Coffee Shops and Cafés
By Tyshca Nicole
I’m sharing these coffee shops and cafés as they showed up for me this month. No rankings, no ratings, just brief reflections on spaces that offered room to sit, think, and be present.
New Penny Cafe - Avondale, AZ
Photo Credit- New Penny Cafe
The New Penny Café in Avondale, AZ, offers a warm and inviting ambiance that blends modern charm with a strong sense of community. Natural light floods the space through large windows, illuminating cozy lounge areas that encourage guests to relax and linger. The café also features a boutique section showcasing handcrafted goods from local artisans, adding a unique and personal touch to the environment,
Whether you're stopping by for a quick coffee or settling in for a leisurely brunch, the atmosphere is designed to make you feel at home. The combination of friendly service and thoughtfully curated spaces makes it a delightful spot for both social gatherings and quiet moments.
Be sure to check them out at 735 n 114th ave, Avondale, Arizona 85323.
A quick video of my son and me at New Penny Cafe.
Coldwater Coffeehouse and Bakery - Avondale, AZ
Photo of the front of Coldwater Coffee House & Bakery, taken by me!
Coldwater Coffeehouse and Bakery is not just a cafe; it’s a worker-owned farm-to-table cooperative dedicated to uplifting their community. Rooted in their neighborhood, they prioritize offering affordable, wholesome meals and empowering the community to grow, produce, and access high-quality food. By celebrating local heritage and promoting cooperation, they preserve their history while fostering health, wellness, and connection.
To get an experience of Coldwater, you can find them at 127 E Western Ave, Avondale, Arizona 85323.
Egg and Cheese Bollo
At first glance, it looks like a simple, warm loaf of bread, but the aroma alone tells you it’s something special; fresh, warm, and absolutely mouthwatering.
House Specialty
The Jamaica tea was incredibly fresh and refreshing. I could tell it was made with care and intention. It truly felt like the gift that kept on giving.
Deseo Coffee Shack - Phoenix, AZ.
Photo Credit - Deseo Coffee Shack
Daseo Coffee Shack, it's a Mexican Inspired Coffee shop and you can tell that it is from the menu to the decor. It brings a vibrant piece of local culture into every cup. Tucked into the heart of Phoenix, this Mexican-inspired coffee spot blends community energy with specialty brews and food that reflect the flavors and warmth of the Southwest. With organic, fair-trade beans, unique drinks like the tres leches and Abuelita-style lattes, and a cozy indoor-outdoor vibe that invites lingering conversations, Deseo celebrates the rich culinary traditions of the region while offering a welcoming space for all who wander through its doors.
Since it was my first time here, I asked one of the workers what item would be best for us to try. Since it was the holiday season, they had their seasonal menu. I decided to go with the White Cranberry Mocha with Almond Milk and the EL Chicano, which consisted of egg, caramelized onion, jalapeno jam, avocado, Boar's Head White American cheese on a noble bun. The combination of flavors for this sandwich was perfect! A kiss to the chef for this emaculate creation. They can be located at 2330 E McDowell Rd, Phoenix, Arizona 85006.
Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii - Tolleson, AZ
Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii brings a bold splash of Aloha spirit to the Valley with its Hawaiian-inspired coffee experience. Born on the Big Island in 1989 and now rooted in places like Tolleson and downtown Phoenix, Bad Ass Coffee proudly serves premium Hawaiian blends, including smooth Kona, alongside espresso drinks, cold brews, fun specialty lattes, and more.
The menu goes beyond drinks to include breakfast and lunch options with a playful twist, like sandwiches on King’s Hawaiian sweet bread that echo local island flavors. With bright, friendly service and an atmosphere that invites you to slow down and savor your cup, Bad Ass Coffee offers a taste of island culture right here in Arizona.
Make sure you pay them a visit at 8363 W Van Buren St, Tolleson, AZ 85353.
Strip Mall Coffee - Phoenix, AZ
Strip Mall is a bright, local coffee spot tucked into a classic Phoenix shopping strip that feels anything but ordinary. Open daily with “surprisingly good” coffee and a welcoming vibe, this indie café grew out of an empty corner space next to Monsoon Market and quickly became a neighborhood favorite. The space blends playful art, comfy seating, and easygoing energy with drinks made from Peixoto beans (roasted locally in Arizona) and a simple, approachable menu of espresso drinks, matcha, tea, kombucha, and snacks like bagels and burritos. Whether you’re popping in for a cold brew strong enough to kick-start your day or settling in with a pistachio-infused latte, Strip Mall offers a cozy, unpretentious place to sip, work, and connect in the heart of the city.