Desert Drifter is a new(ish) coffee shop in Tucson! The menu includes coffee drinks, smoothies and acai bowls! Its not a huge, overwhelming menu, but has a good variety! The staff was friendly and knowledgeable. They were able to modify my Rusted Gold yummy drink to make it sugar free and it was great! *there is not a lobby so its basically drive thru (maybe a walk up window too). Very close to i10 and speedway. So a quick detour off the highway for a more crafted drink is well worth it! read more

Desert Drifter - Rusted Gold - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

I've not actually been here, so this all based on my experience with their food via DD. One of the best iced coffees I've had, maybe ever. I had the Desert Bloom. Honey and lavender? Sign me up! It's SO good. There was also a BOGO special in bagels. Y'all. These are some of the best bagels I've had. The cream cheese was evenly distributed and the bagel was chewy and fluffy and incredibly delicious. It will perhaps haunt my dreams after returning to Yuma. If you haven't been here yet or tried them in a different way, please do. I don't want you to miss out. Well, most you. Except her. She knows what she did... YUM. read more

It pleases me to no end when I can find a locally owned coffee shop that sells great coffee and also has great customer service. This morning was my very first visit to Desert Drifter and I wasn't sure exactly what to order so Zach (sp?), the GM, took the time to share some of the special seasonal drinks, he got an idea of what flavors sparked an interest to me and then he designed a drink specifically for me. I truly appreciated the time and effort that he put in to making certain that I got a drink that I would be happy with! That is what I call GREAT customer service. The coffee: The espresso was strong/bold and the add-ons that were suggested weren't overpowering but the perfect compliment to the coffee itself. I don't love super sweet coffee and it was exactly what I was looking for. Zach did give me options for sweet drinks though, so if you are looking for that, I'm sure they can accommodate that. They also have a rewards program, which immediately gave me enough points for a free drink on my next visit! I can't wait to stop in again and try something different. If you find yourself near the speedway location, stop in and give them a try!!! read more

Desert Drifter - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

This was a solid coffee experience! I got an iced latte via the drive thru and the service was kind and quick. The latte itself was very good, roasty and smooth and I was excited to learn they use Presta beans. The price felt a little steep to me - for a medium iced plain latte it came out to be over $7, which felt a little high compared to what I'm used to with other local spots, but the experience and their mission was positive and a reason to come back periodically for sure, just not sure if I'd do every day with the pricing. Overall a good coffee spot! read more

Actually pretty good! I stopped by and got a chai and I'm VERY pleased to say it's good!! I'm picky about chai so I was hesitant to order because of how picky I am but I gotta try to let me fellow yelpers know. My husband is the coffee one in the relationship and he got the rattler it's just a white chocolate breve and he really liked it. I'll be back to try more. They are "locally" owned. They are from Oregon but moved here and opened two locations now. So I guess I gotta support that more than my typical 7brew. Coffee and smoothies is there main thing so when I want my energy drinks I'll head over to 7brew. read more

Desert Drifter - Rattler. Perfect color - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

See all

Stellar service and a great healthy option! The smoothie tasted fresh without added sugars. They were so friendly the entire experience. There's a drive thru and walk up window. Fast service. read more

Desert Drifter - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Don't go here if you value your sanity. The drinks taste AWFUL - all of the I tried a variety and none of them were even close to being good- and the service is so confusing and ridiculous. They told me to go park (drive through coffee shop so huh?) to receive my drinks and parking was limited because it's in an extremely busy gas station parking lot so when I found my spot after a couple of mins my drinks were ready... like you couldn't just let me stay at the window? And then someone parked right behind me so I couldn't leave the parking spot the manager made me go sit at for 10 mins (the car owner was inside the gs getting food) also the cups they use are terrible quality and kept falling over in the drink carrier. And the drink carrier is poor quality. Only medium cups have their branding otherwise it's just cheap unbranded plastic. I will NEVER come back. read more

Desert Drifter - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Service was awesome! I enjoyed the avocado toast. The coffee.... I was slightly disappointed in. I had hyped this place up before I went and had very high expectations. Definetly wanna try again to see if I just ordered the wrong thing. I also would have loved to be able to sit down inside, they only have a walk up window or drive through. read more

See all

I had been holding off on trying Desert Drifter until the Oro Valley location opened but after hearing so many great things I couldn't wait any longer. First off, the art outside the building is really cool, very Tucson! The drive thru was pretty quick and the girl outside who took our order was really friendly and helpful. She even shared some of her favorites drinks. We ordered a tres leches latte and a piloncillo shaken espresso and they were both really good. I can't wait for the Oro Valley location to open! read more

Desert Drifter - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

See all

I've heard great things about this place, but I guess you just don't know until you go in person! I was wowed! First it just made me happy driving this early morning and looking at the beautiful desert scene painted on the outside! It felt like a very Tucson morning! And then the menu just matched!! There desert themed drinks like the sonoran spice and the prickly palmer! I had the desert bloom, which had honey, lavender, and espresso! It was absolutely fantastic!! I felt great after drinking it (and during) and the customer service was over the top! They were happy to be there, and told me about other locations, and acknowledged it being my first visit! I can't wait to go back and try all the drinks! I signed up for the reward program as well! Oh! And today, 16oz drinks were just 3.00!! Happy customer here! read more

See all

Desert Drifter is one of those coffee spots that just has it all dialed in. From the moment you roll up, the vibe is right -- desert-cool aesthetic, a mural that says everything, and a staff that's genuinely having fun (and even posed for a few pictures -- love that energy). I stepped out of my usual matcha routine and tried their Clean Energy drink -- and wow. It's the perfect pick-me-up without the caffeine crash. You can tell they've put real thought into crafting drinks that make you feel good, not jittery. The menu is surprisingly extensive, with a mix of creative drinks and bakery items that all look as good as they taste. And what I love even more? Desert Drifter collaborates with local coffee roasters and bakeries -- small businesses supporting small businesses. That kind of community connection just makes everything taste better. Bonus points for the drive-thru -- ideal for those days when you need your fix on the go. Everything here feels thoughtfully curated and refreshingly original. My new go-to spot, hands down. I'll definitely be drifting back again (and again). read more

See all

I tried Desert Drifter for the first time today....Great little local drive-thru coffee shop! The service was fast and friendly, menu choices unique (and familiar favorites), and a great mural covered the building. The iced "desert bloom" was so tasty and I suspect I'll be craving it again soon! Note: It's located just west of Speedway/Main (on the south side of Speedway), next to the Shell gas station - you can get to it from the gas station. (Just adding that info because I was afraid I'd missed the turn in but being able to get to it from the gas station makes it much easier) read more

Desert Drifter - Yummy! And cute cups! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

See all

Like Dutch Bros, but stronger coffee and a better Tik Tok marketing team. I was completely clueless when I arrived, and the barista on the other end of the microphone helped me choose one of their classics, the Desert Bloom. It has lavender, which I feel like is so easy to go the soap route, but this was very well balanced. There's a lot more for me to try at Desert Drifter, and I look forward to returning for their other drink and food options. read more

Desert Drifter - Exterior - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Unique menu for tasty drinks. The staff was friendly and recommended the Desert Bloom - a lavender honey latte. I got it iced and it was the perfect midday pick-me-up. Good to know: drive-thru and walk-up order only. read more

Desert Drifter - desert bloom latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

The best local coffee shop! All of their drinks and smoothies are fantastic. They are very fast with the drinks, and the baristas are all super kind. If you need a quick pick-me-up, this is the spot. read more

I had a great first time experience driving thru this new local coffee spot. The art work on the building is stunning and definitely an eye catcher. It's still undergoing a little bit of construction and next door is a gas station being built too, but it's nothing that impeded my visit. They have a lot of creatively named drinks and this time around I tried an oatmilk cappuccino and the Sonoran Spice which is a Mexican mocha made with local chocolate business Tucson Chocolate Factory. (It's dairy free) both were delicious and I also got a Pan Au Chocolat made by local vegan baker Houldens Rise Above. They have several other locally crafted ingredients and products along with a line of yummy drinks , coffee of course being the star. Service was wonderful, got a cute sticker and am looking forward to trying it more read more

Desert Drifter - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Stopped in the drive thru for a quick caffeine pick me up - & so glad I did. The desert mural is so welcoming as you pull into the parking lot. From quick service, friendly faces & a compliment that made my whole day, to amazing drinks (delicious Americano & chai!)... I cannot wait for their OV location to open so I can visit daily! read more

Desert Drifter - Iced chai - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Visited the mothership on Speedway in anticipation of the Oro Vally location opening. Drive thru and walk up window at this location. Oro Valley is supposed to have some inside capacity and is expected to be open after the new year. We used the walk up window. Ordered coffee and a pastry. All tasty. Our barista was pleasant and helpful. Business at the drive thru was brisk. The mural is impressive, not sure if that is planned for the Oro Valley location. OV's building codes are pretty restrictive. Maybe a mural inside? Nice to support a local business. read more

Desert Drifter - The walk-up side. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

The staff were super nice and the service was extremely quick. I got the iced chai and it was so so so good. And I love that they are big on working with local businesses. 10/10 read more

Desert Drifter - Medium Iced Chai - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Everything here is delicious. I love that the owners are centered focused on community and work with other local small business owners for their food items and their tea such as ; MAYA tea the bagels and the sweets. The Sonoran Drift and Tigre el sol is my favorite because it comes with chamoy from Dirty T Tamarindo. The drive thru is so convenient. Service is excellent and the staff is amazing. Try their Bad Hambre burritos the best bean burrito I've had! read more

See all

Great service, delicious coffee with some unique flavors! Super friendly staff with plenty of parking. read more

See all

The service is friendly and fast here, they definitely have great marketing which brought me out of my normal routine to try something new. I got the desert bloom coffee hot, the espresso tasted really dark/burnt I was disappointed in that I wouldn't order again. Tried the breakfast sandwich it was ok 6/10 it was very greasy for me and a little overpriced for what you get. The last thing I tried was the egg bites they were overcooked and the outside edges were not edible I give it a 2/10. read more

First time here at Desert Drifter and Skyler's customer service was A1! I ordered an iced Americano with oat milk and an avocado toast with peppers flakes. Yes, it was fucking good. If you're looking for a good vibe and smooth coffee, this is the spot! read more

Desert Drifter - Avocado Toast w/peppers flakes & Iced Americano - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

The matcha was VERY sweet, didn't even taste close to matcha and the smoothie was not good.. I had high hopes for this place but it was not to our liking. read more

Every single coffee we've ordered from Desert Drifter has been so stinkin good! And the staff is phenomenal. Very friendly even on early mornings. read more

Amazing coffee and yummy food! We got the rattler, the eggnog, and the peppermint bark coffees, along with the cup of cookies and the Dubai chocolate croissant. Quality local ingredients that really makes their products shine! My new favorite coffee place hands down! read more

Updating to add that I have been probably ten times now and have had consistently had great service. I go in to work really early and some mornings I need an extra cup of coffee and I appreciate the kind customer service when I'm fumbling my drink order half asleep. I'm always relieved to pull into their drive through because I know it will be a better morning lol read more

The employees were friendly and the drinks nice, but the wait for a matcha tea was too long.

Hands down the best coffee joint in Tucson! Not only are the owners wonderfully down to earth, the staff is unbelievably kind and brilliant! I drive over 25 minutes to desert drifter to get my coffee, because I know it will always be reliable and taste how it's supposed to. I'm so happy they finally opened and I can't wait for the other locations! read more

we've been here three times now and are still absolutely in love. my only complaint is not having a closer location to home, so i'm super looking forward to the other locations opening!! the team here is so incredible I can not compliment them enough on it, today they wrote happy birthday on a drink for my friend and helped make suggestions on the drink for her seriously going above and beyond! the loyalty system is also amazing and pays off so well as i got free drinks today from points! if you like your drinks on the sweeter side definitely request for them to be extra sweetened but if you like the more natural flavors this place is amazing as is! i would love to see a soft top/cold foam addition but the drinks are still great without it! read more

See all