Looking for the best cafes in Tucson, AZ? The top coffee shops include Presta Coffee Roasters and Savaya Coffee Market, both ranked among World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops in 2025. Exo Roast Co. has great Mexican beans that are 100% sustainable. You will also find Barista del Barrio, which has a great breakfast burrito with horchata lattes, and there’s always the centrally located Cartel Coffee Lab in downtown Tucson.
The following guide brings out eight locally-owned coffee shops around the city that will be offering specialty coffee, breakfast items, and a nice atmosphere.
The coffee culture in Tucson has also been nationally acknowledged. Two Tucson coffee roasters were included in the World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops list, and a nominee for a 2024 James Beard Award is the Tucson owner of Barista del Barrio. Whether you desire coffee shops in Tucson’s downtown, coffee shops in Tucson AZ, or just neighborhood spots, the eight options below will offer you great coffee and a great atmosphere.
| Coffee Shop | Location | Best For | Price Range |
| Presta Coffee Roasters | Mercado District / N. 1st Ave | Award-winning roasts | $$ – $$$ |
| Savaya Coffee Market | Multiple locations | Single-origin organic | $$ |
| Exo Roast Co. | 6th Ave / Simpson St | Sustainable beans, breakfast | $$ |
| Barista del Barrio | Westside (N. Grande Ave) | Breakfast burritos | $$ |
| Cartel Coffee Lab | Downtown Broadway | Pour-over, downtown vibe | $$ |
| Decibel Coffee Works | MSA Annex | Outdoor seating, lunch | $$ |
| Ren Coffeehouse | St. Phillips Plaza | Cozy atmosphere | $$ |
| Caffe Luce | University area | Quiet workspace | $ |
Quick Comparison: Best Coffee Shops in Tucson AZ
1. Presta Coffee Roasters
Location: Mercado San Agustin & N. 1st Ave Roastery
Presta was rather #44 on the list of the World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops in 2025. Owner Curtis Zimmerman opened with a cart in 2012 and currently has three in Tucson. Its roastery features viewing of the roasting process, while the Mercado location features a food market.
The espresso is light roasted, resulting in brighter coffee. Presta maintains direct farmer relationships and sources from the same farms yearly, a practice also common among the best coffee shops in Dallas. Try their prickly pear drinks for something uniquely Tucson.
- Coffee quality: Light roast specialty, direct-trade sourcing
- Breakfast: Pastries available; full breakfast nearby at Mercado
- Standout feature: Cycling-themed decor reflects the owner’s passion
2. Savaya Coffee Market
Location: Multiple Locations Including Downtown
Savaya ranked #21 on the World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops—the highest of any Tucson roaster. Their family has been in coffee since 1551. All beans are single-origin, organic, and fair trade, roasted daily in Tucson.
The downtown location on S. Church Ave serves the morning crowd. Their Flin location offers an industrial-chic space great for remote work, a setup similar to what you’ll find at the Best Coffee Shops in West Palm Beach FL like Composition Coffee, where remote workers thrive.
- Coffee quality: Single-origin, organic, precision-roasted daily
- Breakfast: Light pastries and baked goods
- Standout feature: Knowledgeable baristas who love discussing coffee origins
3. Exo Roast Co.
Location: 6th Avenue & Simpson Street
Exo has roasted coffee in Tucson since 2012. The 6th Avenue location features exposed brick and high ceilings. The Simpson Street station is in a 1895 adobe-style home featuring mid-century furnishings.
The coffee is sourced by the owner, Christopher Byrne, from Mexico. They provide organic coffee which is shade-grown in Oaxaca, Colima, and Chiapas. They offer granola and pastries for breakfast. Try the chiltepin-chocolate cold brew.
- Coffee quality: Mexican single-origin, sustainably sourced
- Breakfast: Full breakfast menu with granola, baked goods, and light bites
- Standout feature: Simpson location transforms into Bar Crisol mezcal bar at night
4. Barista del Barrio
Location: Westside (N. Grande Ave)
The restaurant earned a semifinalist nomination for a 2024 James Beard Award for achievement in being the owner of the property itself: Flavia Brionesis. This restaurant is set up in the historic setting of homes with artwork all around.
This is definitely one of the best breakfast coffee shops in Tucson AZ. Their breakfast burritos are very much admired, as well as their horchata latte. There will likely be lines on Saturday mornings. If you’re exploring Texas breakfast scenes, the Best BBQ in Austin features breakfast tacos and brisket at spots like Valentina’s Tex-Mex BBQ.
- Coffee quality: Specialty coffee with unique flavors
- Breakfast: Outstanding breakfast burritos, churro donuts
- Standout feature: James Beard-nominated chef, authentic Tucson character
5. Cartel Coffee Lab
Location: Downtown Broadway & N. Campbell Ave
Cartel is an Arizona institution. The Coffee Shops downtown Tucson location sits on E. Broadway in a large brick space featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and local art.
They roast their own beans and have six seasonal single-origins. They offer pour-over options of Chemex, V60, and Aeropress. Walkable from Amtrak; streetcar accessible.
- Coffee quality: House-roasted seasonal single-origins
- Breakfast: Pastries and baked goods from display case
- Standout feature: Multiple pour-over brewing methods available
6. Decibel Coffee Works
Location: MSA Annex (Mercado District)
Decibel occupies a shipping container in the MSA Annex—a creative space in the Mercado District. The outdoor seating areas remain quite pleasant throughout the year due to Tucson’s weather conditions.
Beyond the excellent coffee, they have breakfast and lunch, as well as soft serve ice cream. Ride the streetcar to the Annex and check out Mercado San Agustin.
- Coffee quality: Specialty roasts, well-crafted drinks
- Breakfast: Full breakfast and lunch menu, fresh scones
- Standout feature: Unique shipping container setting with community vibe
7. Ren Coffeehouse
Location: St. Phillips Plaza (N. Campbell Ave)
Ren Coffeehouse sits in St. Phillips Plaza, a charming shopping area north of downtown. The cozy space is perfect for reading or working.
Seoul-native HeeMee Kim and her daughter bake fresh pastries daily, blending Korean, French, and Japanese influences. Each coffee drink receives careful attention.
- Coffee quality: Carefully crafted espresso drinks
- Breakfast: Fresh pastries with Asian-European influences
- Standout feature: Intimate atmosphere in upscale plaza setting
8. Caffe Luce
Location: University Area (E. University Blvd)
Caffe Luce serves the University of Arizona community from Main Gate Square. Plenty of indoor seating and a quiet atmosphere make it ideal for studying. One of the more affordable options on this list.
Staff receive consistent praise for friendliness. A good food menu and tea selection complement the coffee program.
- Coffee quality: Solid espresso drinks and hot mochas
- Breakfast: Pastries and light food options
- Standout feature: Quiet workspace near University of Arizona
Final Thoughts
Tucson’s coffee shops reflect the city’s independent spirit and Mexican heritage. From world-ranked roasters to neighborhood breakfast spots, these eight cafes represent the best of what the Old Pueblo offers.
Start with Presta or Savaya for award-winning roasts. Hit Barista del Barrio for breakfast. Explore coffee shops downtown Tucson at Cartel or the Mercado District. Each spot delivers quality coffee with a distinct Tucson character.
Whether you’re a Tucson resident or visiting Southern Arizona, these coffee shops in Tucson AZ deserve a spot on your list.
