20 Great Local Coffeeshops Across the US (Part 2)
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
I love visiting new independent coffeehouses on my travels. These local java joints are seemingly popping up just about everywhere today, with a wide range of options available pretty much anywhere you go today. Featuring higher quality beans, friendlier service, a local charm, and a more eclectic ambiance, it’s no surprise that local coffeeshops are giving the big chains a run for their money.
Below are 20 unique coffeehouses to check out during your travels. As a bonus, most of the coffeehouses on this list are located nearby a natural wonder, tourist attraction, or some other site of interest.
1. Presta Coffee Roasters
- Location: Tucson, Arizona
- Highlight: An amazing location in a shared use, open air, vibrant courtyard
- What to do nearby: Hike iconic Tumanoc Hill
Presta is an amazing single origin coffee roaster located at Tucson’s popular Mercado San Agustin. Out of all the fantastic local coffeehouses scattered about Tucson, Presta is the best-of-the-best due to the attractive setting. Relaxing at Mercado on a beautiful 80 degree desert morning is the perfect way to start your day in “The Old Pueblo.”
The drinks from Presta never have that horrible burnt flavor common at most big chains. Rather, the beans are always roasted light with each unique flavor spotlighted in each cup. While sipping an expertly made espresso drink from Presta (served in a pretty mug – no paper cups here!), you can also treat yourself to the best breakfast tacos in town from Seis, also located at Mercado.
Presta is known as a third wave roaster. Third wave is basically a movement dedicated to producing artisanal coffee through sustainable sourcing and light roasting to highlight the subtle flavor of the beans. Not a coffee drinker? Presta also serves wonderful loose leaf teas including an incredible Prickly Pear flavor from a local tea company.
The setting at Mercado is super casual and just perfect for anyone going on to explore area hikes and natural attractions post-breakfast (workout attire is commonplace here!). The steep 1.5 mile hike up iconic Tumanoc Hill, featuring amazing overviews of the city, is located just minutes away.
2. Roadrunner Coffee
- Location: Tucson, Arizona
- Highlight: Beautiful outdoor patio
- What to do nearby: Enjoy a peaceful nature hike along the Linda Vista trail
Roadrunner is another terrific independent coffeehouse in Tucson, this one featuring an excellent daily organic roast, the friendliest baristas in town, and a beautiful outdoor patio with plenty of desert landscaping. If you love sipping your coffee outside while listening to the birds chirping and enjoying the quiet ambiance of the morning hours, plan for a stop at Roadrunner.
Roadrunner was started by a former Seattle resident who wanted to bring the iconic coffee culture of the PNW to the desert. Although ownership has changed, the top notch standards of providing excellent coffee are still in place. Roadrunner partners with a local organic roaster and serves a wide array of drinks including nitro coffee and seasonal drinks. Love that they offer a free refill so you can linger on the beautiful patio longer!
3. Savaya Coffee
- Location: Oro Valley, Arizona
- Highlight: A patio facing the gorgeous Santa Catalina mountains
- What to do nearby: Hike at Catalina State Park
Despite an odd location at the Encantada Steam Pump apartment complex, Savaya is another excellent addition to the Tucson coffee scene. This one is located in Oro Valley, a gorgeous suburb just north of Tucson. The convenient location across from Catalina State Park makes Savaya the perfect stop prior to a morning spent exploring the beautiful Sonoran desert.
Savaya offers 2 different daily drip options which you can sample before committing to a purchase. They also offer all the typical espresso drinks, plus Kafette, which is Turkish style coffee (the world’s oldest coffee) – and definitely something to try if you are up for something a bit out of the ordinary.
Savaya roasts their own beans and only sources single origin, organic, fair trade beans. Savaya says “coffee is meant to be had black, and we’ll prove it to you with the single origins we have out and available at any of our stores.” Every sample I have tried has always been unique and delicious. The Americano is always smooth if you prefer espresso. And for those who prefer something cold on a hot desert day, cold brew is a nice alternative.
The inside is colorful and cozy with plenty of seating, however, it’s best to enjoy your drink on the small patio while gazing out at the beautiful Catalina mountains and pretty mesquite trees planted around the property. There are now 5 Savaya locations scattered around the metro, with the Oro Valley location being the most scenic & peaceful of the bunch.
4. Exo Roast
- Location: Tucson, Arizona
- Highlight: Top notch coffee
- What to do nearby: See a show at the historic Fox Theater
Exo Roast is another specialty third wave roaster, this one located in Tucson’s growing downtown district. The trendy hipster, industrial chic ambiance draws big crowds on the weekends. This place is housed in a beautiful old building with the brick walls and historic charm adding much character.
Although it can get a bit cramped on busy weekends, Exo actually serves the highest quality single origin coffees in town.
If you are looking for a top notch espresso, cold brew, drip coffee, or mocha, this the place to go. Exo also serves the most delicious pastries, including an amazing carrot cake muffin. Exo serves one of the best mochas I’ve ever had, this coming from someone who prefers black coffee. If you have a sweet tooth, you will want to give this one a try for sure.
If you are visiting Exo Roast, you might as well check out some of downtown Tucson’s best attractions. The Fox Theater is a gorgeous historic property which screens old movies and offers a full lineup of interesting events throughout the year.
5. Methodical Coffee
- Location: Greenville, South Carolina
- Highlight: Frequently ranks as one of the best roasters in the South
- What to do nearby: Take a stroll around downtown Greenville, home to numerous boutique shops, restaurants, and galleries.
Methodical is making waves in the coffee scene, and is frequently rated as one of the best roasters in the Southeast. Located in trendy downtown Greenville, South Carolina, this shop is very busy most weekends. This is not a surprise as the coffee is terrific, the presentation in pretty china cups is just perfect for a morning date, and the 2 floor layout appealing.
Methodical serves single origin coffee by way of a variety of brewing methods including pour over, Siphon, cold brew, and espresso using the renowned Slayer machine. The resulting coffee is super flavorful and you can actually taste each flavor note in each cup of coffee.
If you are looking for a great place to grab an expertly made drink before exploring downtown Greenville, Methodical is an excellent place to treat yourself. Be sure to check out Mast General Store (right next door), a cute old-fashioned shop specializing in outdoor apparel, old-fashioned nostalgic gifts, and an old-time candy store. Additionally, here are 5 Greenville breakfast restaurants to add to your must-do itinerary.
