The places I *haven't* reviewed always surprise me, because more often than not they are places I regular - in this case, Giant. I've literally been coming here since it opened, I was there for the first year anniversary and literally countless days in between, yet I haven't given a Yelp review yet - weird! If Yelp had half stars, I'd give Giant 4.5, but all the slight nuances add up, and I don't feel right giving 5. The coffee bean: I'll start by saying Four Barrel is a great choice; I've always loved it, and probably always will - 4B is one of my favorite coffee shops in the world. That said, I'd prefer something local was used. The coffee has to be shipped here weekly, from San Francisco, which in turn makes for a mixed experience. If you want beans, you have to deal with the dates they have available, which by the time it gets processed in SF, shipped, repackaged (at Giant) and put on the shelf, is at least a week old at this point. The shop: The shop itself is great. I've been absolutely in love with the giant front windows that open up to let in the fresh air (when it's not a zillion degrees outside). I love the lighting, mix of modern steel structure and vintage furniture. Attached to Bunky, who, while on the expensive side, has some cool stuff. The baristas are generally pretty great, with a choice few being extremely great. Credit/debit purchases require $5+, which is slightly annoying if all you want is a small drink; I generally bring cash. There's roughly 4 parking spots out front, countless parking across the street at CVS (literally a 15 second walk from here) and about 12-15 spots in the back - you enter either from the alley just east of 1st street [if you're by the library], or go between the gas station and the Thai restaurant [if you're entering from McDowell]). Drinks: The drink menu is great. You can get timeless classics, or new-old twists. This is one of two shops in the whole PHX area that does a pour-over right. Espresso is pulled short and flavor-abound. The drip flows constantly, and generally is re-made after it's sat too long. I'm a straight up coffee person, so I stick to pour-over, drip or espresso, but the mocha is a delightful drink, with a good quality chocolate, home-made whipped creme and chocolate shavings on top. Giant serves Straus dairy with their drinks, which is a plus in my book. The beans rotate with Four Barrel's bean menu. Like the other venues Matt Pool runs, expect no substitutions or special orders here (which shouldn't be a shock if you ever frequence Matt's Big Breakfast or Roosevelt). I understand not serving a traditional machiatto or espresso to go, but there are some "rules" that could be stretched here to accommodate for the customer. Fare: I've mixed opinions of the fare at Giant. It's nothing to do with taste and creativity - those are generally spot on. Different things are generally whipped up, so you never get bored with the selection. That said, in the past (and I think this baker is no longer working here), I've seen quick-bread that wasn't cooked throughout, which is one of the most disgusting things to stumble upon while eating something tasty. Again, I've not experienced this or anything negative lately. All in all: Great shop, great tastes, friendly baristas. A couple annoyances, but overall a good go-to. read more

It was a Saturday afternoon, the weather was perfect, my bike was shining and I was thirsting for some delicious iced coffee. I'm not a woman of needing the finer things in life, but I do enjoy the riches of a ground bean. Unfortunately, I wasn't spoiled with a quality beverage at Giant. My friend is a connoisseur of coffee, and their espresso was bitter, and my disappointment was set off when they had absolutely no selection of sugar-free liquid sweeteners(diabetics beware). Aesthetically, the location is sure to spark a designers eye for all things contemporary. read more

We read about Giant Coffee from Phoenix Magazine and I tried it on a whim. I was not disappointed. The honey vanilla latte in particular was very good, as was the cherry almond scone. Prices were good. read more

Been a few times as it is on my commute. Great looking space, but that is the best thing about this place. Lousy service, not so friendly, slow. Coffee is fine but not at the level of Luxe. Want to like it but it aint happening. read more

Despite the lack of warm welcome by the person taking the order, this coffee is GOOD! The also have molasses cookies. Who likes molasses cookies? Apparently not that many people except me because they are hard to find. The cookie was also delicious! read more

This place has a great atmosphere and good location. They care more about the coffee than the sweeteners added to the coffee which I appreciate. I would have given them 5 stars if they took debit! I completely agree with not using debit and credit cards however that cost can be passed to the customer if they want. That would at least let them make the sale. Anyway... They had a vanilla honey coffee that was very good. Not too sweet so it let the coffee flavor shine through. I would definitely recommend this place, just remember to bring cash! read more

Great coffee shop... I am originally from Seattle and love a good cup of coffee. Giant Coffee is a wonderful establishment with friendly service and excellent coffee. Let me list the things I love about this place. 1. Attention to detail (Strauss milk)(high quality soy milk) 2. Excellent barista's (Great customer service) 3. Atmosphere (wonderful interior design) 4. location (across from Phoenix Art Museum Giant Coffee is a great place to just get away and relax or meet up with friends. Parking has never been a problem for me and I usually get a spot right up front. I don't understand why some posts claim to have a problem with the barista's customer service because they are really friendly and take the time to get to know you. I have never in my life met barista's this nice and I have been to a lot of coffee shops in my time. Also just last week I saw one of my favorite barista's at Giant Coffee come in on his day off to get coffee and he ended up spending a few hours talking to regulars he knew. WOW, that says a lot. Ya this place is no Starbucks thank god... and they don't write your name on your cup and throw it at you the second you decide to sit down. Phoenicians let me give you some advice... A coffee shop is a magical place you go to get away from your hectic life so try and slow down a little and smell the espresso. The people who have a problem with this place are just intimidated by its awesomeness and need to go back to whatever Starbucks hole they crawled out of. read more

Do you take your coffee with hearing damage? I have repeatedly patronized this shop and had my eardrums blasted at obnoxious volumes. I could not carry on a conversation in this place without yelling over the noise/music. Baristas adjust the volume based on how it sounds behind the counter, not realizing that the speakers are pointing out into the seating area and the concrete flooring intensifies sound. read more

I was told to go to this place by a friend. No place to plug in a laptop.... Except a stage that you'd sit behind like a judge on The Voice. Expensive, poorly laid out and no atmosphere. Coffee was average and the barista had no expression At all. read more

The BEST coffee house hands down in Phoenix!! I have tried the every coffee house here in Phx and Giant got it right!! Im in there every morning 7 days a week. The fresh baked goods and granola/yogurt are great. Always fresh out of the oven. The staff is always friendly and jumps on my Quad Latte and Iced Rice Quad Latte the moment they see me pull up. A big thanks to the morning crew- Brittany, Bill, Anthony and the teeny baker!! Thanks Matt for another homerun! read more

So, yes, it's a great location, 1 star. And a great interior, 1 star. After my 3rd visit I am officially ready to write them off my coffee list. I love supporting local businesses, but this place just isn't my cup o' jo. Yesterday morning I went to get a latte, I ordered a small with an extra shot. The price went from $3 to $4.65, What the ....what?!? The esspresso just seemed to have a sour taste, and since I had to have my caffine, and wouldn't dare to go near the break room sludge, I forced myself to drink this. I actually wished I had gone to starbucks and I'm just not that kind of girl!!!! Maybe I am coffee spoiled, but I just couldn't palette this stuff. I am also sad they never have veggie options for breakfast burritos and they don't even carry carmel for a carmel latte?!? And the honey vanilla latte is too sweet for my taste. I am glad that some people like it, but I would rather be at Jobot or Lola's. And yes they do now except cards, but are not card friendly if you only order 1 drink. read more

We had breakfast at Matt's Big Breakfast and saw the same owners created Giant so we headed over. Tried the honey vanilla latte by recommendation of so many other yelp reviews and loved it! My husband ordered the peach black iced tea and it was great, too. The best part of the coffee house though was the environment. We'll be back. read more

I'm withholding the last star because their credit card system doesn't let you tip the employees. It's something I and I'm sure a lot of other people want to do, but the current system allows only for cash tips. It would be great if people still used cash, but alas, most people don't. Moreover, good tips are something the kind, attentive baristas there deserve, and it's a shame that they are essentially getting underpaid for their work for no apparent good reason. I've seen other businesses (Cartel?) who also use Square, their ipad card-swipe program, but finagle it to allow for tips to be included. Management, please take notice, and update your program! It's only fair treatment of your hardworking employees. As it is now it looks like disrespect of your workers. I'm a regular and spend at least $50 there a month. The drip coffee is seriously the best I've ever tasted (though I agree with those who suggests that using a local roaster would be nice, if possible). Atmosphere is great, location is great, windows are great, yadda yadda. I love this place but it needs to treat its employees fairly by facilitating easy tipping. read more

We wanted to go here for weeks because we read some goods reviews. First, the coffee was good but they can improve the sweeter selections. Second, the bakery was not good. That is the real reason for my middle rate. They have to improve a lot in this area. Third, and this is personal opinion that it has not been considered in my rate, is the eclectic decoration. It like industrial , modern or something like with some classic staff, paintings. It is like in the middle of something but it is not defined. In conclusion, Giant Cafe is much much better than Starbucks but I was hoping to find something better. I will like to give them another chance in future. read more

I like this place. I try if I can to go to small business owner shops if I can. This place is neat. Great location near the library just far enough away from the busy road. Tad warm inside but the wide open glass wall let in some nice breeze. I like the way they put small work tables along the side that deal like a airport bar or maybe sports bar. The music wasn't too loud and I appreciate that. I was a tad surprised at how small a large drink was. Not a price thing. Just I like to have a iced latte and bring it with me. This was pretty small. But it tasted good and made well. I am taking a class over at the Phoenix Center for the Arts and this is only a 5 minute walk. I will be back. read more

Came into this coffee shop a couple days age and ordered a latte with baked eggs. LOVED it! Everything was delish and the place seemed very laid back. Great customer service. Will definitely return! read more

Best cold brew in town. Period. Their cold brew doesn't taste like plain normal iced coffee like a lot of pretender cold brews. There is layers of flavor with a smooth finish. Pour coffee here is amazing, I tried the Ethiopia Bulga which had notes of earthy floral notes and a hint of tea on the finish. Favorite coffee shop in Phoenix. read more

Poor customer service. The employees stand behind the counter and chat instead of making the drinks. There were only 3 other people in the entire coffee shop and I waited 20 mins to find they had not even started making my tea. read more

As a fellow barista in the specialty coffee community I was stoked to visit Giant Coffee and bring my friends to show them what the boutique coffee industry is about. I'm currently visiting from Sacramento and was excited to check the coffee scene in Phoenix, and unfortunately this was my first stop. I must say the coffee should have been a bit better if the baristas attitude were going to be so shitty. read more

I think the honey vanilla latte is one of my new favorite coffee creations. The coffee is good and the atmosphere and decor is awesome. I love the guitar on the wall with the little screen inside it. The workspaces are also really cool along the wall. The menu is pretty simple, but when its well done who can complain. The pastries are from MJ bread/tammie coe so they will certainly not disappoint. I am looking forward to the breakfast menu being served. It looks yummy. Definitely, close to the top on my list of favorite coffee shops in downtown phoenix. read more

Usually love this place because it is very chill and relaxing, however, today they were playing pretty disturbing rock music. Not my cup of tea. read more

I loved the coffee at Lux, I'm now in love with Giant Coffee- for the coffee. Premium ingredients = premium tasting coffee. Love the Honey Vanilla Latte. read more

I've been coming to Giant since college and it has a special place in my heart. The coffee is fantastic and the pastries are unique and taste great(although some can go stale fairly quickly). It's a great place to work or study. I do have one concern; I was working there recently when a group of about 20 kids (not kidding) from the school nearby came in around 3 pm on a Friday. Some of the kids bought food or coffee and sat down to work on their homework, which is fine (paying customers), but a large group of other kids went out on the porch area and were talking loudly and running in the street (playing a game), disturbing other patrons. The barista had to walk outside to issue a warning but the kids continued to be rambunctious. I noticed that several kids were being picked up from the porch area by their parents/carpools. It's unfair to the business, its employees and other patrons to play babysitter/carpool pickup for a neighboring school two streets over; Giant is a coffee shop, not an extension of the school's (unless there's some partnership/deal/relationship with the school that I'm not aware of). Baristas don't get paid to monitor other people's children by having to play babysitter and issue warnings or face potential liability if a car strikes a kid in the street out front of the patio (or on business property). Additionally the group took up all the available seating, with a majority of the kids having bought nothing at all. I get it; kids are kids and they get out of hand, but I'm offended more for the owner, the employees and the business to be used in such a way, especially when the property is shared with another business in the same room; Bunky Boutique. I highly recommend the owner reach out to the school nearby about the issue as I love this place and the staff are always cordial. read more

Not too bad of a place, cool setting. Good latte, didn't try any of the single origin pour over so can't say what they're like. But over all, cool atmosphere, I like it. read more

I absolutely love your honey vanilla goats milk latte! It is perfect! Unfortunately your barista told me you're taking it off the menu. Please keep stocking the goats milk I love that flavor! It is so unique! read more

Great coffee, music, atmosphere and staff! I was visiting from out of town and stopped in after visiting the Phoenix Library. The two people working there were really friendly and down to earth people, and there was a little clothing boutique built into the store, like a temporary installation...quite cool. Nice finishes too (nod to the architect). read more

this place is impressive at first glance. the design is stunning and uses lots of rough materials - wood,concrete, steel & even some sort of lava-rock substance on one of the walls. clean lines, lots of seating. quite a contrast from the homey breakfast joint up the road. the big open window space at the front is quite alluring (although i'm not sure how practical seeing as this is phoenix after all..) we had an americano & a quad latte.. both were fantastic & smooth. we also had some toast with butter & local preserves (can't really go wrong here).. it was nice because one of the baristas came to ask us if we would like the ends of the bread toasted as an added bonus! i HATE that it is cash only. i NEVER have cash on me and this will be a huge deterrent when i am racing to work in the morning and have so many great coffee shops to choose from in the area. also, i'm not sure how he parking sitch will play out yet.. ? read more

Was a little disappointed with this place. Very nicely decorated, super friendly staff, but the espresso for the regular latte tasted burned, the honey vanilla one was better, but I think that was more because the sweetness covered up the burned flavor. Lemon poppy seed scone was good on the outside but doughy in the middle. Some stuff is good doughy; like the blondie we got, but not good with a scone. The quiche was very good, a little overly cheesy, salty and moist, but still very good. I would come here again, but with their being better places close by I don't expect to. read more

Cool place. Good decor and set up. It's more of a go sit by yourself and sit on your computer place. Found it uncomfortable to try and sit and talk to another person. Also try not to be there when school lets out. I can see the redeeming qualities if you wanna sit by yourself but also pretend that your around people who you could possibly, maybe, just maybe talk to one day. read more

Love Giant Coffee! The atmosphere is great whether you're catching up with friends or sitting alone to study or work. It's the perfect balance of being quiet enough to focus, but with an ambiance where it's not uncomfortably quiet to be chatting. I also love the contemporary style of decor! Not to mention, the exterior of the building also features one of the many amazing murals of Downtown Phoenix! Their cortado was delicious! I love that they use Four Barrel coffee, I happened to go to a place in California that had used the same beans maybe a week or two before coming to Giant and loved it, so it was really exciting they happened to use the same beans! It's also great that they have their own parking lot in the back! It can be pretty tricky to find free parking in downtown sometimes, so it's a nice change! Overall, friendly employees, good coffee, and amazing atmosphere! read more

Great coffee shop...relaxed, cool vibe with friendly service too! I love when it is cool enough outside to keep the windows open. I could get used to hanging out here! read more

5 stars is based on one 2.5 hour visit so far, with a friend on a Sunday morning in January. Coffee, food, and atmosphere were excellent. My 16 oz. pour-over coffee ($3, Ethiopian, filled to the rim) was smooth and good enough to drink black, which I never do, though part-way through some bitterness showed through and I added some half and half. (My favorite pour-over is probably Songbird.) Friend had an iced vanilla honey latte and had high praise for it. We both grabbed strawberry muffins ($3.50) and liked them; they were moist without being too much so. Atmosphere: very comfortable; it was easy to have a long conversation here; the floor to ceiling window has a nice, peaceful view. Clean; simple; modern. Wifi slows as it gets more crowded, which is to be expected. Parking is a hassle, but I'll be back. read more

I've been coming in here a lot the last few months since Cartel downtown has been under construction. I highly doubt I'll stop coming here when Cartel finally reopens. Giant is far less busy than lux and stays open later than Cartel. I really like the fact that they use Four Barrel Coffee. I usually get a honey vanilla latte or drip since both are top notch. Their rotating pastry selection is pretty legit, especially since they're half off after 3. The staff are also super friendly and they keep the shop very clean. There's really nothing to complain about. Definitely my favorite coffee shop in Phoenix! read more

The iced honey vanilla latte was amazing! It took a little while to get our drinks...but I think that's why they tasted so great

I love this place! The employees are always super nice and they have fantastic coffee drinks. The Mocha and Honey Vanilla Latte are my favs. Definitely a cool place to kick back and relax. read more

First time here though I've been wanting to stop by since it first opened two years ago. A friend suggested that we meet here this morning and I was pleasantly surprised. I recently realized there is parking in back and there was plenty of room. I loved the inside! We sat in front of the open window on super comfy chairs while enjoying a nice light breeze. This is the living room I would want if i could design my own place with a great tasting, strong Americano. I'll def be back. The atmosphere was super chill and modern. read more

Love this downtown coffee spot that's really easy to get too and walking distance from the light rail. Coffee is always good and the staff is always polite. The place is a little small and can fill up if you're looking to stay. read more

Coffee is pretty good, though it would not make my top 3 list in Phoenix. Great atmosphere and cute interior. Pastry happy hour (after 4PM everything is 50% off!) is a nice feature too. read more

My experience here has been pretty bad. First time I went here I ordered a latte it was so weak that it just tasted like milk. The second time I thought I would just order another shot... I ordered a Vanilla Latte with an Extra shot, what I recieved was a regular latte which was weak again, when I asked for the vanilla I was told that it costs extra and so I said alright I thought thats what i paid for... Gave them an extra dollar for the vanilla and I ended up drinking what tasted like a Vanilla milk. Do yourself a favor and stick to Lola's, Cartel, and Lux. Places that have both atmosphere and knowledge of how to extract a perfect shot. read more

Great atmosphere and great coffee. Loved the breakfast items. Tried a new coffee drink, cortado, and it was amazing. Super great service!!