get a return visit.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/3/2012
I am on jury duty twice a week for 4 months. ( I am retired and it gives me a chance to see a part… Read more »
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Review from Andrea S.
Phoenix, AZ
4/17/2012
One of my favorite downtown stops, offering a tempting item at every daypart. From the breakfast burrito to the beet salad with goat cheese and pastry happy hour, this place has a little bit of everything (including bacon accents in baked goods). Staff is always friendly and inviting. Would highly recommend you scope it out.
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Review from Bryan B.
2/2/2012 1 photo
All the reviews tell it straight! The 'What's a Burrito' was delicious. Ingredients amazingly fresh and succulent. Very friendly staff and the use Square Up as their cash register ...which means you never have to pull your wallet out. Just smile and state your name then they'll email you your receipt!
Cartel is another great reason to be downtown -
Review from Pudgino D.
Scottsdale, AZ
3/23/2012
The people are great. The music is chill. The night was perfect. The beer was good tasting and freezing cold. Nothing wrong with this place at all. Go there. You will not want to leave
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Review from Kat S.
12/10/2011
What?!? There is a Cartel Coffee downtown?! How did I miss this for so long???!!
I only "discovered" this location while aimlessly wandering around on my lunch break a few weeks and have been back weekly since! The staff here is great and friendly. And, as one of them told me, they treat coffee like more of a science here. They know their stuff and are always sure to highlight some of the tasting and flavor notes within a particular blend.
Their toddys are the best I've had and their pastries are divine! And to make it even better, their baked goodies are all half off starting at 1:30 in the afternoon - which happens to perfectly match my lunch hour.Listed in: Rompin' 'round Roosevelt, Captivating Coffee
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Review from Joshua H.
Washington, DC
It was like I walked into a episode of Portlandia - from the in-depth narrative of how they make their clover coffee to the description of the special bakery where they get their muffins. That being said, the staff were very nice, the atmosphere was great and the (clover) coffee was fantastic.
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Review from Vanessa J.
Seattle, WA
11/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
I was in desperate need of a coffee. (Not SOME coffee, a coffee. It's a Seattle distinction.) It was a perfect morning for a walk, so I strolled down to Cartel from my hotel to get a work of art latte and a bite for breakfast. Cartel is a dark little place, not exactly the most beautiful coffee shop I've ever been to, but the coffee was just wonderful, from a clover machine or something equally fancy, and perfect without sweetener or cream.
The part that made my morning perfect, though, was the bacon chocolate chip cookies the size of saucers. They were the perfect juxtaposition of sweet, savory, and buttery and just melted in your mouth with goodness.
I'd come back to Phoenix just for these. -
Review from Erick P.
Phoenix, AZ
2/12/2012
The coffee is decent, the atmosphere is just about right. But damn it's loud in there. A little sketched out by the bird feathers and thick layer of dust all over the seemingly active roasting equipment.... extra flavor?
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Review from Bardley S.
Tempe, AZ
12/28/2011
I visit this location basically every week day for coffee. I get iced toddy, and am basically addicted. Best coffee in town. I buy cartel beans as well for camping and similar adventures, and the hot coffee is the best around. Pastries are fantastic, staff is always friendly and the same day after day (I like familiarity!).
I ate there for the first time today, and as expected, the food was excellent. -
Review from Karmella H.
Phoenix, AZ
12/30/2011
I stumbled across this place after missing my usual Light Rail stop on my way to pick up a Zipcar at the downtown ASU campus.
First I tried my usual caffeine fix...a nonfat double latte. Excellent.
Second trip back, I gave the breakfast burrito (plus bacon) a try. Delicious. The tortilla was as good as everything inside.
Third trip, a beet salad and a bacon chocolate chip cookie. Bacon and chocolate for the win!
I've been here three times and have not been disappointed. The decor is modest, but functional, as it should be at a good business with honestly good food. The barista is not only knowledgable and skilled, but is also a genuine sweetheart.
It's just a couple of blocks from the Jefferson and First Street Light Rail stop (East bound), so I've been stopping by on my way to work. -
Review from Michael K.
Phoenix, AZ
4/16/2012
Best coffee in town. No comparison!
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Review from Courtney B.
Surprise, AZ
2/1/2012
We came to the down town location for the first time yesterday and I was even more impressed. The service was sooo nice, the food was great, and the coffee was to die for of course. We had the breakfast sandwich with bacon and the burrito with bacon, they were both great, I liked the sandwich the best, the chipotle made it sooo yummy. They aren't small, we could have shared one and been full.
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Review from Kyle I.
Lakewood, CO
10/15/2011
I'm a bit of a coffee snob so my first order of business was to find a good coffee shop on our trip. This was by far one of the best coffee shops I've been to. It rivals Old Soul Coffee in Sacramento, CA.
The staff was very friendly, helpful and knowledgable with the coffee they roast themselves.
The coffee was awesome; definitely spend the extra $$ for the Clover Machine coffee. We also had the omlette for breakfast and tuna salad for lunch. Both of which were spectacular.
We enjoyed the atmosphere as well. The space had a lot of character with their metal/industrial feel without being too corporate (SB) or trashy (like a lot od local coffee shops can be). There was plenty of seating as well. -
Review from Candy T.
Phoenix, AZ
7/30/2011
I LOVE this place. It's close to campus and has free WiFi.
It's the ONLY place I go for a chai tea latte. No one makes it better than Cartel. (Trust me, I've been to wayyy too many coffee shops trying their chai lattes)
The only downside is that the coffee lab is small, and sometimes it's hard to find a table. -
Review from C N.
San Diego, CA
9/13/2011
Great espresso, amazing service. Sparse atmosphere but who cares when the coffee is this good. Order a double espresso. You will NOT be disappointed. It is literally half the volume of a 'normal' double espresso (served in a single shot espresso glass) but QUALITY WAAAAAAAAAAAAY over Quantity baby.
Update - as it turns out, they don't deliver downtown except for large orders. Also, the phone # listed on Yelp gets you Tempe. Hard to track down # for downtown location. Really hope you start delivering lunch. -
Review from Joe V.
Phoenix, AZ
11/3/2011
It's about the Integrity of the Coffee?!
Really, you talk down to me (the short little man behind the counter) because putting my Americano in a 16 oz cup will ruin the integrity of the espresso. This is laughable, rude and downright ridiculous and your coffee, while good, is not the best around.
So I go in and order a 16 oz Americano. The very friendly young woman behind the counter informs me that they can only make a 12 oz Americano (even though they do have 16 oz cups) and offers to add shots to the 12 oz Americano. She says that it is about the integrity of the coffee. I ask, very politely, if they can pour the 12 oz Americano in a 16 oz cup. Why? Because, I happen to like milk with my coffee. The young woman (I would use her name but I do not know it) said she was not sure if she could and conferred with apparently the person in charge - maybe an owner, maybe a manager and definitely what I would consider an unnecessary, condescending coffee snob. He tells me that they only do a 12 oz American in a 12 oz cup because, apparently, the integrity of the coffee will be ruined if the 12 oz Americano is put in a 16 oz cup. (Can someone explain to me two things please. One, when did coffee, wait, excuse me espresso, obtain a personality and gain integrity? Second, what lab work has been done that has determined that the integrity of espresso changes when poured from a 12 oz cup to a 16 oz cup?)
Then he looks at me, and in probably the most condescending tone I have heard from someone who is trying to run a business in downtown Phoenix say, "Why, do you want to put milk in it?" As if milk was the mortal enemy of the human race. I said yes, I did. He then threw up his hands and with a heavy sigh said to the woman behind the counter, to just do it (twice) and he walked away.
I paid for the coffee, had milk put into it (btw, they have cream on the counter, along with sugar and fake sugar and simple syrup to put in the coffee). The coffee is good, though it is bitter. I can think of 2 or 3 other places where the coffee is better and that will get my business.
You, Cartel people, run a coffee shop. You are a service industry trying to make a go of it in downtown Phoenix. Customers are not always right, but treating customers badly is poor form Good luck to you and may your espresso always maintain whatever integrity you feel it should have. -
Review from Jasmine G.
Mesa, AZ
1/16/2012 7 Check-ins Here
Nom nom nom. Great lattes. I like the vibe of the phx location--very chill.
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Review from Olivia S.
Tempe, AZ
10/4/2011
I go to the Tempe location often since I'm usually at Cowtown or Casey's right around the corner, and it's a great place to run in and grab a drink or sit for a while and chat. I met a friend there not too long ago who, surrounded by $900 bikes and dozens of Mac books reflecting in Ray Bans, proclaimed that she was "not cool enough" to be there. However, after a while of smelling the freshly brewed coffee and taking in the unique art, she changed her mind.
Try the dirty whore. It's a house-made horchata with a shot of espresso. YEEEEES. -
Review from Doug B.
Mesa, AZ
7/3/2011 20 Check-ins Here
Probably the best cup of coffee I've ever had. Definitely the best I've found in downtown Phoenix. I'm definitely going back for some more coffee and to sample the breakfast menu.
Excellent service from very helpful staff who talk about coffee the way some people talk about wine. Get a coffee from the Clover machine and drink it black, even if that's not how you normally drink it. -
Review from Allie R.
Fullerton, CA
8/23/2011
This place has the most delicious scones I have ever tasted. And coffee but I'm no authority on that. But wow the scones. And once I got a breakfast burrito. Really tasty.
Last summer I was an intern in Phoenix. It was a strange experience but when I needed a pick me up (scone), Cartel was worth the walk. -
Review from Arlin B.
2/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
Cartel is not your run of the mill coffee shop. They have exceptional coffee, teas and offer a variety of breakfast choices, sandwiches and some salads. They are conveniently located in the heart of downtown, within walking distance. This is a sister location from their main coffee lab in Tempe.
They roast their beans in Tempe and ship to this location daily to ensure a fresh and delicious brew. Like most other coffee places, they are very selective in the coffee they buy for their customers. They seem to be proficient roasters for their coffee is smooth and ambrosial.
I like their breakfast especially the Big Ben ~ English muffin with scramble-ee eggs, bacon, tomato topped with harvarti cheesy goodness and some yummy chipotle aioli! You'll need a couple of napkins : -) They also have a couple of salad choices ~ cob, spring mix and tuna, which is what I will try on my next visit.
Suggestion: If you're going to meetings downtown, stop buy and pick up a great cup of joe at Cartel on your way to your destination, then go back to Cartel after lunch. They usually have "pastry happy hour" in the afternoons with half priced bakery goods. Take some delicious delights home with you to share with your family after dinner.Listed in: Breakfast, the Meal of…, Coffee & Caffeine
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Review from D B.
Asheville, NC
12/30/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Really nice set up. Great coffee, great service, understated and interesting layout. Almost a conservative industrial interior decoration with artistic and contemporary sensibilities. Interesting choice of art displays that reflect the feeling of the overall scene. All the staff I have encountered are very friendly with genuine personalities. I look forward to making at least one trip back before my conference ends, and will surely be back again next time I am in Phoenix.
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Review from Tabatha R.
Peoria, AZ
2/25/2011
I still like Lux better. Cartel is very appealing, though, to those who know their coffee. The menu is not huge, but it does offer basic, good drinks.
They have plenty of syrups to flavor your drinks, if that's what you're into.
I like the atmosphere in there, and the bike wheel "art" is pretty interesting and unique.
This place is probably really great to study in, considering the fact that I see a sea of macbook apples every time I walk in here.
The employees are funny and nice. Anyway, it is definitely worth checking out.Listed in: Awesome Coffee Shops
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Review from Lindsay M.
San Francisco, CA
8/26/2011
This place is the real deal. For some background, I'm from San Francisco so I've had some great locally-roasted coffee, attended coffee cuppings, and roast my own. On an extended business trip I went to Cartel every single morning and they always impressed me:
* really friendly, knowledgeable staff who takes pride in the brewing and origination of the coffee
* the barista offers great recommendations based on your tastes (as if you were ordering wine with a meal).
* every item I have tried - the breakfast eggs, the pastries, and - of course - the coffee, has been phenomenal. Always better than expected.
* a great place to hang out with friends around a table, lounge on the couch, or even grab a laptop and meet with someone. Quiet enough, but by no means a library.
Go here!! -
Review from creative c.
Scottsdale, AZ
5/24/2011 4 photos
23 MAY 2011 (MONDAY) LUNCH (Downtown Phoenix Location)
We are not connoisseurs (Not the Yelp picky palate reviewer) of food but enjoy well prepared and good tasting food.
The menu wasn't extensive but there were a couple of choices.
A set of surrounding business group entered and left as quickly
as they entered. The limited menu options appeared the reason.
We ordered the Tuna with a multi-grain bread and cheese, lettuce and tomatoes, chips and water. Very tasty and fresh. The guy Friday asked if he could provide a surprise cookie from the happy hour and it was a fudge cookie with walnuts. Almost ate it all before the meal arrived.
We took a photo of the food but couldn't wait and took a bite. :-)
The ambiance of Cartel Coffee Lab created a very welcoming environment. Not noisy or crowded. The service was great. Very prompt and attentive. The most important part of the visit besides the art was the youngster (Anyone under 35 is a youngster to us but he was around 25) was down to earth and made you feel it wasn't the usual fake restaurant dialogue.
The crowd appeared to be the retro, art, bohemian, buffalo exchange scene. When a person is comfortable in their own skin they have the ability to adapt to any scene. It reminded us of a Greenwich Village (A section in Lower Manhattan) eatery.
The do it all guy (Cash register and serving) informed us (me) that the art on the walls are from Galeria De Los Muertos at 905 N 5th Street in Phoenix. They have some type of connection. Should have inquired regarding Cartel Coffee Lab affiliation with the gallery.
The Cartel Coffee Lab (We don't drink any caffeinated drinks) will be a nice lunch date but you will have to negotiate parking in
downtown phoenix. The meter maid enjoys her job.
If you know that you intend on just hanging out park in garage or better yet park at the Raymond Burr Library for free and take the Light Rail three stops and walk over.
We reviewed yelp and decided to include this spot and it was
a good choice. You shouldn't be disappointed. -
Review from Valerie R.
Tempe, AZ
5/27/2011
The most fabulous coffee in the city.
The best service once you warm up to the barristers
& a sustainability crusader! -
Review from Tina E.
Gilbert, AZ
2/9/2011 24 Check-ins Here
This has definitely become one of my favorite go to places while at work in downtown Phoenix. Whether I just need some morning caffeine or I need an excuse to get out of the office - it's off to Cartel and it's not hard to find someone to tag along. I used to be a Starbucks Junkie, but have officially become addicted to Cartel. I can have a Toddy (their iced coffee) anytime of the day, in any weather...even if it's freezing outside. The best part, I can go back in the afternoon and get another delicious toddy, no charge.
The coffee isn't the only thing that keeps me coming back. Their homemade pastries are to die for. Initially I was hooked on the Bacon Chocolate Chip cookies made fresh generally on Friday mornings (what a great way to end your work week). More recently, I went back in the afternoon for their 'Happy Hour' specifically for pastries. I tried one of their Bacon Cheddar Scones. Oh my, I shouldn't have gone there - more afternoon trips to come. It was delicious and made a perfect accompaniment with a good hot soup too! I ate it with dinner, but I'm sure it would be just as good for breakfast.
Can't wait to continue to experience all that Cartel has to offer...I just hope I can get a Cartel cup soon. It's time to get rid of all the Starbucks ones I have and start a new collection. -
Review from Colleen C.
Mesa, AZ
3/29/2011
I visit both the Tempe and Phx locations on the regular.
Best americanos in town. Period.
The vibe is great in both, a sort of industrial bohemian one.
The little details of this place is what really makes it for me:
I just loooove that they use clover organic milk (my personal fav in the world of milk) on top of roasting their own beans. Oh, and they have free water out in the lobby with REUSABLE cups! So great! They really aren't snooty about their coffee, even though they ought to be... Ah, I am in love with this place.
The prices are really good for what you are getting too! -
Review from Mike F.
Phoenix, AZ
11/2/2010
How many great things can one say about the Cartel? Does Infinity work! Yes, that was a statement, not a question. I am in love with the CC, hands down. I have traded my gold Starbucks card in for this amazingly Delicious start to my day. The iced coffee ( actually, its Toddy, which is better) is amazing. They roast their own beans, and allow the iced coffee to sit over night, creating an extremely potent concoction. The hot drinks, A+++ as well. And, the food? A+++++ (5, yup its that legit). Grab the cheddar bacon muffin... its literally heaven. No joke. Heaven. Little clouds may form above your head; white clouds of course! Not those nasty rain clouds. OK, maybe not clouds. But defiantly your day will be sunny because you stopped into Coffee Cartel. And not because you live in AZ. Duh.
Only complaint I have is the hours. I live right next door, and their only open M-F (like so many places in DT-Pho).
PLLLEEEEAAAASSSEEEEEE open up for the weekends!!! I'll work for free! Well...wait... I'll come visit. -
Review from Madison B.
Phoenix, AZ
12/15/2011
Usually the place is packed whenever I go there, but the chai tea latte is worth it. Has a great vibe as well and the best of all: FREE WIFI!
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Review from Stacy C.
I have been back to Cartel many, many times now and this is one place that truly is "as good as it gets!" Five stars hardly seems like enough. If I could give them 10 stars, I would!
The coffee is perfect in its simplicity. That first, delicious sip has this uncanny way of making a not so great morning into something a little more bearable.
And every menu item I have tried has become my new favorite. The scones, the breakfast burritos, all of it . . . it's ALL fantastic. The food is phenomenal.
The staff is super-friendly. The atmosphere calls to me to sit down and enjoy my purchases; it is oh, so very hard hard for me to grab my coffee and go back to work. And that walk seems so much longer when you have a delicious treat in some sort of to-go container just waiting to be consumed.
My old coffee crew at work still makes the walk across the street to the chain coffee place and gives me a hard time for bailing on our tradition. I miss walking with them, but I just can't give up my Cartel coffee.Listed in: Lunch Time in Downtown Phoenix, Plug into the Matrix
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/2/2010
Eureka! I have found it!
For several weeks now I have been obsessed with the iced coffee at the… Read more »
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Review from Imran G.
Tempe, AZ
11/13/2010
Downright awesome and extremely hip. A non-traditional, very out there, but very hidden coffee joint.
You can't see this place from the street. It's kind of behind the Buffalo Exchange. It's almost the last place you would expect to find a coffee shop. As soon as you walk in there are really bright and vivid paintings, this is kind of what makes it way out there. Barista was very friendly and asked us how the weather was, always cool to have some small talk instead of the drone, "what can i get for you..." Wait, that basically sounds like the boring coffee-grinders at Starbucks.
I gotta have my lattes. I will drink regular coffee sometimes, but my soft spot is a well made latte. Amazing enough, places like Starbucks just don't know how to make lattes, I give up on Starbucks. Their beans suck, and apparently their frothing machines do too, because everytime I go there it seems like they just warm my milk and mix it with some coffee. The latte here was PERFECT. The milk was perfectly frothy, which in my opinion is what makes a latte a latte. Coffee had a nice roasted flavor to it. Amazingly, there are tons of coffee shops out there that can't do decent lattes. This is my new coffee place.
Good music choice here, its like new age elevator music, calm soothing hip hop and pop. Awesome atmosphere, quiet enough to study and have a conversation, yet lively enough to come for just a cup of caffeine. Skip the Starbucks and "Sex in the City" sorority girl drinks and come here.
Only problem was that I think they only have small or large lattes, and it was like $4 for a large. That's like $0.50 to a $1 too much in my honest opinion. Oh well, I think I'd still pay that when I'm craving a latte. -
Review from Becca C.
Phoenix, AZ
11/29/2011
Good coffee. Girls who used to work there was very unpleasant, and a horrible barista.
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Review from tara l.
Phoenix, AZ
11/5/2011 6 Check-ins Here
these guys are great - they have are walking distance from any office tower downtown, have a good selection of coffee from all around the world and a fantastic menu of locally sourced food & delicious sweet treats.
they could do a little more with the decor.. but then i like homey, comfy feeling coffee shops best!
be sure to check out their pastry happy hour in the afternoons for 1/2 price pastries! -
Review from Phoebe W.
Oakland, CA
11/1/2010
Cartel is a real gem in the downtown convention area of Phoenix! I was a little concerned with the multiple Starbucks within a few blocks around this area but was so excited to find this coffee shop just a block from the hotel.
They roast their own beans and it's totally on par with the coffee I've had in the pacific northwest. We ordered an Americano and it was strong, bold, smooth but not acidic. I am a fan!
I was also able to try their sumptuous breakfast burrito, a medley of fresh veggies (spinach, zucchini, roasted peppers...) with a good load of bacon and fresh pesto and cream cheese. Yum!
Bonus points also for the pumpkin chocolate muffin...dark chocolate and a nice cinnamon and pumpkin flavour! Oh Yah! Bonus points for still being warm!
Place is in a non descript office building but they've done a decent job with the gorgeous wood table tops, walls and kitchen area.
Staff are also super friendly and they love bacon. Can we be friends!?
