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Gold Bar Espresso
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
3141 S McClintock DrSte 6
Tempe, AZ 85282
(480) 839-3082
Announcement
Check out Über Wednesday, Add-shot Friday! Live Jazz Friday and Sunday mites @ 7:30! Game nite Saturday night...
Announced 2 days ago- Hours:
Mon-Sun 6 am - 11 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
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$$
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
64 reviews for Gold Bar Espresso
Review Highlights
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"Feels like a true locally owned shop." In 9 reviews -
"Everything here, especially the Mocha Especiale, is great." In 4 reviews -
"Sunday morning has classical guitar." In 3 reviews
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64 reviews in English
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Review from April Q.
This place was quite busy for being a Friday afternoon. The young gal at the register was not only friendly, but helpful in picking out what to try. Since I was having a procedure done later, I wanted to lay off the espresso/caffeine, so I skipped that altogether and had an amazing iced Cinnamon Cardamon herbal tea. Along with that I had a Zucchini muffin (proudly displayed next to about 6 other types of muffins they carry... all supposedly from a nearby bakery). I got to tell ya, I was IN LOVE with that muffin. It was made perfectly: an impressive amount of walnuts, dense, but still moist.. no overwhelming sugar ... and you can see little bits of zucchini in the bread.
The last time I had home made zucchini bread was when I was in middle school... many, many, many years ago and it always left an impression on me - this was the perfect way of reliving that. It was outstanding! I think I would go back just for that zucchini muffin.. seriously.
I liked the ambiance - very cozy and very neighborly.. lots of locals (students, too) studying, typing, surfing, working, reading, etc. -
Review from Erick P.
Phoenix, AZ
2/12/2012 2 Check-ins Here
This place has promise, and I'll be certain to give it another shot. Lots of seating inside and out, so it looks like a great place to hole up for work. Good vibe, and it looks like they have live music from time to time. Perhaps it was just an off day, but the barista on duty was pretty green. Ordered a cappuccino, but it was more of a latte.
Oh well. I'll be back. -
Review from Ingrid T.
3/12/2012
In town drinking a lovely mocha. It is delish! Not bitter and the the place is adorable! I am drinking my coffee and the owners are just amazing! Wish we had a place like this in Tucson! I give my vote to this place for sure!
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Review from mike a.
Phoenix, AZ
8/21/2011
If we were able to give 0 stars... I would ask to give -1.
I live nearby, and am sad to see that a coffeeshop that sells coffee this horrible is still in business in my neighborhood.
Not only was the breve mocha that I ordered disgusting, so was the process of watching the barista make my drink.
They use hershey's chocolate from a dirty nacho cheese style pump with chocolate sauce dripping down the sides, and coagulated into a thick cap at the tip of the nozzle. *Disgusting.
The espresso shot was made without care, or concern for the fact that it was done way too quickly, and with espresso grounds that were ground way before I walked in the door. Possibly way before the barista started her shift. *Gross
And finally. The milk. She steamed the milk with the automatic steam wand. This was a huge red flag. Those are notorious for burning milk and making disgusting drinks. Well, both were accomplished.
The steam wand was tinted white from lack of cleaning. And the worst part was that near the end of the wand was a DARK CHEESE that had accumulated from burning milk and not cleaning the wand after every use.
Which is FREAKIN - DISGUSTING.
I wasted 5 bucks on an overpriced small mocha, and threw it away after taking a sip.
Hundreds of businesses in the area close down every year, and there are more realty signs in strip malls in this neighborhood than actual storefronts. AND I really don't understand why this place hasn't joined the many defunct businesses and starry eyed entrepreneurs in the unemployment line.
If you own a coffeeshop. Coffee should be your passion.
If you own a bait shop. Fishing should be your passion.
If you just want to open up a business that mirrors a nearby popular chain (short, tall, grande), please stop wasting space in the strip mall and get a day job in a cubicle.
Never going back, warning my friends about this place, and am probably going to contact the health department on Monday.Listed in: My Neighborhood
Comment from Karen M. of Gold Bar Espresso 8/21/2011
Please accept my apology for your unfortunate experience at… More » -
Review from Allen M.
Parker, CO
9/16/2011
I'm not a coffee snob, but I love a good Americano.
This place has the charm you'd expect from a locally owned coffee shop complete with eclectic decor, artwork on the walls, odds-and-ends of gaudy lamps and stained-glass windows. The coffee is pretty good from what I have experienced. The air-conditioning is right where it needs to be as well.
Most important factor for this business: very nice staff. That alone makes me want to come by more often. -
Review from Mike N.
Phoenix, AZ
11/20/2011
So I am not usually in the Tempe area, but a friend told me about this place. So I though I would go try it out. I got a Grande Latte that was around $4. Not a bad price. But what made it worth it was that I guess this Friday I went was a Free Shot Friday. So I got an extra Espresso shot in my latte making it a triple for $4 bucks...no that is a deal. Not sure if they always have the promotion on Fridays. But it sure did make my morning a little better.
Their menu is very easy to read and give those no too educated in the was of coffee a good description of what each drink is and how it is made.
The had a ton of great looking pastries even though I didn't sample any. Cakes, Eclairs, Scones, and I think even what looked like cheesecake.
The decor was very interesting. An old fashion coffee house meets a gypsy vibe. I think they have Wifi too. I saw a few people on there computers.
The service was a little slow I think. Felt like I was waiting for my drink for 10 minutes and the place was not really that busy. This was probably because of the guy ahead of me when I walked in who had about 7 different modifications to his drink. I have worked in a coffee place and those people are kind of annoying. So I will let them slide on the time of service.
Overall a great experience. Would have been 3 stars, but when you get something for free, in my book that is an automatically another star. -
Review from Karen W.
Tempe, AZ
Updated - 1/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
Received a message from the owner saying they do have some sugar free syrups, so I'll give them another try next time I want some coffee!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/19/2012
Way back when dinosaurs roamed the earth and I was a high school kid (Well OK, it wasn't that long… Read more »
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Review from Corey N.
Tempe, AZ
2/8/2012
I tend to prefer locally-owned coffee shops over large chains, and Gold Bar embodies most of the reasons why.
The place is rather small, but most of the time there's still plenty of open seating at tables. (It can get pretty crowded on weekend mornings.) The decor gives it a bit of an "indie" feel, but very warm and enclosed: almost like you're sitting there doing your work in a kind stranger's home (full of other people doing work).
The coffee is above average, as have been most of the specialty drinks I've tried. Their extra-caffeinated "Totti coffee" can be helpful for an extra jolt of energy, especially to the highly caffeine-tolerant. The deserts in the window are generally pretty good, but deceptively sugary and dense- not recommended for the faint of heart. Their quiches (weekends only, I think) are delicious!
It's a great place for working/studying as well. Plenty of outlets, good seating and lighting, free wi-fi! -
Review from Ian S.
Phoenix, AZ
1/23/2012
I love this little coffee shop. Amidst all of the commercial coffee places around, this seems down to earth and unassuming. The barista is always friendly. I like to support local businesses and would, by far, support Gold Bar than Starbucks located across the parking lot.
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Review from Paul G.
Phoenix, AZ
6/12/2011
I LOVE coffee and try places all over. I really, really wanted to like this place.
The coffee is average. The pastries are average but expensive for what you get (americano is $4, muffin $3).
The wi-fi is ok but don't expect to stream music. It often cuts out. The air conditioning is set at a high temp so if you like it cool, this is not the place for you. -
Review from Jim W.
10/4/2010
The bar was not gold and it was not a bar so much as a counter. I did not see any gold bars in evidence. My espresso drink was not concocted in any way involving a gold bar. So basically the name is a total misnomer in my book.
I did notice that the employee who made my espresso drink was friendly and helpful, that the drink was good, that the place has free wifi and that there was plenty of seating.
Good product, atmosphere and service, no gold bar to be found.
This concludes my review of Gold Bar Espresso.
Thank you for reading.Comment from Andrew M. of Gold Bar Espresso 10/9/2010
It is actually a very interesting story as to how Gold Bar… More » -
Review from Samantha C.
Phoenix, AZ
4/11/2011
I can't believe I haven't reviewed the BEST coffee shop in the East Valley or perhaps even in the entire Phoenix area. When I had no life (opressed by school, thesis and MCAT) I would spend most of my waking hours at Gold Bar. I should have been paying them rent.
Its more than just a coffee shop... it just has this irreplicable ATMOSPHERE and the friendliest employees I've ever encountered. Its family owned and everyone that works there is somehow related to one another... creates this really personal vibe and you know they take great pride in their product.
Allan Bros. coffee is the best. I have even had a friend in Oregon bring some down here for me. I refuse to drink Starbucks garbage after my palatte has become accustomed to Allan Bros. Its almost annoying because now I frankly dislike any other coffee besides Allan Bros. Delectable.
If you are too fancy for plain coffee or want to color outside the lines...try the Granida... so YUMMY! Its frap'esque' but infinitely better. Also their iced Toddy is great if you want a jolt of caffiene without the bitterness of regular iced coffee.
Every Sunday morning there is LIVE MUSIC (guitar) at Gold Bar... so lovely and worth checking out.
***remember your punch card... after 10 punches you get a $1.00 drink! :) -
Review from Alexandra K.
Phoenix, AZ
5/20/2011 3 Check-ins Here
The husband, wife and son team who own gold bar are absolutely lovely, lovely people. That goes for the rest of the staff too. They remember you! Even when you make a trip back from a three month long hiatus.
All those GIANT pastries are homemade by the wife. They're damn good. (The holiday sugar cookies are extremely popular. And pretty.)
Each table has a lamp and there are plenty of outlets (it kind of looks like a fire hazard, but hey that's okay!) So, it's a great study spot in the afternoon, before it gets over populated.
The staff knows their way around the menu and they also offer to make you something else if you don't like their suggestion. I've always liked their suggestions. :)
You can leave your punch card there in an alphabetically sorted bin, which is convenient if you tend to loose those things like me.
The downside is the bathroom. It's a little bit awkwardly placed. You have to work your way through the "kitchen area" to get to it.
OH! BONUS! I used to take my weiner dog here. The baristas would always have treats for him. He really likes gold bar too. -
Review from Angie L.
Scottsdale, AZ
11/26/2011
It wasn't a very big coffee shop. My boyfriend and I met a small group of friends around 2 pm on a Saturday. The place was crowded with people stopping in. There was only one person to run the counter so the service was pretty slow. I told the woman I found the place on Yelp because it said to mention that for a .50 off per drink discount. She didn't give us the correct discount. I guess I should've spelled it out so she understood what I was wanting. I ordered the Mocha Especiale. It was alright, but it tasted a little gritty to me. So, overall I wasn't that impressed and it's a place I can live without.
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Review from Leslie F.
Tempe, AZ
11/14/2011
This is a cute little place with fun artwork. I took off a few stars because it is one of those places that turns into a library for the students. It was so quiet my friend and I waited until we were outside to start chatting. Our drinks were ok and the barista was friendly so other than the study atmosphere it was good.
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Review from J seth A.
Phoenix, AZ
2/17/2011
Locally owned, delicious espresso, welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff, good treats.
I stopped by at 9:30 p.m. and the place was packed with a young crowd, working on computers or chatting about art and music. I think I just found my favorite coffee shop in Tempe. -
Review from Daniel R.
Tempe, AZ
12/3/2009 1 photo
Gold Bar is not hip, it is not polished, it is not new and it is not standard Phoenix/Tempe. Gold Bar is easy to like and easy to sit in for a couple of hours grading papers.
I come from cozy towns in Michigan, where when the snow falls heavy the streets grow quiet and everyone you meet has tinge of red to their cheeks and the need for a warm drink. There's a kind of empathy that comes with this quaintness that is hard to find in Phoenix. It was there in the old 3 Roots but you had to trade it for slow service. It's not there at Cartel, but that's not what Cartel is about.
Gold Bar is charming. You're transported, as much as can be hoped for in our strip mall culture, to a cozy living room in another town when you spend a couple of hours here. The family that runs it knows many of the customers names, they sell hearty foods and heavy drinks.
Just from overhearing the son of the owners talk I can tell you: They have stamp cards. Monday is Pastry stamp Monday. Friday is Extra Shot Friday. Friday and Sunday nights are live Jazz. Sunday morning has classical guitar. Saturday night is game night, where they have drawings every 20 minutes to give you free drinks, eats and prizes.
So, it is quiet and you can hear everybody else, the drinks are a bit expensive and the food is only okay. All of those things add up to make this place a little slice of home for someone who is not the biggest fan of living in the city that ate the desert. -
Review from Julia T.
6/30/2008
Uh last time I checked cappuccinos weren't supposed to have sour tasting espresso. I don't know how else to describe it. I had a chocolate croissant that was mediocre. It was dry, kind of like eating tissue paper with some chocolate in it. I am sure they don't make the pastries on site, so they may want to think about changing suppliers.
Atmosphere was awkward. There is no music so there is a weirdness of silence, or listening to other people's conversations. I was trying to read while drinking my sour cappuccino, (it was $4, you bet I drank that sucky cap) but the Batista was on the phone having an annoyingly boring personal conversation. Normally I wouldn't have heard it, but with silence in such a small place I couldn't help it. I root for independently owned coffee shops, but they have to do their part with decent product and fair prices. Sorry Gold Bar, you're not doing it for me.Listed in: Caffeine!!!!!
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Review from Taylor D.
Tempe, AZ
Ups: great staff, regular patrons, eclectic furniture and decorations, unique beans. Feels like a true locally owned shop. It can quickly become "your" coffee shop.
Downs: Drinks are a bit expensive. Quality of pulled shots can vary between baristas, sometimes it can get crowded. No actual food. No public restroom (but they'll let you use the one in the kitchen if you ask).Listed in: Best Coffee Shops
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Review from Lucia C.
1/16/2010
I don't know how I've never made it to Gold Bar before! It's slightly hidden, tucked back by the Basha's and slightly obscured by the Starbucks on the corner. It's definitely the eclectic, funky Tempe cafe I've been looking for. The decor is kitschy - stained glass, random art, cool colors, and great signs. Aside from the basics, their coffee menu has an impressive number of custom drinks with cute names. They serve cakes and pastries, which I were told come from a Kosher bakery in Phoenix. The place is cute and cool, and the patrons seem to be a mix of students and musically-inclined hipsters. They are definitely on the pricey side, but it seem to be a good place to spend the afternoon working. They have live music on Friday and Saturday evenings, and classical guitar on Sunday mornings. I got my first Gold Bar stamp card - I LOVE being rewarded for eating and drinking.
My barista was awesome. He was personable and very friendly. He suggested I get my chai latte with a mix of vanilla and raspberry (his fave) and it was great. He presented my mug of chai with the prettiest Latte Art flower - I very much enjoyed Gold Bar, and will definitely make it a regular stop. -
Review from Tonia B.
1/1/2011
There are things they have that I want to try, thus making me want to return which is indeed a bonus. This includes my favorite treat, red velvet cake.
The breve I had wasn't bad and it's a very relaxing place to sit and get some work done. It's sad I always seem to forget about it.
One thing I don't like is the wifi. It works similar to those at hotels where you have to sign into a web page. I don't expect it and therefore dislike it greatly. -
Review from Tena W.
Phoenix, AZ
1/15/2009
Errrbody hatin' on Gold Bar!
Personally, I like their coffee (OK, actually I like the Iced Mocha). I went there almost every single day (sometimes two) through college, so I have some loyalty. Consequently, I think I put one of their kids through college with the amount of coffee I bought. I actually like the fact they don't have music blaring in my ear. It made Gold Bar a much better study environment. On weekends they do have live music (jazz, classical guitar). I can't say anything about the food, except for the yummy McTavish cookies. Sitting is limited. Hours are great. And they are still around despite Starbuck moving in on their territory. HISSBOO.
PLUS, they are open on Thanksgiving & Christmas Day for a couple of hours with $1 coffee. HELLSYAH! -
Review from Jon A.
Phoenix, AZ
Updated - 10/31/2011
The owner was very concerned about the bad experience previously reported and apparently dealt with the issue. I have returned several times and can happily report no further snarkiness.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/11/2011
When I moved to Phoenix three years ago, I inquired where to find this sort of coffee shop. I have… Read more »
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Review from Allison E.
Tempe, AZ
11/6/2010 5 Check-ins Here
Locally owned by great people! Yummy lattes, and live music and game night! What more could you want?!
This place really goes out of their way to offer more than the standard coffee experience. When the owner found out it was our first time there, she went out of her way to tell us all about their nightly events, give us an extra punch on our first card, and make sure we knew about their specialty drinks.
Considering they're in the same parking lot with a Starbucks, you know they have to be offering something special to stay in business.
Support the locals! Go to Gold Bar!!!Listed in: Liquid Consciousness
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Review from Stephanie S.
Scottsdale, AZ
5/6/2008
I feel obligated to give this place four stars simply for competing against the Starbucks within the same shopping center. Don't ever give up, Gold Bar!
That being said, the prices and the not-great seating situation keep Gold Bar from earning a solid five stars in my book. I know they have to make money somehow, but $3.00 for a "short" latte? Substitute soy milk and add tax, and I'm up to almost $4 for a pretty basic beverage. The flavor and overall quality are definitely there; it just seems a bit over-priced.
For those wanting to stay and sip/chat/kill time, there are a couple of tiny tables in the front area, a small back room with limited seating, and some plastic chairs outside on the sidewalk overlooking the parking lot.
Bottom line: get your beverage to go, and be sure to use a Gold Bar punch card -- buy 9 drinks and get your next one (your choice) for $1. -
Review from Amy B.
8/24/2008
I like this place. It's tucked in a Bashas strip mall, NOT facing the road. I found this place when I was running some errands, and thought I would give it a shot.
Ok, so I like it here. Free wifi, cute layout, indoor and outdoor seating. Seating is limited, in the sense that its a lot of two tops or a few 4 tops, but nothing for a larger group, like lets say a random study group or whatnot.
They serve pastries, and I purchased one. The girl at the counter said that the WIFI was free, but they wanted you to make a purchase, which is a reasonable request. The drinks, in comparison, are priced more at a starbucks level, from staring at the menu. prepare to spend $4 on a mocha, and $2.50-$4 on a pastry.
It is quiet in here, no music. But, some people need that, and if I was studying, I would want it quiet in here as well.
This seems like a great little spot. I have not tried the coffee, yet, but its SO much better then getting starbucks! The girl who helped me behind the counter seemed to know her stuff. I like that in a good coffee shop-staff who know thier stuff!
What I do NOT like about this place is the lack of bathrooms. There is one bathroom, but you have to physically cut through the "backroom area" which is ugly and unkept looking. Its kind of like back in the old days when you were a kid and had to cut through the stock room at the grocery store to get to the bathrooms. I was not impressed with the bathroom situation, and even though the bathroom was clean, I didn't like the fact that I felt like I was using a staff bathroom. Not cool.
So, support your local shops and come here and enjoy. -
Review from Crystal Z.
Tempe, AZ
10/4/2010 2 Check-ins Here
I've been going to Gold Bar for years - it was the first coffee shop my sister-in-law Jena took me to when I moved here 10 years ago. The service is always great - this is truly the Cheers of coffee shops.
Andrew is always there in the mornings with a smile, ready to help. The eclectic decor makes it feel really cozy, and the fact that outlets adorn the walls and there's free wifi make this one of my favorite places to work.
Oh, and get the chai, it's insane!Listed in: Tempe Musts
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Review from Mr K.
Phoenix, AZ
12/18/2007
I'm glad I was finally able to make it into Gold Bar, since I wanted to experience the last of the trio of coffeehouses along McClintock. And a big kudos to them for fighting the big fight against Starbucks across the parking lot. That said, I drove past the Starbucks first (which was mostly empty) while Gold Bar was much more crowded. Good goin', Tempe!
I entered and my first reaction was I liked the feeling of the place - tables made of wrought iron or of the wooden breakfast nook variety, random mishmash of art and stained glass on the walls and windows, a tall wooden shelving unit holding premium teas with "Gold Bar Espresso" carved into it, a pair of black leather lounge seats, etc. However, the layout of the place was a little awkward and it felt kind of cramped in there with every table and chair occupied.
I ordered a medium soy latte from the friendly barista, but when she told me it was going to be $4.70 I asked her to repeat herself to make sure I heard that right. I'm sorry, but that price is ridiculous. I'm used to being penalized by coffeehouses for being lactose intolerant (which sucks), but when a shot of espresso with soy milk in a 16 ounce cup approaches five bucks, I am really going to get turned off, especially when 8 times out of 10 the soy drink isn't going to be all that great. I'm not ordering some gargantuan frapuccino with 3 syrups and whipped cream, just a simple latte. Anyway, that's my own personal pet peeve.
I'd say the patronage was a mix of younger students hanging out to grad students working to older folks chatting and playing cards. I sat down to a table and tried relaxing when I realized that there was no music playing overhead. That was kind of weird. And with nothing playing in the background, every conversation became that much more amplified. I think some background music at low volume to set at least some sort of ambiance is key to any coffeehouse - whereas this felt more like a library except there was no librarian giving people dirty glances when they were being loud. I didn't have my iPod with me but I was wishing I did.
However, around 1/2 an hour later a bunch of guys came in and set up instruments at the far end of the cafe, complete with chimes and xylophone and sax, and proceeded to play jazzy versions of Christmas tunes, like the one from the Charlie Brown Christmas special. That was kind of cool and it finally led to a more decent atmosphere, except that with the weird layout of Gold Bar, unless you were sitting at the two tables in that section where the band was, you could barely see them playing. They were more or less disconnected with the rest of the cafe.
So I'm bummed to say Gold Bar was kind of a let down for me. I really appreciate the little indie holding steady against the corporate giant, and it was a lot mellower than Xtreme Bean if you wanted to get work done, but I'd probably rank it in the middle of the coffeehouse trio, behind Steve's Espresso, which was a lot more my kind of coffeehouse.
3 stars (more like 3.49)Listed in: Caffei-nation
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Review from Whitney H.
Tempe, AZ
9/27/2008
Nice place. (+ positive, - negative, -/+ neutral)
+ Good coffee. I forgot what the name is, but I once asked the barista to make me something with lots of chocolate. It was a mocha made with Ghirardelli chocolate I believe. I was in love.
+ I've been here three times and every time the employees have been respectful and fast.
- Their food is... well... gross.
+ Good atmosphere. Great place to study because most of the time loners sit inside and groups sit outside. If you like alone time when you read/study/whatever (like me), you'll like it here.
- I will sadly have to agree with many other reviews: the prices are not worth the coffee. -
Review from Andrew P.
Plymouth, MI
9/2/2006
Gold Bar Espresso is a cozy, locally owned and operated coffee spot. Its prior location in a retired bank vault (hence the name) was presumably much more charming than its current Valley-standard strip mall locale, but it makes up for it with friendly and helpful staff.
I spent the late afternoon reading in Gold Bar with excellent live accoustic guitar for background. This is a fine place to purchase and enjoy a Sunday New York Times.
The pumpkin pie was absolutely delicious.
Gold Bar also serves non-coffee drinks including teas, chai, and decadent hot chocolate also available in a refreshing iced format.Listed in: Hanging in the Valley, Reading in the Valley
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Review from Chris L.
Tempe, AZ
8/9/2007
Gold Bar has a lot of potential, but disappoints me.
1. The decor is typical "throw junk on the wall" chic. There's a bit too much clutter and not enough seating.
2. The prices are a bit steep. A large mocha will cost you well over $4.00
3. The espresso is somewhat weak. Of the 9 or 10 places in Tempe/ASU area I've tried, Gold Bar is the worst when it comes to espresso strength. I only knew there was coffee in my latte because it was light brown in color.
It still tastes better than Starbucks I guess and it's close to home. But I've had much better. -
Review from Amanda B.
Tucson, AZ
3/6/2008
My great complaints are the yard sale decor and actual layout. Gold Bar feels incredibly awkward, but once I settle in, it's a nice, relaxed homework spot. I have no problem driving across town to spend a few hours working here with my headphones on.
When it's not prime time, this is a great spot for small groups of four or five to pile around a table, drink caffeinated beverages, and do crossword puzzles. I'm not kidding. Stop laughing at me.
The staff is always friendly, you can never go wrong with a "Buy 10 Drinks, Get the 11th for $1" card, and free wifi. The pastries are boring, but the wonderfully espresso is strong.
Mochas and I aren't what one would call "friends". The Mocha Especiale and I, however, are long lost loves and try to get together as frequently as possible.
Want to know what blows my mind? I know you're dying to hear it: Pumpkin pie. It's seasonal, but I wait around every year for a slice of that pie.Listed in: Phoenix: Free Wifi
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Review from Ralph B.
Scottsdale, AZ
7/11/2010
Closer to my house than Cafe Solo but it's a little claustrophobic inside. The star rating is for the espresso. It was okay but not the true experience of espresso where the aroma of coffee fills one's entire mouth and nose upon each sip. My guess is that their machine does not generate enough pressure to extract the really delicate flavor components. Seems that folks in Tempe are just fine with $tarbux though so the owners may be excused for complying with market demand.
Staff was nice but untrained on the day I visited. If this place were on my way to work I would probably be a regular here. -
Review from Geoff O.
Woodside, NY
5/29/2007
Gold Bar was a great find. Quite tucked away it seems to draw a very mellow and friendly crowd.
What I really like about the place is that it feels like an old world cafe. It's not "alternative" or corporate. Its a cozy, yet soulful cafe with a crowd that ranges from high schoolers to seniors. The coffee, teas, and Italian sodas have treated me well there as have the cool (and often attractive) people behind the counter. Although I've never been there for the live music, that too is a plus.
My one complaint was that the place was only open until 8pm, which totally goes against the whole notion of what a cafe is supposed to be! I see now that they've rectified this and are now open until 11. Bravo. -
Review from Dan L.
Tempe, AZ
2/23/2010 1 Check-in Here
Another one of my many indie coffee shops that I love to support. Gold Bar used to be my main spot to interview high-level candidates as a recruiter, and if they appreciated locally-owned business (which a lot of them did!) they were impressed by the selection.
The coffee is great, I'll be honest I'm much more about the ambiance than the expresso itself, and this is probably the most unique in that regard that I've found.
I will agree with another reviewer that the prices are a little higher than most places, even for just plain old coffee, but for a place offering live entertainment etc, it's well worth it!Listed in: Gettin' My Buzz…
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Review from carter l.
Phoenix, AZ
12/10/2009
Created a YELP page because I was annoyed with this place. Maybe they have great coffee but thats not my beef with them.
I saw they were listed as a great place to smoke a cigar and have a cup of jo. Understanding that some great places do not allow cigars (4Peaks, The Yardhouse...), I called them and said "I understand you guys are cigar smoker friendly?''. The woman on the phone answered, "Yes". When I inquired on a smoking area she said "Just keep them as far away from us as possible". Rude.
Thats not "cigar smoker friendly" at all! A simple, "Actually, we do discourage patrons from smoking cigars" would have sufficed. I would have even still went for a simple cup of coffee.
Again, maybe their coffee is great...but I'll never know for sure now. Drink Lux! -
Review from Jack T.
Phoenix, AZ
1/1/2008
I'm not a big coffee drinker, but i love hot chocolate, and Gold Bar makes some pretty good hot chocolate. I like the Chocolate Especiale. Nice and creamy, not too strong (so you can have a larger cup and not feel guilty).
There's also a pair of comfy chairs directly across from a grandfather clock that quietly chimes every so often. I like hot chocolate. I like comfortable chairs. And I especially like chiming clocks. So, I like this place a lot.Listed in: Favorite Places to Escape My…
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Review from Kyle K.
Tempe, AZ
1/7/2009
The interior of Gold Bar looks like a hip, arty 75 year old woman's living room. The coffee is good (Allann Bros.) but pricey. Really pricey. But that may have something to do with its being located directly across the parking lot from a very busy Starbucks.
If you're in the area, it's a comfortable "let's chat" kind of place.Listed in: Best Coffee in Tempe
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Review from Ziggy S.
Phoenix, AZ
8/3/2011
If you prefer locally-owned over Starbucks, then come here. But don't expect a whole lot of seating in this small coffee shop.
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Review from Earl C.
9/23/2008 2 photos
i've never heard of this place, but i received a brief history from one of my friends on this establishment. Gold Bar was located where Xtreme Bean now stands on the (south west corner of McClintok and Southern) a long time ago. I guess Xtreme Bean bought them out of their location or they just took over... that's why they moved to the location there at now (North East corner of Southern and McClintok)
i thought this place is really neat, they have comfy seats and outside-furniture inside with cushions for your bum. It's a smaller place which to me is a lot better especially when you're trying to get things done, no distraction like loud people or a piano playing.
the only thing i didn't like about this place was the price of their latté it was the same price as starbucks or some other place and it didn't even taste that good. i was disappointed on that fact. Maybe i just ordered a bad drink so i'm going to go back and give them another try....
