5 Great Coffee Houses in Flagstaff
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After relocating to Flagstaff, a popular vacation destination for Grand Canyon tourists, one of the first things I noticed was the many local businesses around town. Not just restaurants either, there are a number of fantastic coffeehouses. I love supporting independent shops, so I am more than happy to visit my favorite local coffeehouses each weekend prior to hitting the trails.
Whether a drive-thru or an independent cafe 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.
Flagstaff is home to a surprisingly high number of independent coffee shops despite 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 after 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.
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 cafes 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. It’s like the exact opposite of sitting in a stiff, “always the same” Starbucks cafe and I like that!
I always start my weekend with a cup of joe before hiking in the beautiful ponderosa pine forests. It’s a great way to perk up or decompress before/after a long day exploring the area’s amazing natural wonders. After testing pretty much all of them, there are a few that I return to time and time again. My guide includes my personal recommendations. Hopefully, you enjoy the experience just as much as me!
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. It’s got that local vibe going for it. I also love that parking is hassle-free as downtown parking can be a pain. Update: Now that they started charging for parking downtown, I like this place just a little more!
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. For anyone avoiding gluten, they offer some Udi’s treats (I’ve tried the muffins and they aren’t that bad – I wouldn’t know the difference!). Update: They now serve a variety of sandwiches too.
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.
- Hours: 7am-6pm (7pm on Friday & Saturday)
- Best for: Americanos
Update: Unfortunately, they closed their fantastic Birch Ave. & Hwy 180 locations. Why?! I loved stopping here before cross country skiing and hiking at Snowbowl!
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. Their Happy Camper blend is my favorite. They have a location downtown, as well as one along Fort Valley Rd. 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!
Update: We recently visited their newer bigger location downtown. Their old cafe was located at 22 E. Birch which is now a juice. I love the patio and the unique artwork inside the new Aspen St. location. Here are a few looks both inside and outside:
I love stopping by the Ft. Valley cafe for a wake me up drink before exploring Snowbowl trails (I recommend the Aspen Nature Loop or Lamar Haines). 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 specialty 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! We ordered one of their seasonal Polar Express mochas once and it was a nice treat (this is about the only time of the year I enjoy these fun drinks – they are super pricey and I prefer black coffee anyways!).
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.
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.
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.
Update: We recently tried a few of their pastries after moving back to the region after 10 years of living on the East coast. I am not sure if we never noticed them before or we just always passed them for the burritos, but we were missing out. Over the course of a few days, we tested a few danishes and muffins and they were excellent.
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. Update: While I am sad that they closed the Fort Valley Rd & Birch cafes, 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 I rarely see more than a handful of people.
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. We usually come here before snowshoeing at Ft. Tuthill or Snowbowl. 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! I would come here a lot more if they were open ;).
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. This is one of the most haunted hotels in America and many people including celebs have seen the same ghosts. 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” in Room 210. 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 seeing this ghost (he said he was friendly!).
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. Update: I recently stayed here for the weekend. We stayed in Room 409 where Humphrey Bogart was once a guest – it was a cool experience! They have updated the lounge area a bit – check it out, it’s super colorful now.
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. Sometimes they offer breakfast burritos and pastries too.
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. Check out my fall Flagstaff guide if you are a fan of this season too (spoiler – the leaf peeping is so amazing here!).
Overall, Rendezvous is one of my favorite places for both coffee and drinks. I love the lively vibe and the historic setting. 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-8:00pm (9 on Friday and Saturdays)
- Best for: Convenience (you can shop for books and enjoy a nice cup of coffee)
Bookmans, a trade in used books/movies store, is a surprising find. 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 are always top notch because they use beans from a great local roaster called Firecreek. 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 Flagstaff without making the easy half hour drive over to the red rocks. 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 relaxing drink and breakfast before hiking the jaw dropping trails (check out my favorite red rock hikes). 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. My 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.
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 enough, you may be standing up waiting for a seat. I would say this one is worth the wait for sure!
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. Side note: A lot of locals love the coffee here – it’s just too dark and bitter for me.
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. I do love the artsy vibe and old brick walls.
Overrated coffee shops (I recommend skipping these)
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.
