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Cartel Coffee Lab
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
225 W University DrSte 101
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 225-3899
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 7 am - 10 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
217 reviews for Cartel Coffee Lab
Review Highlights
"They roast their own beans so they are fresh and tasty."
(in 11 reviews)
"Near and dear to my heart is their Iced Toddy."
(in 12 reviews)
"Their espresso is absolutely the best."
(in 43 reviews)
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217 reviews in English
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Review from Haim A.
Tempe, AZ
12/17/2011
Friendly, fun, and chill.
This place is just great. As a recent transplant to Tempe I was afraid that it was all strip-Malls and beige. I couldn't bring myself to submit to drinking the slop the Seattle based place serves, then a friend told me about Cartel.
I have a particular coffee drink need that is usually only met in New Zealand or Australia (a flat white). Seth makes a flat white to rival anything at home. The beans are delicious, and being there when they are roasting is amazing!
My only disappointment is that I can't walk there easily! -
Review from Ruth W.
Phoenix, AZ
1/4/2012
Amidst the often burnt and always over-caffeinated Starbucks brew on every other street corner, Cartel Coffee Lab is a true coffee enthusiast's oasis. Cartel is, above all, dedicated to the quality and integrity of coffee. As much as I frequent other coffee shops for their ambience or convenience, this is the only place I'll go if I truly want an excellent cup of coffee, roasted and brewed under one roof.
Random tidbits of information for newbies:
---This is not the place to go if you need a speedy cup of coffee during your three-and-a-half-minute window before work. The beans for every cup of coffee are ground and drip brewed as you order, so you'll have to allow yourself a few minutes of anticipation. I would not recommend large groups of people either, as I believe there are only 4-5 brewing stations that can be used simultaneously.
---Dark roasts are not served here, just light to medium.
---Fun fact: Darker roasts actually contain less caffeine than lighter roasts - not that you should interrupt your drinking pleasure with those kinds of thoughts...
---Cartel sells their own freshly roasted beans. It's pricey (somewhere around $15-20 for 3/4 lb), but you get what you pay for!
---Some eyebrows may be raised if you try to fluff up their drinks too much (fortunately the coffee is fantastic without the aid of double-shot-mocha-sugar-syrup potions).
---Cappuccinos will be enjoyed in house, in their proper glasses. They will not be put in "to-go" cups.
---Yes, there is free wi-fi for paying customers.
---They usually, though not always, have some yummy pastries...if you need something more substantial, please see below:
---Right across the parking lot is a great mom-and-pop pizza place called Otto's. Convenient for a limited lunch break! Also next to Buffalo Clothing Exchange, if want to make a day out of it...
Why only four stars, you ask? The general ambience of the place is a little too industrial for my taste, and in the past there have been some less than pleasant baristas. I'm happy to report, however, that in my last few visits I was served by wonderful people that were kind and helpful.
Keep it up, Cartel! -
Review from mike a.
Phoenix, AZ
12/18/2011
Some things I've gotten used to, as a customer of Cartel:
-Waiting forever in line, and to get my drink.
-Not expecting to order anything that's not on the menu.
-Smelly hipsters hanging around, or are they homeless?
-Having to park around the corner because the lot is so busy.
~The once snarky baristas have been replaced by nicer, more-stressed ones.
+Some of the most well-made mochas in town. straight up delicious.
+Wonderful presentation and cozy atmosphere.
+Not getting pushed out the door at last call, feeling welcome to hang out a bit.
+Excellent product every time, no excuses.
I have been going here for quite a while and this place has been evolving ever since the first day i stopped in. From being talked down to by snotty baristas and waiting in line for half an hour before ordering, to feeling at home listening to great music with friends far after closing time, this place has been ever-changing.
The only thing that hasn't is the quality, which is awesome by the way.
Kudos to Cartel. Keep it up. -
Review from Jacki J.
Chandler, AZ
2/7/2012
Enjoyed the coffee did not care for atmosphere.
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Review from Cristi B.
Scottsdale, AZ
12/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love Cartel, I have only been to the one in Scottsdale but I came into this one and I loved it. The decor is so cute and my drink was better at this location than it has been lately at the one in Scottsdale.
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Review from Nic A.
Tempe, AZ
11/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
I tried to go to this place once and had trouble finding it. It is a pretty small spot, very cozily tucked inside of the complex across from Wet Paint. If you are having trouble finding it, take note that they have a dangling, long wooden sign that says Cartel outside of their door.
I went in with a mate and we each had a cuppa. She took an iced toddy and I had an iced mocha.
Their beans are quite sapid; a bit piquant, while still being very smooth in flavour. Of course, we both sampled the other's drink, which helped give a slightly well-rounded review as opposed to just having one. I would go back for either or. If you like your drink to taste like coffee and not like some kind of milky smoothie, make sure to ask for an extra shot in your mocha. I don't mind either way.
I don't usually drink milk, but the only alternative milk they appeared to have was soy, and that adds a pretty strong flavour and consistency to an iced drink especially, so I avoided it.
As far as the place itself, it is much bigger than I expected, walking in to it. It has a pretty hip vibe, featuring a space-separator made completely of bicycle tires. There is a book for drawing in on the central-most coffee table that is full of, can you believe it, mostly not drawings, but bad notes. It would have been neater if it was genuinely full of drawings that seemed inspired, but you can't blame that on the staff, really.
It was bustling, full of a wide range of people, and it has a lot of mediocre-to-okay-to-occasionally-something art everywhere that may be off-putting if you have a really critical eye or may be attractive if you like the whimsy.
The parking lot was also completely full, so I parked across the street at the gas station. Don't park in front of the dry cleaner/laundromat- they tow.
I would like it a lot better if it was much more low-traffic, as far as people go. -
Review from Devon A.
Chandler, AZ
11/6/2011
Been here off and on but never for this long. I've been working here today for 5 hours so far because I was nearby when they opened. I had a drip coffee and loved it. So tasty and made cup by cup. Then a black mango tea that was the perfect aroma and need nothing. Later in the morning a friend came in and purchased a cappuccino. OMG it was the prettiest thing I've seen so I had to buy one. I have NEVER had a better one in my life. I am serious. Come here. Drink here. I love their iPad cash register & art. Late Sunday mornings the wifi gets a little clogged from the number of people but it's a cool joint.
PS. I know Jeff M. had issues with their customer service but the two ladies working today rock. -
Review from Julie M.
Mesa, AZ
10/8/2011
Their espresso is absolutely the best. Every single barista that's made my latte has foamed the soy perfectly. Small, thick, creamy bubbles. I used to slang coffee, and I know. Small, thick, creamy soy bubbles. Most places don't steam it correctly, but Cartel? They're consistent and quite friendly.
Usually they've got a pretty decent selection of tunes going, and I'm happy they're not afraid to play it loud.Listed in: Valley Restaurants, Local businesses
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Review from Danny H.
Fairburn, GA
11/17/2011
If star ratings were indicative of how hipster a place is, then Coffee Cartel Lab on University is a five star. But fortunately, the service, coffee and consumables were excellent too, so it gets a five star from this traveler for the right reasons.
An easy-to-get-to location right off University, with a slightly cramped parking lot, but at least it's free, everything about Coffee Cartel Lab is pretty, well hip. I particularly like the word "cartel" in the name, because it makes me feel like the caffeine I crave is like a Venezuelan drug and the coffee cartels are the only place I can acquire it.
But the interior is a tidal wave of hipster atmosphere, with dim lights, open ceilings, independent art all over the walls, flyers and cards for independent works free to peruse and browse, and pretty much every seat in the house taken up by someone with horn-rimmed glasses, tattoos, ironic t-shirts and skinny jeans, equipped with their iPhones, iPads or laptops, making full use of the wifi. But it's still clean and cozy feeling, overall. Oddly, to a jaded traveler like myself, as critical as I sound towards hipsters, the places they frequent are kind of the places I like to frequent...
Anyway, the mocha I ordered was creamy and just right, and I took great sadistic pleasure in purchasing the very last cookie that was this Frankenstein of chocolate chips, peanut butter AND BACON. The bacon flavor was subtle, but still noticeable, and I took great pleasure of enjoying it in between sips of my mocha while trying not to inadvertently listen to young ASU students trying to give each other resume tips and advice.
Prices were standard faire, and really nothing different than you would expect from a Starbucks, or any other independent coffee shop these days. I know for a fact that my travels would bring me out to Arizona again, and if presented the opportunity, I'd go back to the Cartel again without much problem. -
Review from Bao H.
10/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
Pretty cool little coffee joint. I had me a shot of espresso along with what appeared to be club soda. Definitely something new to me. Espresso was super strong so I understood why the chaser was necessary. Too strong for me actually and my friends told me the coffee there is extra potent.
Truthfully, I felt out of place being here. This place was made for the following:
1. Students
2. Hipsters
I'm neither of the 2, but I can respect them. Oh to be young and angry again! Indeed, my neatly tucked in shirt and polished shoe is not welcomed - haha! Good thing I didn't wear a suit might be mistaken for being "The Man"!
In any case, I gather this place is a wonderful spot for hanging with friends and study groups. - Enjoy! -
Review from alexa m.
Phoenix, AZ
10/9/2011
When you walk into the small door from outside your world is transformed into coffee heaven. Although I always grab a cold one on the way out, it's always nice to get some frothy espresso and enjoy a game of scrabble sometimes.
A great spot to grab a coffee off campus and to steal some time for yourself. Secretly hidden, The best way to start a hot day is with an ice cold Toddy (extremely strong iced coffee) it's got an acquired taste but it'll have you up and running in no time. Cartel's Coffee is very strong. First time I ordered a shot of espresso I even had to chase it down, definitely worth a try!!
Their addition of the Ipad in the ordering process has helped speed up order time & looks pretty cool too. So, if your in a rush grab one for on the go & if you've got some time sit down for the day. Either way, one step into Cartel Coffee Lab awakens you. My favorite coffee joint in Tempe for sure and perfectly hidden from the close noise of ASU's Tempe campus. -
Review from Mary Y.
State College, PA
11/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Came here because I heard they roast their own coffee. There's several tables set up and in the middle a couch for more of a ''lounge'' experience. The espresso/americano (for a small $2ish) I ordered was really yummy. I don't drink straight black coffee or straight espresso but wanted to try it to see if i could tell the difference. It definitely was smooth and tasty. But I had to add a little sugar after a couple of sips.
The place itself is sorta of a grungy-atmosphere but most people here are young/hip customers. The staff are young too.
This is a good place to chill/meet friends and just internet surf, but the music was a bit too loud for my taste if you're going to study here.
Not a lot of parking space but overall a great place if you want to avoid the starbucks/chain ambience. -
Review from Kevin V.
Chandler, AZ
9/20/2011
Go there a couple times a week now, and the place is fantastic. My favorite drink by far to get there is now a Dirty Chai (Chai with a shot of espresso). Sometimes if I am in the mood for something less sweet I will get just a Latte, or a little less heavy I will get a regular chai. Everything I have gotten has been great though.
The environment is laid back, and definitely somewhere I would lazily sip my drink over a game of chess if it was closer to home. It is close to work though, so it is always an in and out run to pickup a pick-me-up. -
Review from Erin A.
Organic meets Urban meets Ikea Coffee Shop.
From the outside, I would never have expected that the inside would look the way it does! I parked outside and expected to be a tiny run down coffee shop since the "Open" neon sign was flickering. Boy was I wrong! It's got black walls, decent lighting, bike wheels as a wall room divider. Its one of the ultimate college study crash spots. Tall ceilings only adds to the effect. I'd say the music is a bit on the loud side and seems like a place to catch up with a friend, grab a to-go drink, and do some medium-difficult work. Now onto the cappuccino, its more on the bitter side, and I like things sweet.
Pros: Heart shaped cappuccinos! Close proximity to ASU.
Cons: Loud music.
Work Level: MediumListed in: Coffee. Caffiene. Cram.
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Review from Joanie S.
Tempe, AZ
12/17/2011
Great atmosphere, tasty coffee, very unique and good for meeting friends. A little loud for studying or reading, for my taste.
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Review from Lindsay T.
Tempe, AZ
9/5/2011
Seriously, I have never enjoyed the pure, unadulterated taste of true coffee as I have at Cartel. My cappuccino was enjoyed sans sugar, flavoring, artificial sweetener.... everything. And it was so, so delightful. But it did not last nearly long enough :(
The place is so quaint and has a mom-and-pop, college atmosphere Starbucks or any other chain lacks. There are only a few choices of drinks to choose from but.... it proves they are purists. And they do it RIGHT. All of it.
Baked goods are out of this world (hello butterscotch cookie with white chocolate). -
Review from Jerron J.
Tempe, AZ
8/29/2011
When I noticed Cartel was listed on Living Social as "Best place for an espresso" I was shocked to realize I hadn't reviewed this place yet! Cartel is just a few blocks from my apartment and I must say that in a world of over-convenient, cheap coffee bars and café's Cartel Coffee Lab has done a fantastic job of separating themselves from the pack! Cartel is tucked off of University in a little strip mall but is well worth the visit if you're looking for a place to grab a brilliant brew of coffee or stupendous steep of tea!
Keep singing,
-Jerron -
Review from David C.
Scottsdale, AZ
10/15/2011
The barista held nothing back in describing the flavor characteristics of their roasted beans, and helped me pick out the perfect coffee for me, it being my first time in the shop. I eventually settled on the 24-hour cold brew coffee, which is amazing, an I'm looking forward to trying their other flavors.
Big pluses are the friendly barista, atmosphere, and quality. I'll definitely be coming back Macbook in hand to spend some more quality time here. Maybe I'll be lucky enough to find some people to play chess with or make interesting conversation. -
Review from Ari S.
Chandler, AZ
8/24/2011
this is a very good coffee place.
I like the feel of the place. It's very authentic. The owner is not trying to hard to create a certain image like Lux coffee downtown.
It's a simple place with a limited menu. The coffee is outstanding. The maple scone was very fresh, excellent.
My only complaint is the small cups they serve the coffee in. I prefer a larger mug but no big deal.
It's small but I've never had a problem getting a seat and staying. the wifi is fast too. -
Review from Jason M.
Tempe, AZ
9/21/2011
Been here once. It's good. Not super great. I want to try it again to make a better review of the coffee. But it was ok. I was not like holy crap I need to come every morning and get me some...
Update... Still just meehh. Snotty Hipster crowd. Don't forget your iPhone, mac and fixed gear bike before you come or you will get glared at!!! -
Review from Erica D.
Phoenix, AZ
7/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
So, I've always been anti-Cartel. I had some pretty negative experiences at the one in downtown Phoenix, so I decided it was time to re-engage with the original Cartel in Tempe.
I first came here several years ago, I believe on some sort of date thingie. It was a really cute place with a ton of hipsters working on laptops or also on dates. The lattes were pretty great, and I thought I could have an LTR with this shop (not the date though).
Now, after a few years, I came back to Tempe and really appreciated it for the location (there's always parking unless it's a busy night at Casey's), and really loved the employee that helped me out. I was buying ground coffee for some friends out-of-town, and he was really helpful. I have a new-found respect for this place, and hope to come back whenever I'm around to get a latte or some of their great tea.
Cartel Tempe, you've changed me. Or at least just changed my thoughts on the Cartel brand. -
Review from Paul K.
Phoenix, AZ
8/6/2011
I am a major fan of your coffee. Enough said on this.
I am less of a fan of your customer service- I would rather a smile from the cashier instead of some ironic stare.... but it's a pass.
I am requesting that you bring back non-sweet/sugar-filled baked goods. Such as croissants or toast.
Some of us (the public) can't have sugar. Others of us choose not to ingest sugar filled muffins, cakes, and scones with our coffee. Please stock your store with an alternative that is not a packaged granola bar.
That is my feedback.
Again- You do coffee well! Maybe I'll be forced to get a snack elsewhere. -
Review from Stephanie N.
Tempe, AZ
8/22/2011 26 Check-ins Here
I love the atmosphere in Cartel Coffee Lab. Great interior design, modern/industrial, colorful, great music, hipster for sure and lots of tables for the college kids and their laptops. Lets face it, if you are a coffee joint close to a university, you better have free wifi with a drink purchase and lots of space for college kids to sit and bust out their laptop. Thank you Cartel for doing it right.
I have only been here twice but both times the service was friendly and the drink time was good. My first visit I ordered an iced americano and it was divine. The second time I wanted a soy latte but they were out of soy. Turns out they had been out of soy for two weeks or so. I said I would try the almond milk and boy.. was that a bad decision. The almond milk just isn't good in a latte. If they aren't carrying soy anymore I will stick to iced toddy's and americano's.
This coffee joint is better than many! Check it out. -
Review from Nicole G.
Phoenix, AZ
5/5/2011
Overrated, pretentious, and crowded. Why in the hell am I giving them 3 stars?
Okay, the coffee really is that good.
But, I'm the type of girl that needs a little more... cream, sugar, I like my additives--SUE ME.
You order a coffee, you pay for it, you ask politely, "do you have any soy milk? half and half?"
*blank stare*
"Um... our coffee doesn't need that."
Bitch! Please...
I love the fact that the baristas seem to be well-trained and well-versed in their coffee-knowledge. Yes, they really are super serious about it. Honestly though, Cartel could do with a bit of loosening up. -
Review from Les L.
Phoenix, AZ
6/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
I had a decaf and a peach muffin. The muffin was great. But the decaf was AMAZING. Among the best coffee I've ever had. They appear to make every single cup to order, using those mug-topping cone filter holder thingies. Clearly I do not know the technical term as I have never been a barista/coffee technician/PhD, but I do know when a cup of coffee tastes amazing. And this was decaf, no less.
Make sure you know exactly where you're going before you attempt to find this place, though. It's tricky to find, and Google Maps in its fuzzy wisdom does not help a whole lot as often happens. I'd call ahead just to be sure so you don't end up driving up and down the street like I did wondering where the hell this place is and why my Droid says it's 250 feet away but I don't see a coffee shop ANYWHERE. Turns out it really was within 250 feet, but it's got a tiny sign hanging over a tiny, nondescript door. Kind of odd, like they want to keep it a secret, almost. Doesn't seem to affect business, though, and that's a testament to how great their coffee is.
Very cool interior design too, low-budget materials handled creatively for a unique, industrial-fabulous feeling. And clean - too often an attempt at industrial-fabulous results in filthy, nasty spaces where you feel like you have to wash your hands after you leave, but in keeping with the quality of the coffee, the space is wonderfully clean. At a certain age, like the day after graduating from college, nasty dirty places lose their "ooh-it's-so-edgy" vibe, you know?
Only drawback is, the food selections are limited, so don't go there thinking you're going to have a hearty breakfast like I did. In the end, the coffee was just so good that I didn't care that I had to make do with a muffin. And no, like other reviewers, I don't go for the hipster scene, but eh whatever, again at a certain age you realize the hipsters are sheep like the rest of us so who cares, let them half-sneer (because a full sneer takes too much energy and enthusiasm) at my terrible fashion sense, I'm too busy enjoying the incredible coffee to care.Listed in: Coffee Shops
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Review from Mary M.
Tempe, AZ
6/19/2011
I always leave Cartel with this creepy weird urge to listen to some crappy band no one has heard of and fix up a fixie to ride/slap Mac stickers onto. I am too old, lame and crusty to really click with the vibe, not a fan of the vibe. The coffee is a totally different story and why Cartel is a 5-star place, in my Yelpy opinion, instead of a 2-3-star non-Starbucks coffee shack.
If the coffee wasn't so damn good I would never come here, as it is I come here infrequently just to show people where to find really good coffee even if the ambiance provided by the location, space and clientele isn't their scene. It's really good and the whole place smells amazing. Amazing! Moderate prices on bags'o'beans, great prices on coffee made there to order.
Even if hipsters (or whatever you kids are calling yourselves these days) make your left eye twitch come to Cartel and partake in the coffee, it is really worth it. -
Review from Ryan L.
Tempe, AZ
10/28/2011
#1 in Phoenix. I haven't had the pleasure of sitting down inside, and the drive is a bit far, but it was more than worth it.
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Review from Angeline C.
Chandler, AZ
11/23/2011
This is by far the best coffee place ever for a couple reasons: 1) they roast their own coffee beans, 2) they play the best music, 3) it is very trendy and appreciate that, 3) the coffee is very good!, and 4) they have free WIFI. I highly recommend this place. If you come here, you will never want to go to a Starbucks again.
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Review from Jenn R.
Tempe, AZ
Updated - 8/27/2011
Alright, alright.
I had to update, just because my friend got me hooked on their iced chai. Holy s***, it is the most freaking fantastic chai I have EVER HAD, and I order that everywhere. GET IT.
I also tried one of their coconut chocolate cookies - not half bad, big flakes of coconut inside dark chocolate cookie.
The two male baristas I've seen have been cheerful and talkative, the girl is the only one who's a litte standoffish.
Also, apparently if you pay with a card, they put an 'authorization' of some kind on - I ran my debit card, as credit, and instead of $3.50 it showed up in my statement as $6.50 for a couple days before correcting. The guy tried to tell me it was "just like what gas stations do, to make sure the money is there', but I have never had that happen anywhere... strange, but it fixed itself... *shrug*.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/4/2011
"Hipster" is the exact word to describe Cartel. Everyone else hit the nail on the head. The place is… Read more »
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Review from Brad L.
Tempe, AZ
7/8/2011
Many, it seems, hate this place because it has a "hipster" vibe. But what if you just like industrial-looking decor? Do we all have to buy colonial furniture now? And if we all do so to avoid looking like hipsters, aren't we just pursuing a variant of hipness? Chill, sports fans.
Anyway, I liked this place. Jeff is a friendly guy, takes coffee seriously, and there are soft chairs in which I can get some freaking work done. I use a Dell, and the Mac people did not give me the hairy eyeball - maybe because my Dell is so lame, it's hip? -
Review from surd i.
Phoenix, AZ
4/23/2011
I was in the area and saw a coffee shop, so I stopped by for a quick cup. Well, that was difficult. I wish I had beforehand seen all of the fake 4/5-star reviews here and headed elsewhere.
In short:
Everything will likely be broken.
You're not allowed to make any changes to your beverage, because the place is run by a bunch of pretentious ninnies who believe their product is the epitome of.. whatever it is that they are attempting to do (the word "swindle" comes to mind).
Oh, and the end result will be mediocre.
Head elsewhere. Do not be swayed by their interesting-looking wooden sign. The inner design is nice, however. If you hate coffee, enjoy the atmosphere of pompous hipster foolery, and just want to hang out inside with a friend or two, this may be the place for you. -
Review from George L.
Updated - 10/29/2011 30 Check-ins Here
Okay, you pay for the experience, Cartel is by no means cheap, but it is good. I've watched the company grow since the beginning and at least in the Tempe location, it has stayed both an iconic experience of Tempe life near ASU, and a provider of both exceptional coffee and tea drinks and baked goods. I generally go in for a large, hot, Cafe Americano with room for cream ($3.75 - told you, not cheap) and today I had something new, a toasted English muffin with jam (the person taking the order referred to as a jammy dodger, maybe a UK expression) and it takes a few minutes to toast but it comes out blazing hot with a little bag with a napkin, plastic knife and a little container of butter and one of jam, at least this time it was apricot and it was delicious, I have a feeling it is locally made (assumption on my part). The texture of the English Muffin was wonderful, weighty texture and crusty and I'm assuming it is also locally made. From my final bill it is $3 and of course, I tipped a dollar on the overall cost so $7.75 for the cost of the cafe americano and the baked good.
Oh, and of course, wonderful new locally made art up on the walls again today and some wonderful new music on the sound system.....I don't give a lot of five stars out but honestly, this is coffee counterculture (little play on words, counterculture being variance on the norm and coffee places having a counter on....okay, not that funny but at least I tried). They do have wi-fi and if you buy something you get the password for the day. I generally go when they first open but they are open, I believe, from 7 am till 11 pm at night.
I know they are looking to open some sort of beer and wine bar expansion in the tanning salon location by them that went out of business but Tempe business regulations take some time to go through, and I hear that may involve them brewing their own beer as well, and wouldn't that be interesting?Listed in: Best Stuff near Mill Avenue…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/7/2010
Be warned, the coffee is so much better than what they serve at Starbucks that it may change your… Read more »
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Review from Alexandra K.
Phoenix, AZ
5/21/2011
My friend moved to NYC and asked me could I pretty please send him some Cartel because it's almost Iced Toddy weather.
LET ME REPEAT: My friend is making me ship him Cartel coffee to NYC (of all places) because he misses it that much.
As for the scene; It's scenester to the extreme. I'd never want to study here. Grab and go. -
Review from Michelle S.
Tempe, AZ
3/28/2011 44 Check-ins Here
I have to say that I was pretty intimidated to try Cartel about a year and a half ago - simply based on poor service reviews and threats of hipster judgment.
When I want coffee, its because I'm beastly. I just woke up, I'm not looking like the hottest/hippest/nicest person in Tempe. I mean, I never look like that but when I NEED coffee, I need to dose myself in a safe and secure environment.
So I went to Cartel expecting the worst, I ordered Iced Toddy. To keep my order neutral and cheap. It was okay. Pretty f-ing good in comparison to xtreme bean, my only other Toddy experience. I branched out into soy Lattes because I like to get some protein in the morning. I know....latte for breakfast - aren't I a pillar of health?
NO ONE judged me when I would order my soy latte with sugar-free vanilla in it. NO ONE. I've gotten some jokes about it, but who gives a fuck? It's $4.50 - I'm being a yuppie suburban bore when I order it and I know it and I don't give a shit if they know it. I love them for keeping me in check anyways. How is a kid from Tempe supposed to know anything about coffee? That's not my business. As the customer, it's our business to try new things as suggested by the people who's life's work is coffee.
So I tried an americano by suggestion. Its DELICIOUS. GET ONE. Iced/Hot, whatthefuckeverjustgetone. I go here for an americano EVERY SINGLE DAY OF MY LIFE except when I am out of town and I bemoan the lack of Cartel even when I'm in Los Angeles (Mighty City of Intelligentsia). Which brings me to another point, the LINES.
If you are looking for a McLatte, they exist. It's called McDonalds. They are everywhere. Cartel is not a run in/run out kind of place. They are offering a luxury item as well as an experience. You wouldn't go to a spa and bitch about your facial taking too long. If you want to see lines, go to Intelligentsia during the midday rush and you will immediately appreciate what Cartel is doing.
For serving the entire ASU community with outstanding coffee, 20 minutes sounds about right. For a drink that is delicately crafted from bean to cup, $2.50-$4.50 is just right. For a locally owned company successfully competing with corporate giants, you might as well just go and give a deserving shop your money.
And if you are nervous about being judged by the "hip" kids who look like they smelled a fart, recognize that they are only posing with their macbooks and modern literature and are too vain to break character.
And if you are nervous about being judged by the baristas, try SMILING at the people who are SERVING you - because you remember how hard it was to deal with customers before you got your middle management salaried job, right?
I love you, Cartel. -
Review from Jennifer O.
Mesa, AZ
Updated - 9/11/2011 3 photos
Ok, so I have been to Cartel many more times and discovered something a little strange. Their hot lattes are almost always very good.... BUT their iced lattes are really bad. I don't know how this is possible, but I do not like their iced lattes at all. Sad day for them. I still like that it's bigger on the inside than it appears on the outside and the vibe of the place is nice, but I am disappointed in this finding. They do have decent toddy and they have good chocolate croissants...mmmm. I will still come here, but maybe more often in the winter.
Listed in: Desserts are the most…, The Coffee Tour of Phoenix....…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/27/2010
This place reminds me of Seattle. The coffee is very good and the decor is nice and feels like a… Read more »
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Review from Susan D.
3/12/2011
-COFFEE: good & tasty mocha
-SERVICE: friendly
-CROWDED long lines - no where to sit, if you wanted to sit and sip...
-DECOR: Hip, urban industrial
-PARKING: not so convenient if you want to run in and run out. -
Review from Jennifer H.
6/13/2011
As visitors to Tempe, we had a tricky time finding this place... That's because it's in the back of what looks like an old motel and not visible from University. If you see the Buffalo Exchange on University and head around the back, you'll find it on the end unit.
I loved the atmosphere, the artwork was killer and the staff were really friendly. I got the sense that indie artists were well supported by this place and that it attracted some really interesting folks.
The coffee was good, the variety of pastries and snacks was decent, there's free wifi and the over-all vibe was good.
I do wish they had different sizes of "to stay" mugs, but overall it's a great place to hang out! -
Review from Mackenzie G.
Tempe, AZ
9/27/2011
Far and away the best latte I've ever had. They're doing everything right.
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Review from Nadia G.
Phoenix, AZ
4/1/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Any place that periodically offers Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies gets 5 stars in my book! While doing some heavy studying I decided I needed a coffee place to go to besides Starbucks because I was getting so sick of it. So, I was in Tempe one day and searched for coffee places and decided to give Coffee Cartel a try. Let's just say....I'm now addicted! I want it everyday! They have the best mochas ever, hands down. And their cookies are to die for. mmmm...
I was a bit intimidated before I walked in because I had no idea what to expect. The building is in the back of the parking lot, no windows really and is just very inconspicuous. I walked in and the place was pretty packed. There are tables for people to sit at in groups of 4, some random chairs, even a hair dryer chair you see at the salon, and then two long tables with lots of outlets for computers. I love outlets!!!! The decor is very urban, concrete floors, open ceiling, garage door in the back. I loved it. Music is definitely not 'coffee-shop' music, but contemporary and up beat. Loved it as well!
In the days I spent there studying I got mochas, a few cookies and their dirty chai. I had no complaints about any of them. The mochas were actually pretty amazing and so were the cookies.
If you haven't been here, give it a try. It just has an awesome atmosphere and equally awesome coffee and snacks. -
Review from David L.
Goodyear, AZ
11/6/2011
The best coffee shop in Arizona. They roast their beans to perfection. Never too dark. Just the right amount in order to bring the natural flavors of the bean to the surface. Their staff ranges from eager amateurs to masters. The rigorous training program pays off in a big way. Never had a bad espresso shot, never a bad cappuccino; even the chai (which I hardly ever drink) is the best I've ever tried. This place is a dream come true for coffee lovers of the Valley.
P.S. Customer service is often pointed out as an issue here. I have always found they are friendly and helpful without being asskissers. I like the fact they won't put chocolate sauce in their drip coffee. Who do you think a chef at a 5 star restaurant would respond to you putting ketchup on a 20 dollar steak? And if you show even the slightest interest in where the coffee comes from or the flavors apparent in the coffee, the barista or cashier are always willing to discuss and inform.
