5 Great Coffee Houses in Flagstaff
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While staying in Flagstaff, a popular vacation destination for Grand Canyon tourists, one of the first things you will notice is the abundance of coffee shops scattered all around town. Whether a drive-thru, a common chain like Starbucks, or an independent shop downtown, you really can’t drive more than a block without running into a new place to get coffee. While you could pick up a quick coffee to-go from a chain or drive-thru, you would be missing out on enjoying the local vibe and culture of the area.
Since moving to the city, I have started to frequent local coffeehouses a lot more. I prefer the cozy laid-back setting and local vibe. Many of these coffeehouses have newspapers to read, board games to play, and cozy couches where you can kick back with your drink of choice. I often find out about local events or talk to residents about daytrips in the region.
I always start my weekend with a cup of joe before hitting any local trails. It’s a great way to perk up or decompress before/after a long day exploring the area’s amazing natural wonders.
This city is home to a lot of indie coffeehouses
Flagstaff is home to a surprisingly high number of independent coffee shops for its’ small population size, which I think is possibly due to the abundance of night owl college students (the city is home to NAU) combined with lots of road trip travelers en route to the Grand Canyon and other national parks who need a pick me up from all the long hours of driving.
This isn’t a surprise to me as coffee is in demand by both students cramming for exams as well as wearisome travelers needing a boost: 2 groups which dominate the area. Whatever, the case there is a diverse variety of coffee shops to consider.
After testing them all, there are only a few to which I return again and again. My guide will include my favorite local gems.
Kickstand Kafe
- Location: 719 N. Humphreys St.
- Hours: 6am-6pm, 7 days a week
- Best for: Creative mocha drinks
Kickstand is a nice quiet, laid-back coffee house located just outside of the downtown. I really love their espresso drinks (they use Italian Espresso Coffee and Illy Cafe brand), so when I crave a specialty drink I come here. The space is cozy with attractive local art. I love that I can relax on a couch as opposed to a stiff table.
There are plenty of comfy couches, board games, and in general, more space than the smaller shops downtown. Because this shop is located on a side street away from all the hustle and bustle, it is a quieter experience. I also love that parking is hassle-free as downtown parking can be a pain.
The specialty mochas here are fantastic. I typically prefer black coffee but once in a while spurge for something sweet. I recommend the Endo, a delicious dark chocolate mint flavored specialty. The basic Americano is really tasty too: probably the richest in flavor in all of town. Drinks are always served piping hot (great for anyone like me who can’t stand lukewarm coffee!) by friendly and fast baristas.
Aside from coffee, they make breakfast burritos fresh daily and offer local pastries and treats from Sugar Mama’s Bakery. As you can see, they also offer some Udi’s treats for gluten-free guests.
Overall, Kickstand offers the best combination of everything you would look for in a great coffee shop: friendly service, a cozy place to relax, and fantastic drinks. I definitely recommend a stop if you are looking for somewhere a bit spacious and less touristy.
Late for the Train
- Location: 19 E. Aspen St. & 22 E. Birch Ave.
- Hours: 6:30am-5pm
- Best for: Americanos
Update: Unfortunately,they closed their fantastic Birch Ave. location.
Late for the Train is a local roaster that specializes in rich dark roast coffee. I love darker roasts so this place is my cup of tea. They have a location downtown, as well as one along Hwy 180 on the way to the Grand Canyon, Snowbowl, and numerous hiking trails. Both locations are great, although the Fort Valley Rd. shop is less crowded, more convenient to popular outdoor recreational activities, and offers a more unique setting, therefore, making it the recommended of the 2.
This cafe’s setting is pretty eclectic being that it is located in an old converted gas station.
They kept some of the original architecture while also incorporating modern touches and lots of cute knick knacks like the bumper sticker loaded counter shown below. It’s also one of the few places in town where you can sip your drink while gazing at the ponderosa pines. Why so few businesses in this town took advantage of the great natural scenery is beyond me!
I love stopping by the Birch Ave location for a wake me up drink before exploring Snowbowl trails (I recommend the Aspen Nature Loop or Veit Springs) or Canyon (hiking the Canyon via the Kaibab is awesome). I also love to relax and recover with a hot drink after a long day of snowshoeing and skiing (both Snowbowl and the Nordic Center are just a short drive away).
Late for the Train roasts their beans on-site and uses seasonal beans for maximum freshness. Aside from the strong dark roast they are known for (they also offer a medium, although you will find no light roast here), there are some really creative mocha specialties to enjoy. The best drink I’ve tried thus far has been the Dark Skies Mocha, a simple mixture of dark chocolate and espresso shots which will keep you coming back for more. I am a black coffee fan and even I can’t get enough of this indulgent drink; what a treat!
If you prefer to keep it simple, you cannot go wrong with their perfectly brewed Americano, which is always made to perfection. It’s by far the best tasting in town: so smooth, flavorful, with never a hint of burnt or bitter flavor. I can’t imagine ever coming across a better Americano – even looking at my picture makes me want to run out and order one.
I also love that you can get your drink served in a heavy glass mug – it keeps the drink hot forever. This is one of the few places in town where I don’t need to add extra espresso shots as they already have the water/espresso ratio set up just right.
If you want to try something a bit different while in town, I recommend Spicy Fireman’s Mocha, a hot drink with a double shot of espresso mixed with cocoa, vanilla, almonds, and Mexican Chili spices. We tried this one and it was almost like a spicy hot cocoa. I also love their holiday drinks. The cover photo is of a Polar Express mocha – a delicious peppermint flavored Christmas treat!
Tea, iced drinks, chai lattes, and a few signature drinks round out the menu. The food menu is limited to a few premade burritos, pastries, and treats. That being said, their delicious burritos are definitely my favorite quick breakfast in town.
The pricing is a bit high here, although you do get what you pay for. The drinks are higher quality and always consistent.
Overall, I would say this coffeeshop is a perfect choice for anyone who likes strong dark roast coffee or mocha/latte drinks without fake flavoring. The local atmosphere, dedication of the trained staff, and great menu set it apart from many others in the area. While I am sad that they closed their Hwy 180 cafe, the downtown cafe (although small) still offers a great vibe.
White Dove Coffee Shop
- Location: 2211 E. 7th Avenue
- Hours: 6:30-3:00pm (Mon-Fri), 8:00-3:00pm (Sat), Closed Sun
- Best for: Cozy ambiance
White Dove is one of the few non-chain choices for coffee on the East side of town. Although it’s a bit further away from everything, the vibe is the most local, and the service the friendliest. Here, you are more likely to see locals relaxing as opposed to mounds of tourists. Most of the time this place is so quiet and limited in traffic.
The space is quaint and cozy with comfortable couches and even a fireplace to warm up by during the colder months. This is my favorite winter shop as it is the only one with a fireplace. I love places that take advantage of the cold and not try to pretend it’s still summer. At this laid-back shop, you can kick back for a bit and play a game of chess, read a book, or just relax with friends over a tasty espresso drink.
The coffee itself is pretty decent, not the best in town, but definitely one of the better options. Beans are roasted at Single Speed Coffee Roasters in nearby Williams. The Americano is usually pretty smooth and very flavorful, and never too bitter. It’s probably my second favorite Americano in town after Late for the Train. I really love when this drink is made extra strong with a punch of flavor.
The White Chocolate Mocha (I recommend trying it with almond milk for the creamiest texture) is the must try here: a decadent creamy treat to start the day. Also be sure to try the Protestor, a macchiato pulled ristretto with a dapple of foam.
Iced drinks and caffeine-free selections include hot chocolate and seasonal apple cider. A small selection of breakfast and lunch fare (including a few gluten-free treats) are available if you need a small bite to eat. I usually just come here for the coffee so I don’t have much to say about the food.
Overall, I would say this is a quiet, non-touristy option for those looking to take it easy in a non-rushed setting. Whether you are looking to relax, get a little bit of work done, recover after your outdoor adventures, or simply relax in good company with a good drink, this local gem has you covered. As one drawback, they are closed on Sundays!
Rendezvous Coffee House & Martini Bar at the Monte Vista
- Location: 100 N. San Francisco Street
- Hours: 8:30am-2:00am (Sat & Sun), 2:00pm-2:00am (Mon-Fri)
- Best for: Historic ambiance
Rendezvous is a cozy little coffeehouse/bar located on the first floor of the historic Monte Vista Hotel (est. 1926) downtown. Known to be one of the most haunted hotels in the country, it is an interesting stop if you happen to be staying in town. As a fan of anything spooky and historic, this is one of my favorite places in town. They used to be open early during the week so I would come at this time to escape the tourist crowds. Unfortunately, early morning hours are only offered on the weekends now. Regardless, I love the historic charm and the downtown location. You can walk to a lot of cool shops and restaurants from this central location.
The hotel is known for its’ many ghost sightings, including repeated reports of the appearance of the “Phantom Bell Boy.” I like that it has a spooky ambiance, being a big fan of Halloween and the paranormal. Even famous celebrities like John Wayne, who stayed here while filming, reported ghost sightings. Aside from the intriguing history of the hotel, there is a nice little coffee shop which offers the perfect setting for people watching. It’s really got a unique vibe and personality which sets it apart from common chains.
Rendezvous serves coffee from local roaster Firecreek. The basic Americano is pretty tasty for a bar, and the classy presentation sets it apart from other establishments in town. Additionally, there is a small selection of mochas to choose amongst.
Rendezvous has a unique setup as it is half coffeebar/half cocktail bar. You can choose to sit at the beautiful wood bar or in the side room which houses several huge comfy couches. The large windows allow you to people watch while sipping your drink. There’s also a humongous TV where they frequently screen football games, old horror movies, and host special events.
Halloween is the ideal time to visit as you can escape the cold for a bit in a nice warm, cozy atmosphere, gaze out at the fall colors lining the streets of downtown, and enjoy a specialty pumpkin drink. After your coffee break, I recommend strolling the lobby and checking out all the ghost stories. You can also pick up a map of haunted locations at the Visitor Center.
Overall, Rendezvous is a nice hangout for both visitors and locals. The change from a relaxed coffeehouse by morning, to a lively bar at night is something you don’t see everyday.
On an interesting side note, I recently found out that San Francisco Street, was a filming location for one of the Forrest Gump long running scenes. This is the street where Forrest said the “It happens” line. I never knew until moving here but it’s cool to know!
Bookman’s Cafe
- Location: 1520 S. Riordan Ranch St.
- Hours: 9:00am-9:00pm (8 on Tues-Thurs)
- Best for: Cheap coffee (with trade in)
Bookmans, a trade in used books/movies store, is a surprising find for best coffeeshops. Surprisingly, I actually really enjoy the drinks here. I also love their deal where you can trade in old books for credit to use in their cafe. The Americano and Mochas at Bookmans are always top notch. They also serve tea from Curran’s Specialty Teas, a nice local tea shop in the downtown area.
Service is wonderful and the cozy setting inside a bookstore just perfect for bookworms and coffee lovers. You can browse books while you sip your drink or even bring your own stack to trade in. I love that I can trade in books I no longer read for credits for free coffee and espresso! I’ve also picked up quite a few DVDs and books (so many great oldies to browse through just like the good old days of video rental stores!).
Don’t miss this one on Oak Creek drive
As Sedona is just a half hour drive away, I’ve decided to include the best place to grab a fantastic drink before hiking in this area. Let me tell you – there is no way you can visit the region without checking out Sedona. To get to any hike, you will take the stunningly gorgeous Oak Creek Canyon Drive (Hwy 89a) which features the most amazing red rock views. There is this great little cafe/coffeeshop that I frequent on a regular basis called Indian Gardens. It’s located at: 3951 AZ-89A and open from 8am-4pm (8pm on Friday nights).
It’s a great place to stop for a fantastic drink and breakfast before hitting the jaw dropping red rock trails. They offer the best drinks, the best breakfast, and the best outdoor seating area. This is actually my favorite place to enjoy coffee and breakfast in the entire Northern Arizona region.
The drinks here are always perfect, no matter what you order. The Americano is always perfectly smooth and never bitter or burnt tasting. The Mocha is definitely the best around. Their single origin beans are sourced from small producers in Latin America, Africa, and Indonesia. Local roaster Firecreek roasts the beans in small batches, ensuring fresh coffee all the time. A custom espresso blend and several single origin coffees are offered daily.
For breakfast, my favorite entrees are the Grains & Greens Bowl and the Breakfast Burritos (made with local tortillas). Both are wonderful choices for any vegetarians out there. The food is just amazing. Anything I’ve tried has been delicious even their soups, salads, and sandwiches on the lunch lineup. Best restaurants in the area – period.
You can linger in the outdoor garden for as long as you want before exploring one of Sedona’s gorgeous hiking trails: the setting is so nice (lush greenery, red rock views, fountains) you will be tempted to order another drink just to stay a bit longer! Note that this place can get busy on weekends; if you do not arrive early, you may be standing up waiting for a seat. Regardless, it’s so worth the wait!
Other decent Flag coffeehouses
Campus Coffee Bean is located in a strip mall off Milton Road. It’s an okay choice as the drinks are cheap, they offer great 2 for 1 happy hour deals from 4-6 daily, and staff is always pretty friendly. They also serve some great food. On the downside, it’s pretty busy all the time and feels more like a cafe than a true coffeeshop.
Macy’s, a long running local favorite, has a great location downtown in a historic building. The space is cozy with plenty of seating, although it can get incredibly busy and oftentimes you have to sit outside on the curb due to lack of space. Unfortunately, every drink I have tried at this popular shop have been a bit too bitter/burnt for my taste. The food on the other hand is quite good, so come for lunch, not your morning coffee! Lots of wonderful vegetarian options here including fresh salads and sandwiches.
Firecreek has a nice location right along Route 66 downtown. While the espresso drinks are pretty good, they are always understaffed so it typically a long wait to get your drinks. Unfortunately, this usually means cold coffee. If you like your coffee hot like I do, it’s a skip. Also, the coffee is super strong – so much that I get a bit spacey sometimes after drinking it. What I liked most here was an Espresso set I ordered one time (one shot of espresso and one cappuccino).
Keep in mind that this cafe can get busy due to the Rt 66 location. The high noise level means it’s not the best choice if you are looking to get some work done.
Overrated coffee shops
Matador: Matador is one of the newer additions to the local coffee scene. While the convenient location (right on busy Milton Road) is a plus, the espresso drinks are a bit flavorless and burnt tasting. Also, the unattractive setting (just one small table to sit at) easily make this a skip.
While the beautiful outdoor patio at Flagstaff Coffee Company drew me in initially, the poor quality drinks did not bring me back. This is unfortunate as they have a gorgeous shady outdoor seating area. Unfortunately, the drinks we tried here were by far the worst in town.
