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Cartel Coffee Lab
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 7 am - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 7 am - 12 am
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
32 reviews for Cartel Coffee Lab
31 reviews in English
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Review from Bao H.
4/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
Coffee, music, and buur...
I dig this joint! It's like walking into a brew house with some random people hanging out. Live music and freshly made coffee. I have to say one of the best coffees I had in a long time. I'm no coffee snob by any means, but shazam! This coffee hit the spot and punched me in the face "in a good way -- if there's such a thing as getting punched in the face, but enjoying it....", and woke my senses up!
What else is cool and I dig about Cartel is you can order alcoholic beverages. Coffee and Beer -- Aside from water, my two most sought after and preferred drinks! Cartel is like my kryptonite - I must succumb to your bidding....must be strong and ahhhh...more more coffee, more more, pleasssse! - Enjoy! -
Review from Aileen B.
5/3/12
V. and I walked over here after a cool happy hour elsewhere, and this time I brought my beautiful cousin with us. V and I ordered cappuccino (Cartel was out of V's favorite chai), while my cuzzo ordered an 8 oz. latte with honey. I also spied a chocolate layer cake, and what? It's half price during happy hour, you don't say? Well, I'll have a slice then!
My cup arrived first, and it was a beauty, so cameras came out. Soon after, V's and cuzzo's beverages and the cake arrived. http://www.yelp.com/bi...
http://www.yelp.com/bi... I offered first bites- V declined and cousin dug in, but only to find that it was "a bit dry." I concurred, but I figured I could just chase the bites down with sips of my delicious cappuccino. V enjoyed hers, even though she forgot to have them add sugar. (No biggie... she was able to add later.) Cousin could hardly taste the honey in her latte, so she visited the sugar station. She eventually had to abandon her drink when it became too sweet to finish-- all the honey she couldn't taste apparently had settled on the bottom.
I'm thinking this is going to be a tradition of mine when HH'ing in OTS. :)
http://www.yelp.com/bi...Listed in: Java Jivin' in the Phoenix…, My Neighborhood II…, Favorite spaces
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/16/2012
02/07/12
As V. mentioned in her review, we decided to take a rather nice walk from Tommy V's after… Read more »
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Review from Olive R.
4/15/2012
I'm always looking for local coffee shops when I'm traveling, so it was nice to stumble (er yelp) upon Cartel when I was in Scottsdale a couple weeks ago.
I needed a coffee shop to work out of and ended up staying all day. Good wifi, great coffee, surprisingly delicious lunch, and crazy friendly staff. Definitely better than spending my day working out of Starbucks. -
Review from Annette F.
Scottsdale, AZ
5/13/2012 4 Check-ins Here
Coffee, beer, and food.....everything a girl could ask for! The lattes are very tasty and is perfectly paired with the Big Ben sandwich. This breakfast sandwich is a whopper with the right amount of chiplote aioli. There's plenty of seats in this hip little coffee shop. Whether you're stopping in for some coffee or there to borrow the wifi, this is a great local place! I will definitely have to stop in for their daily Happy Hour and check out their drink selections.
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Review from Derrick O.
Scottsdale, AZ
What can I say? This is just an awesome place. It's pretty rare to find a good coffee shop in Scottsdale, but Cartel goes above and beyond. Extremely knowledgable baristas, high quality coffee, excellent atmosphere, great location... the list goes on.
I used to head to the Tempe location whenever I wanted a serious cappuccino, but now I can get that at the Scottsdale location without wading through a sea of argyle-sweatered, wayfarer-ladened, vegan hipsters.
Thanks Nate, Skyler, James, Kris and Sparky for making this an awesome office-away-from-office for me.
P.S. - Nursing student w/ the earplugs who enjoys a nice cab with her Saturday night study sessions.... where did you go? -
Review from Mandi B.
Now that's a tasty latte! I really liked the coffee joint that used to be in this space, but Cartel has taken serving awesome coffee to a whole 'nutha level by serving up fresh, delicious food, beer and wine! Since my man doesn't like coffee, I have to have something like beer to lure him into a coffee shop. Thank you Cartel for keeping relationships together!! We will be back!
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Review from Violeta H.
Gilbert, AZ
2/9/2012 2 Check-ins Here
after tommy v's happy hour, decided to walk to cartel for a little caffeine fix. I ordered the chai tea latte with soy and i don't remember what Aileen ordered. the drinks come out with coffee art foam, nice touch.
i also had a sugar cookie and it was moist and yummy. i might return if i was in the area but sorry i really enjoy starbucks espresso and i drink it at home in my machine all the time and starbuck's is close to home. overall a cute coffee spot to hang out. -
Review from Gina A.
Scottsdale, AZ
4/10/2012
Great location and wonderful coffee! ! The atmosphere was also relaxed and a good place to hang out with friends or get some work done. Enjoy it!!
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Review from Claire L.
Benicia, CA
2/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
I am a huge fan of local coffee shops with free wifi. I am also a huge fan of iced lattes. I know, how trendy of me, don't judge, I have some weird phobia about drinking hot lattes...I can't explain it...getting off track...anyway! Cartel!
I really like getting my work done here. This is a short walk away from J's place so whenever I'm in town and need to get work done, I head here.
I like the decor, I like the music they play (I don't even need to tune out with my headphones and spotify like I normally do when at coffee shops), and the coffee is pretty good. The ambience is chill and very oddly conducive to me getting things done. The staff here is really nice and friendly too.
Note: They also always have tempting pastries that one day I am sure I will break down and try. I'm nearly positive they'll be delicious.
Like the 4 stars say...
Yay! I'm a fan! -
Review from Lindsey F.
Scottsdale, AZ
12/20/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Cartel Coffee Lab has the three C's...coffee, cocktails (well beer but that doesn't start with a c) and cuisine. So with the three C's, I say, welcome to Scottsdale Cartel!
Although I frequented this location's former coffee shop many times during its existence, I had yet to visit the new Cartel Coffee Lab when it opened...until today. I realize what I've been missing and I won't make that mistake again. The location was cool before, but now with the Cartel touch, it's even cooler. The coffee is the delicious Cartel coffee blend and the vibe is eclectic and coffee shop'esque. But here's a nice twist courtesy of Cartel's elves. Besides basic baked goods, they also serve a simple breakfast and lunch menu.
The breakfast menu includes items such as breakfast sandwiches and oatmeal. The lunch menu includes items such as a turkey sandwich with a delicious pesto sauce, a ham sandwich and salads like tuna salad. It's a small menu but it's good. Plus you get chips, a salad or fruit with your lunch sandwich. Add a non-fat vanilla latte and you've got yourself a delicious lunch, or at least I did!
Seating is slightly limited but you should be able to find a seat on a basic work day. Plus, the vibe is comfortable and perfect to sit and work (as long as you're ok with community tables). -
Review from Sheila L.
Scottsdale, AZ
3/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is a nice place that kind of pops out of nowhere in the midst of Old Town Shops. Its real cute inside and has kind of a "im a million miles away from the world" feel. They have good beer choices and a happy hour pricing, sounds nice, I will go back soon.
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Review from Navid T.
Manhattan, NY
4/14/2012 4 Check-ins Here
This place is awesome. Everything from the ambiance and the coffee to the ipad credit card signing app makes you feel good about being here. They have an ice-coffee item not on the menu that's already cold coffee, i like to get that. I think its called a totty. Ask for it! Also, the cookies and muffins are great too, definitely not a disappointment.
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Review from Tarrah C.
2/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
Smooth, Rich, Perfect.....THAT is Cartel Coffee......why get coffee that's manufactured for the masses with mythological mermaids when you could be supporting your local Cartel? wait...that sounds a little weird, but, I think you get it....
Yeah, the coffee is good (maybe I would like it a touch stronger...), I didn't get any pastries (well, there were none I could try, hence the docking of one star, i.e. vegan or dairy-free), so I can't really comment on those.....But, I will definitly be stopping in here more often, especially as my hairstylist is right around the corner (go see Emily at Revolover, she's the BEST) We actually were strolling around Old Town when the intoxicating aroma of coffee just sucked us in......mmmmmm.....it was a perfect late afternoon pick-me-up!
It's really cool inside...there are a lot of lounge style couches everywhere (in fact, my mother-in-law felt so at ease, she plopped herself on one of them and took a 10 minute power nap while we sipped our coffee, lol) Would love to come back and get a drink at the bar (best of both beverage worlds here! chose your poison, alcohol or caffeine) and would also like to give their brunch special a go......stay tuned, perhaps I'll be giving that extra star soon! -
Review from Jesse R.
Scottsdale, AZ
3/8/2012
Another great shop. This coffee shop is right in the heart of OT Scottsdale. The coffee is strong, service is great and the environment makes for a productive work session. Check it out.
Listed in: Top Coffee Shops
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Review from Brent P.
San Francisco, CA
3/11/2012
This place is fantastic - great coffee, beer, good music and space to do work if you need it. The people who work here are extremely nice and attentive, and they all have a good sense of humor.
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Review from Stephanie N.
Tempe, AZ
1/8/2012 10 Check-ins Here
I don't give 5 stars often but for those of you who see my Check-in's via Yelp, you know this place is my coffee go-to!
5 reasons YOU should get your coffee on at Cartel:
1- Its local. Support your local business and PAHLEASE stop drinking corporate crap.
2- They take their coffee seriously. Have you seen the way they cold drip coffee? or how they delicately stir lattes? Yeah, get to it.
3- The vibe. LOVE the artsy interior and the fact they promote local artists by displaying their work through out the shop.
4- They have two central locations for your coffee addiction convenience. One in Tempe on University and Ash. The other on 5th avenue in Scottsdale.
5- They both offer delicious pastries and the Scottsdale location has breakfast and lunch options and just recently expanded their counter space to offer scrumptious beers.
It certainly doesn't hurt that the staff knows their stuff about coffee and that their service is courteous and real. If you don't enjoy your espresso here, you're only hurting yourself.
I love you Cartel! -
Review from Michael U.
Dublin, OH
After lunch at Ciao and still with my Herb Box pastries in hand I spent the afternoon wandering Old Town Scottsdale when the sudden urge for caffeine hit me. Knowing there was a Starbucks nearby but wanting something a bit more novel I pulled up the Yelp locator and noted a familiar name from my research on the city; Cartel Coffee Lab, apparently a new location filling the space of a now defunct store that used to serve their beans. Having heard good things about their sourcing, roasting, and brewing I made my way into the small store to find a number of folks lounging, surfing the web, and enjoying their coffee and on making my way to the counter I was met by not only a prompt and friendly barista, but also a knowledgeable one who asked what I liked in a coffee (full, thick, cocoa, low acid for those curious) and he spot-on recommended the Ethiopian Dark Roast at $3/8oz or $16.99/lb.
Taking his suggestion while discussing the other six varieties available I was quoted prices, terroir, and tasting notes as he prepared my single drip and with options ranging from $12.99 for 12oz to $29.99 for 12oz I was told that all were available by the cup if I wanted to taste - a mental note well engrained for my next trip to the area. With coffee prepared and limited options for sweetener (muscovado sugar or Agave nectar only) I opted to drink it black and sipping the brew the flavor was spot on to what I appreciate - velvety, cocoa tinged, and a bit of cherry and almond. An important aspect of any city I'm considering as my next home it is good to know that Phoenix/Scottsdale has a place like this - very important. -
Review from Laurie H.
1/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
Look - 3 stars is A-OK. And that's how their coffee tasted - A-OK. Hard time to rate them though - New Year's Day, leaving town, they didn't get their pastry shipment, so there was very little to choose from and very little atmosphere cuz no one was up yet. But the bottom line is that the cappuccino didn't blow me away - it was fine.
I'd give it another shot next time I'm in town. -
Review from Blaise F.
Phoenix, AZ
10/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Jason Silberschlag pulls off a pretty amazing thing here in the metro-PHX area. Three shops with their own quirky details, passion and identity. Each tailors specifically to the demographic at hand, which I can totally get behind. The fact that each shop has its own deal going on is awesome - I really dislike chains and the chain feel/look. I hadn't seen Jason in a while at the other shops, the times I'd frequented, and was happy to see him behind the bar when I came here for the first time.
Just the same way the other Cartel shops have a selection of brewing methods, this one does as well. Pour-over, aeropress, Chemex and traditional espresso (La Marz GS/3).
As expected from him, our drinks were flawless. He transfers this knowledge and passion to the baristas, which is obvious even when one leaves his establishment to go somewhere else - they stand out in the crowd of many coffee-pullers. The beans, who can complain? Jason made his name with the roasting.
I got a prepared sandwich here, and my was it tasty. Bread was fresh. Sauce, ingredients and overall creation was good. Big Ben: you stole my tastebuds' heart that morning.
Casual lounge area (see: couches), outdoor covered seating (see: hallway - shaded and cool!) and plenty of seating inside. As normal, his handiwork shines throughout the shop. Somehow I've never reviewed a Cartel shop before, despite my years of patronage. My latest experience changes that. -
Review from J.D. L.
Phoenix, AZ
12/18/2011
The Cartel has beer yep, good beer.
Stopped in for a cup and loved the house immediately. Walking over to the guys. I order a cappuccino. The i pad and app to pay up is very in genius and gives me a smile. As I am waiting for my drink I began to speak to the landlord in charge of beer. I'm told a few exciting things about the new, one day old beer garden and sample two favorites of mine.
I sat at a long table next to a chess set. Sure would be fun to play a game right now. I'm facing the street and kinda relaxing from walking. I think I just made about a two or three mile walk. My coffee is hella good. What a great day today was. People walking by the cartel are happy and looking good.
Boy you know the Lab will be hopped up tonight. -
Review from Cristi B.
Scottsdale, AZ
OMG!!!!!! I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had a Chi Latte that was UNBELIEVABLE!!! Go here!!!!!!!!!! I think that their hours are that great but I was told that they are changing next week, so maybe they will be open later. My husband got their signature drink that is an espresso with cream with agave nectar, he get it with soy and it is still DELISH. The prices are great for what you are getting, they are truly putting a lot of effort into their creations- the prices are comparable to Starsluts but the drinks are better.
What I get:
I would really try anything here, and will update as I do but so far I have had the
Chai Tea Latte. -
Review from Joshua H.
Scottsdale, AZ
9/7/2011
This business recently changed names from Sola Coffee Bar to Cartel Coffee Lab. I loved it before, so now with the expanded hours and menu, I expect it will be just as good or better!
Before changing names, I heard Sola already brewed with Cartel's beans, so today when I tried the coffee, I wasn't surprised that it tasted about the same: not overly strong, but delicious. -
Review from James G.
Prescott, AZ
2/6/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Cartel: Amazing beans, amazing interior design, and amazing locations. Hipster employees can be a pain, though.
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Review from Samantha O.
Mesa, AZ
11/7/2011
happy hour lattes are the gift that keep on giving. and the gifts of love, joy, peace, warmth and happiness and energy...and? idk i'm exaggerating.
i've never had a more delicious latte and i'm finding that it's making me a bit high maintenance. i'm the most unsnobby coffee person but maybe i will be one now? the rest of the weekend, evertime i'd get any form of coffee, i'd be like 'it definitely doesn't compare to what i had at cartel'.
which is why i am going to hold off on my review of echo because i am currently insanely biased and unable to give them a fair shot compared to cartel
who is this coffee snob? jk, i'll still go to town on a folgers anyday. -
Review from Jeff M.
1/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is the closest to a New York hipster style coffee shop I've seen in Arizona. They serve beer too. Problem is that the espresso was unbelievably bitter. Cookie happy hour is pretty cool though.
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Review from Hal J.
Scottsdale, AZ
12/14/2011 5 Check-ins Here
Went here today for the first time and boy did this place deliver. This place has a nice vibe when you walk in. They have cool art on the walls nice furniture and they even take your order and have you pay on an I-pad. But the best thing is the COFFEE. I had a Agave with soy (I think that's what it's called) it came with 3 shots of espresso and was Super delicioso! I will be back Screw Starbucks the Cartels moving in on their turf.
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Review from Thomas K.
Goodyear, AZ
1/13/2012
My daughter and I happened upon this shop when we were in Scottsdale. Coffee made to order, which was impressive from the start. My daughter ordered a Chai Tea which tasted great. If you go for atmosphere and taste, it's worth the trip.
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Review from J B.
Avondale, AZ
Awesome Iced Coffee AKA iced Toddie (Toddy) using a cold brew process that doesn't pull the acids and bitterness out of the bean and leaves a smooth, rich and fruity cup of iced goodness. The crew formerly of Solas Coffee really provides top notch service. Snap up a chocolate chip and bacon cookie or a slice of the coffee cake that rocks. Cappuccinos and Macchiattos are for drinking in and have well crafted foam. If your looking for a super sweet 1100 calorie Fat-a-chino.. keep driving to Starbucks and sip on some burnt bean lates. Know, if you want a smooth well crafted cup drip coffee made for you or rich espresso, come see the crew at Cartel Scottsdale. They also have the OG Tempe, new downtown with kitchen and Tucson location (former ally Avenue Coffee).
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Review from Human Y.
Scottsdale, AZ
1/31/2012
I was delighted with the menu items. I've enjoyed the toddies at the Downtown and Tempe locations, and this one has more space and less of a crowd than Tempe. Interior-wise, it feels a bit more grown-up than the other 2 locations I've been to. I like them all, just remember to try the food here - the ham sandwich I'd particularly recommend.
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Review from Hasan B.
San Diego, CA
10/15/2011
Incredibly competent staff are making superb espressos using a deceptively small La Marzocco machine that produces a lip-smacking, thick-crema quality cup for us espresso addicts. No more jonesing if you go: So GO already !
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Review from Rob S.
Phoenix, AZ
1/5/2012
I swung by Cartel to grab a coffee on my lunch break a few days ago, and was impressed with the operation. It is just like how I'd imagine a coffee shop, with the vibe, kind of akward build, and character that so many coffee shops lack these days (ahem cough cough Starbuckscough!). It felt strange to be in because I am so use to the "other guys" set-up that I've been going to for years, but I liked it...it left me wanting other experiences there. The latte I had was pretty good, hand made with care and time invested, instead of just thrown together quickly by a barista in a green apron. The 2 guys behind the counter were nice, one welcoming me back for a future visit. I thought it was cool they have a side-bar where they serve a couple different micro-brews and wine, something at least I've never seen in a coffee shop. Just an interesting place all together. I wish I could've spent some more time there but I enjoyed my brief visit. As of now, they have a new customer! The coffee, unique experience, and service equals a 4.5, obviously have to down grade to a 4. Oh and a side note...their cash register is an ipad, which is something you don't see everyday.
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