I've been a fan of Cartel for a few years now, discovering their coffee and beer on a previous trip to Arizona. I'm not sure if they make beer anymore, but their coffee shop looks to have blown up. Was it always this big and I just missed it? I swear it was smaller last time I was in town. So I came back here twice in two days for their drip coffee. It's the most expensive drip I've purchased, something like $3.75 for a 16 ounce cup, but boy is it good. Perhaps some of the best drip coffee I've had, except for San Diego's James Coffee. Cartel doesn't have stevia, which is disappointing, but they have all the other staples for customizing your coffee. I'm glad I don't live in Tempe as this would be an expensive habit! Next time I'm in town I'm totally picking up a bag of beans, though! read more

The place is super busy and obviously a lot of people love this coffee shop but I personally didn't. I was recommended to try the CCL (I think?). It was cold brew and I was told if you like sweeter coffee this was the best. I was only able to get it in a small size, and it was overly sweet. The staff was nice and the atmosphere was inviting, but I don't see myself returning. read more

Worst experience I have ever had at a coffee shop. First they have this ridiculous policy of sipping your coffee and putting your mask back on after each sip. Second they have no dark roast even their so called espresso is a medium roast. The coffee was only marginally better than the hotel coffee where I was staying that was extremely bad. Finally the staff is very inconceiderte and rude. DO NOT GO HERE!!! If you want a good cup of coffee in the area go to The Press down the road. read more

So fist off all how dare this place have the audacity to charge $8.38 for a oat milk latte. This has to be the biggest rip off for the most mediocre coffee ever. To nickel and dime you for oat milk and a small drop of agave. Shame on the owner of this place! This is a plain rip off. read more

This is our favorite coffee spot. This location is the first one we tried but the Scottsdale location is really nice as well. The coffee at Cartel is always on point. Staff is awesome and eager to please. Vibe is cool with low music playing in the background and several places to sit and relax. Would definitely recommend this place read more

This place is super hipster. Great coffee if you're looking for a change other than Starbucks. They do artwork in some of their coffee drinks and roast their own beans. The place has a lot of seating for lounge as well as for work. Place got renovated recently, really modern and clean place. Nice staff. Menu is simple but exactly what you want at a coffee house. The chai tea is really good. read more

Cartel Roasting - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

Cartel seemed like great place to predate, caffeinate, and catch up with old college friends after many years of absence. While ordering, we inquired about a quieter place to sit in the cafe, since there was very loud music playing over the sound system. When it appeared that there were no good options in a space entirely lined with hard reflective surfaces, we asked if there were umbrellas available for the tables outside, since the sun was blazing, and we were informed that the umbrellas blew away in a storm. Not a good option for my melanin deficient friend. Then we asked if they could turn the music down a little, and the cashier flatly replied, "uh, no." We explained we just wanted to hear each other talk, and that we were professional musicians who enjoyed music ourselves, but that it was hard to hear, yet he seemed unmoved. I asked the cashier if the music was intended for the enjoyment of the customers, and he replied that it was for the enjoyment of the employees. We asked if he could meet us halfway, and he winced, "uh maybe a little tiny bit, maybe." My friend asked if we could speak to a manager in charge, he replied he was the manager in charge. I asked if he was interested in losing our business over this, and he replied "um, not really?" It was coldly apparent he was just giving us lip service, and had no intention of following through on our request, so we cancelled our order and went to a nearby restaurant instead. So much for coffee shops being a communal living room space for enjoying conversation. Unbelievably antisocial, patronizing and ageist attitude from the manager/cashier who clearly took us for being entitled Karens disrupting his workspace. read more

I feel weird reviewing this place because I don't like coffee and well, it's a coffee shop. However, I did try the green tea. The tea was good but came out nearly boiling hot. I thought it was cool that they used fresh tea leaves (they didn't look dried... but I could be wrong). I had to wait quite a while before it was a temperature where I could safely drink it. It was a cold rainy day when we went and they had left all the doors open for some reason so it was so chilly inside. The furniture and decor is all industrial, with plywood walls and benches and metal stools, not very comfy in my opinion. I love to support local businesses, but I doubt I would be back unless someone else wanted to go here. read more

Cartel Roasting - Green tea $3.75 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

Yes! This is totally the Tempe Hipster Capital. Many friends and acquaintances have gushed about how amazing Cartel Coffee is. Since I love a good iced coffee, I was open to try theirs and compare to my beloved Dutch Bros. The signage isn't too loud, so I almost passed by it. There's a parking lot, otherwise if you are getting to-go, park in Casey Moore's (like I did!). I love the open factory space and bags of beans all around. During my visit every seat was taken by someone with a laptop and earbuds. I confessed to the nice cashier that it was my first time and I wanted an iced coffee with vanilla and almondmilk. She walked me thru the menu and the shop layout. They pour the coffee, and then we can add whatever we want to it. The mini table is in the corner and a little crowded, but it has all the normal fixins expected. Totally loved the iced coffee, it was probably one of the best ones I've ever drank! And... not expensive like Starbucks. Similar cost to Dutch Bros. Can't wait to return! read more

My 1st experience with a no cash policy establishment. I noticed she took tips in cash though. I was refused service.

Chill vibes and good drinks. Nice place to enjoy a beverage and plenty of space to work if needed.

Happy National Coffee Day! I know music is subjective, but I did not enjoy the music selections today (rap and drumbeat-heavy), and if Mom and I weren't waiting to meet someone at the coffee shop, we would've left for other environs, as the music quickly put me in a bad mood. Thank you, Cartel, for the complimentary large cup of coffee, a choice of hot drip or cold brew, for National Coffee Day-- I received an email last night notifying me of the special day coming, and how everyone is welcome to claim one. I tried my best to get Mom to choose a beverage (a cappuccino or latte?), so that she could have her own free beverage, while I could have my own free beverage with my affogato order, but she only wanted the free coffee. Mom thought the drip coffee tasted over-roasted; after adding sweetener and creamer, she must've taken only four sips, tops. I asked her to get it replaced with possibly a cold brew, which she had commented looked delicious, but she didn't want to ask for another one. I told her that we each qualified for a complimentary large cup of (hot drip or cold brew) coffee on National Coffee Day-- we only took advantage of one free cup. It was the first time I tried the affogato here, made with a scoop of Sweet Republic's vanilla ice cream and Cartel's Gibraltar espresso, and we both enjoyed it! (It was her first affogato experience.) The presentation is not as dramatic as Chandler's Peixoto Coffee, where the cup of gelato and the cup of espresso are served on a plate block and you pour it over yourself; It's simply espresso poured over a short glass with a scoop of ice cream. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/cartel-coffee-lab-tempe?select=YpOGl3CkId5v_Wx0UIMEQg I look forward to another on a future visit. read more

Cartel Roasting - Affogato, $5! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

Dropped by for an afternoon cortado after failing to find any along the way from Parker. I was taken back by the light roast used in an expresso drink. There were a lot more flavors than in the usual expresso roasts but I'm not a convert. The shop was a great place to hang out for awhile and I enjoyed that. read more

Grabbed a green iced tea while out running around. Great service and great tea! WIFI here and great sitting place to come and relax with friends or to even do some work. Am told this is the first of their locations that now are in Scottsdale and a couple in Phoenix and Tucson! Definately should make it one of your coffee stops where ever you are! read more

Cartel Roasting - Green tea! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

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They do not have any flavors or much variety when it comes to the coffee, but the coffee's that they do have are pretty good! The atmosphere is great and there are a lot of seating options, it's a great place for a quick cup of coffee with friends read more

We always get mochas. Delicious and hot. The service is always friendly and fast. Great spot for a great cup of coffee.

Fantastic proper coffee. Nice and strong, good crema and well made! Friendly, excellent service and a great vibe if you stay and hang out. Will be back for sure read more

It's the best coffee I've had in Arizona and if you are ever in Sky Harbor they have a location there also. Coffee this good at an airport is unheard of even in this day and age. The PHX hipster scene is a bit odd as they seem to enjoy 80's music, but I am old enough to know all the songs. Watching the baristas is enjoyable and even better with coffee in your hand. It's definitely a place to people watch. Unlike most hipster coffee places they are not snobby and offer tastes and good conversations. Definitely a good place to meet people. Have fun and drink up. read more

Cartel Roasting - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

Good coffee Who would have thought you'd find good grinds in Tempe. The vibe is really nice just good peeps working and good coffee, I will come back here when I'm in town. read more

$5 for a cup of drip coffee is unconscionable. Plenty of indoor seating and staff was friendly.

Loving this cute coffee lab. It is affordable and very trendy. I'm not a big coffee drinker but it left my tummy and energy happy. There was no line and my coffee didn't take forever to get it but it was very packed. They are fast paced! read more

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If I can describe this place in one word I would say it's cool , thx to there coffee machine that make the place smell like real coffee place The coffee is a little burn but good enough for college ppl that just come for a nice cup of coffee So compare to Starbucks ( the worse coffee in the world) I would say this place is good They need to crate a smaller seating area ( more tables ) instead of big area that you have no where to sit read more

Cartel Roasting - Bitter good mashiatto - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

Nice coffee, atmosphere and customer service. They roast, grind the beans on site. Overall good coffee and service read more

Awesome place for coffee. Whether it's espresso or a pour over. Cartel is our favorite roaster to go to when we are in town.

Big place, lots of room to find a spot to chill and do work or meet with someone. Doesnt look that big for the outside. Chai tea is good. Seems like this place is good for lots of people to get work done. I enjoyed my time here. read more

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Totally come here if you like to feel superior to everyone else, this is your place. The staff and managers are "too cool" to be: 1) Polite 2) Helpful beyond the bare minimal 3) Exhibit common courtesy, if I dont know something and ask an employee wait until I'm out of ear shot to joke/laugh about how if I dont know anything about "craft coffee why are you wasting our time? Go to Dutch Bros" I'm all about supporting local, if they arent pretentious and let their reputation go to their heads. Plus 99% sure an employee stole my Hydroflask at this location. read more

Late night running around Tempe and thanks to the Yelp APP I was pleasantly excited to see that a coffee shop was actually open! Good thing I was by the ASU campus. Needed to have a cold brew with a splash of almond milk, and a hot tea for later on. Great service at the register and a really chill place to gather your thoughts and sip on my drink after a busy day! Cheers to this location and hoping see Cartel expand ! read more

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I had the opportunity to stop by Cartel during a work trip and I was super impressed. I was greeted warmly and ordered a vanilla latte. I loved its creaminess and flavor. It was one of the most tastiness vanilla latte I have ever had. But the main issue with Cartel is that I wish I had more. The vanilla latte was super small compared to what I would get at my regular coffee house. While still paying the same price. WiFi was pretty strong and outlets were everywhere. The customer service was awesome and the coffee was so tasty. I just wished I had ordered the bigger size. read more

As a soon to be college graduate at Arizona State University, I've been that student with their nose burried deep in school work at Cartel. Cartel has a youthful and exciting energy to it. Its hip vibe is what has ultimately encouraged me to study at Cartel from time to time. I'm not an avid coffee drinker as it gives me the "shakes", but I can say their Chai iced coffee is absolutely delicious. Now to explain the three star rating, my biggest issue with the facility is their insane lack of outlets. Every time I've entered Cartel to do homework, I've essentially been forced to leave as their simply aren't enough outlets that I either go home or find another coffee shop. Listen, if your location is going to be next to a College University, you've got to put more outlets in your facility. Additionally, parking is horrendous. Im always looking high and low for a parking spot that after so much time I simply give up and leave. These two issues have been insanely problematic for me that I actually suggest going to another Cartel location. However, if you have the time to find a parking spot or wait for the next outlet to open up, then by all means help yourself! read more

After having been to some other locations, this one lived up to the consistency I expected. The staff was friendly, qualify of drinks great, and I LOVE how much space is available. Great for grabbing a quick drink, having a meeting, or hanging out with friends. Longer-term parking (more than 1 hour) is a bit unclear, but that typically goes for the whole of Tempe. read more

I got the vanilla flavored iced latte which was all right. It was not amazing or anything. I would honestly go somewhere else for coffee... I do have to say that their atmosphere is really nice how it has an industrial feeling to it. I would say that the atmosphere will make you want to feel productive or creative. You are also able to see them ground up the coffee beans. read more

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This Wi-Fi cafe is a popular local hangout with a large and spacious interior and lots of outlets for laptops. The vibe is hipsterish with a local following, and the norms include busy foot traffic and people socializing and studying at every turn. They usually roast their beans in the middle of the day, so the deep coffee aroma can be very enticing before you step inside. I'm usually here with my laptop, and the convenience of parking in the back has allowed me to come here for casual and important meetings. I had a small cup of Pilar ($4) that came from Guatemala with a crisp and airy consistency but a little bitter, chalky, and heavy on the finish. The added soymilk did not dissolve easily, prompting me to wish that they had handcrafted along with the pour over. The price was higher than Blue Bottle or Philz, so naturally I had to expect more from this drip. I also tried a large cup of Soy Latte ($5) with Borbollon, a Salvadoran bean that tasted smooth, silky, complex, and easy at the finish. The soy consistency was creamy and not watery like some other places. I prefer the Latte than the pour over. Service was friendly, responsive, and fairly consistent on every visit. Despite its popularity, their quality still a step behind some of the better handcrafted coffee places. A good place for studying and Yelping, I hope to eventually check out their downtown location. read more

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The location in Scottsdale is great, but this one is better. They serve up some of the best coffee, espresso and chai tea lattes you could ask for. Based near Mill Ave, it fits right in with that artsy stores nearby and has that "renovated garage" hipster look. Speaking of renovated, they just expanded into two huge new sections! One side offers more lounge seating where you should be able to start ordering craft beer. It's always been there, but now it looks like people are getting used to actually using it more often. The west side wall is gone which opens up a large area for additional seating, cartwheels and lots of other activities. I'm looking forward to seeing how they decorate and update this place, my favorite coffee shop in AZ. read more

- I was there March 16th. This coffee shop is AMAZING, i love the vibe, the artwork, their freshness, and of course their cookies!! I have already been raving to my friends how good this place is, and how we need to frequent coffee shops like this kind more often, instead of our usual Starbucks. The service is outstanding, as I walked to the counter I was greeted by the cashier and I bluntly told him that it was my first time there and that I was taking their Chai as well as a pastry, but I didn't know which one. He then started telling me that their pastries are freshly baked each morning at their downtown location, and that he suggested the Chocolate Chip cookie as it was his own Fav!! So I told him, You had me at freshly baked, I'll take your chocolate chip coffee and a Medium non-fat Chai. The only thing was that they didn't have medium sized drinks, they only have small or large, small is just too little for me and large is just too much, medium is just perfect for me, but no medium and I end up not drinking it all. So I took the large and as expected, I wasted about 1/6 of my deliciously large hot foamy non-fat Chai!!! :) I will surely be back to frequent this spot, everyone there was oh soo friendly!! :) read more

Cartel Roasting - Large Chai and a Chocolate chip cookie!! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

the best dirty chai any coffee shop i have ever tried. Compare it to Black Rocks , which is terrible. I also buy their coffee for home brewing, it's the best. Only drawback to the place is it's depressing environment. Homeless go in and out of it. The bathroom is awful, the service is very mediocre. They took the couches out (probably due to homeless) which makes it less inviting to spend time. (Maybe a few comfy lounge chairs?). We still go there once a week though, been going for over 10 years. On coffee alone it's 5 stars. read more

Immaculate vibes. The coffee was great but it's the atmosphere that gives this place its 5 stars. It is the perfect place to study, meet with friends, or read a book. No matter your tolerance for volume, you can complete your tasks here. People bring the cutest dogs in here and there are places at a lot of the tables to plug in your computer. My Americano wasn't badly priced either. It was around $3.22? read more

Cartel Roasting - Free WiFi - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

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A rough architectural contribution to the neighborhood in the way that only kids building a fort could do but delivering excellent coffee, art and ambiance. Their new wave of coffee quality in Phoenix is remarkable particularly with the Costa Rican beans offering a rich moment to be remembered. I couldn't help but notice as I was waiting, the Cartel upgraded to a La Marzocco Strada. The 2012 Espresso 'Wet Dream Machine.' Still it's an unpretentious place to bring homework, a laptop and just relax in the laid back atmosphere. Today I brought a gal with me, way better than a gadget. I ordered up a cappuccino in a large cup and saucer and she a cup of tea. Shot a little man art photography and enjoyed conversation. It was the first stop on a fun Earth Day. read more

Cartel Roasting - Lovely - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

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I don't think I'll be visiting here again. To be very honest, it just wasn't my scene. It was extremely crowded, exceedingly loud, and too hipster for my taste. The staff was very impersonal as well, which is something that naturally comes with working at a busy spot. My biggest grudge, however, was that they didn't have real sugar. They only had liquified cane syrup that tasted AWFUL. Definitely not for me. read more

Cartel Roasting - Flat white - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

I have been trying to come here forever and finally made it out on a Friday night. I was surprised by the lack of a crowd. Mistake number one was not listening to the honest barista. I asked how was the decaf brew, and he provided an honest answer of "not so good, I would not recommend it." Unfortunately he was correct. The decaf Americano was bland and watery. There was no depth, no roasted taste, really disappointing. I should have listened and avoided the decaf products. read more

Cartel Roasting - The Roaster - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

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I read about the 1 hr parking thing from other yelpers, and the dude who checks if you actually leave after an hr exists. I went into the parking lot in the back of Cartel Coffee Lab, and the guy (who's in a white shirt with "parking security" or whtever) was walking around with this pen and notebook in hand. The inside of the coffee lab is pretty big. lots of tables to chill at. I had the cold brew, which was $2.50. It was pretty good. I would need to try other drinks they offer to better review them, but from what I experienced today, I wouldn't mind going again. read more