If you’ve ever found yourself craving a perfectly crafted latte or a cozy spot to work, you’re in luck—the city is bursting with independent cafés, each one serving up something special. From local roasters in bustling downtown spaces to quiet neighborhood gems where everybody seems to know your name, there’s no shortage of inviting spots for your next coffee fix.
Let’s get to it.
Pura Vida Grinds Coffee Shop
Pura Vida Grinds Coffee Shop in Mesa brings a taste of Costa Rica to every cup. This family-owned spot relies on single-origin Tarrazú beans from Coopedota co-ops, offering an award-winning profile without the roar of a massive roaster. Instead, a gentle coffee aroma drifts through the cozy strip-mall nook.
In addition to classic lattes, specialty drinks like The Lobo and Ocean Runner show off unique flavor blends. Nitro cold brew finished with silky cold foam appeals to cold-brew enthusiasts, and a full menu of infused energy drinks caters to anyone who prefers a Red Bull twist. Non-coffee options include teas, lemonades, and hot chocolate.
Inside, Costa Rican murals and warm lighting create a relaxed, artsy atmosphere. Plenty of outlets ensure laptops stay powered during work sessions. There’s no drive-through, but the occasional visit from a vintage coffee truck adds extra charm. Fresh pastries and authentic Costa Rican snacks round out the menu, making this a true Pura Vida experience in the heart of Mesa.
Cup of Joey
Cup of Joey in Mesa brings a touch of Australia to Arizona with its family-owned vibe and home-baked treats. The space regularly hosts trivia and Bingo nights, and it partners with local schools for fundraisers. Coffee is roasted just outside town in Phoenix, and signature offerings like the Bendigo and Canberra tend to win fans over.
Scratch-made food is a highlight, too. Weekends feature hot breakfasts with sausage rolls or breakfast burritos, while daily treats cover both sweet and savory. A dog-friendly patio invites furry friends for puppuccinos. Kids enjoy a small play area stocked with LEGOs and a Bluey playhouse, keeping families comfortable.
If coffee isn’t your first choice, the homemade lemonades deliver a surprising kick. Cup of Joey opens early each morning and closes after lunch, so early risers get the best pick of pastries and breakfast items. The emphasis on local sourcing and genuine hospitality leaves visitors feeling right at home.
Beanchain Coffee
At Beanchain Coffee in Mesa, the focus is on community and creativity rather than corporate polish. The worker-directed model means baristas and staff shape daily operations, from the art on the walls to the occasional live musician in the seating area. An unexpected bonus is the small tattoo studio attached to one side of the shop.
The menu features beans from local Arizona roasters—no in-house corporate blends here. You can order inventive drinks like the Blueberry Muffin Latte or the London Foggish, or opt for Healing Tea, coconut water, or a cheerful energy drink. Pastries and café classics range from cinnamon rolls to rustic sandwiches and a truly comforting croissant.
Cozy armchairs and private meeting rooms are equipped with reliable Wi-Fi, so you won’t feel rushed. Prices are a bit higher than a drive-through, but the ethical approach and emphasis on worker well-being make it clear that this café values community impact as much as quality coffee.
Buddha’s Brew Coffee Cafe
Buddha’s Brew Coffee Cafe occupies a creative corner inside Old Town Ink, offering both caffeine and a tattoo-shop buzz in downtown Mesa. Inside, warm lighting and art-filled walls set a welcoming stage for communal tables and cozy indoor nooks. Outside, a turf patio invites customers to linger.
The breakfast-and-lunch menu covers everything from the Buddha Tot Breakfast Bowl to a breakfast quesadilla and buffalo chicken sandwich. Avocado toast comes with sriracha as the standard kick, and all-day vegan sandwiches ensure plant-based diners aren’t left out.
Baristas use beans from Provision Coffee Roasters to craft honey lavender lattes, almond turtle creations, and adventurous options like a 420 matcha or a chaggachino. For those skipping coffee, protein shakes and spiked seltzers expand the lineup.
Live music, open-mic nights, and art shows pop up regularly, keeping the energy high. A loyalty program tied to the tattoo shop adds another layer of community engagement. Buddha’s Brew stands out by blending specialty drinks, creative eats, and local art culture in one lively spot.
Jarrod’s Coffee, Tea, & Gallery
Stepping into Jarrod’s Coffee, Tea, & Gallery feels like entering a revived 1920s bungalow transformed into a lively art hub. Turquoise inlay floors and rotating local art exhibitions set the tone, while multiple rooms offer both window-side seating and hidden nooks for quiet moments.
Baristas serve nitro cold brew, coconut cold brew, lattes, and dirty chai alongside pastries such as blueberry scones and lemon-raspberry loaf. Light salads and sandwiches are available for those seeking a healthier bite. The outdoor areas are equally inviting, with a covered, heated patio and a fire pit during cooler months.
Regular events range from open-mic nights to art receptions and even occasional goth-dance sessions, reflecting the owner, Jarrod Martinez’s, commitment to community arts. There’s no drive-through, so guests arrive in person to enjoy fast Wi-Fi and a relaxed atmosphere. Mid-range prices match the quality of drinks and the vibrant cultural scene that lives within these walls.
Hava Java Mesa
At Hava Java Mesa, coffee goes far beyond the usual drip. They roast Italian blends from Caffé D’arte, delivering classic drip, cold brew, and even nitro cold brew. Flavored lattes include caramel macchiato and white chocolate, and in autumn you’ll find seasonal offerings stacked under a crown of pumpkin foam.
Tea drinkers are also covered with a selection of handcrafted teas and kombucha on tap. Food options range from daily-baked pastries and bagels to real breakfast sandwiches filled with egg and arugula, plus tacos and small bites for when you want something more substantial.
The welcoming atmosphere—with chalkboard art, comfy couches, and two pet-friendly patios—makes this spot feel like home. It’s a laptop-friendly space, thanks to plenty of tables and reliable Wi-Fi. Evenings bring live music, open mic nights, and trivia. They also serve fourteen craft beers and a modest wine list, all at reasonable prices. Located in a simple shopping strip, this independent shop somehow transforms an ordinary setting into a lively neighborhood coffee bar.
Black Rifle Coffee Company
Near the Gilbert border, Black Rifle Coffee Company blends coffee culture with veteran pride. Wooden beams, exposed brick, and military memorabilia line the walls, creating a rustic-industrial setting that honors service members. Their in-house roasted beans include fan favorites like Freedom Roast plus rotating seasonal blends such as Yule Fuel.
The espresso bar serves lattes, iced lattes, and Frappuccinos, with almond and oat milk available as alternatives. Pastries stick to classic coffeehouse fare: snickerdoodle cookies, banana bread, and breakfast sandwiches on croissants or bagels, including a gluten-free option. A small outdoor patio welcomes pets with pup cups.
Counter service and communal tables promote a friendly, no-pressure atmosphere. Military personnel and first responders receive a 10% discount, and events like Coffee with SWAT bring the community together. With early opening times and late closing hours, this spot is ideal for anyone who appreciates American coffee traditions served with a patriotic edge.
Black Rock Coffee Bar
At Black Rock Coffee Bar, every visit balances neighborhood charm with caffeine efficiency. The espresso machines hum continuously, and cold brew and nitro are always ready. The “Fuel” energy drinks lineup—flavors like Caramel Blondie and Witch’s Brew—caters to anyone seeking an extra kick. Seasonal specials such as pumpkin and Mexican mocha have their own fan followings.
Inside, polished concrete floors and long communal tables create an industrial vibe, while ample outlets invite laptops and study sessions. Beyond coffee, the menu offers teas, matcha lattes, and smoothies, plus complex dairy-free options for anyone with dietary needs. The pastry case includes flaky ham & Swiss croissants and colorful treats made for sharing on Instagram.
Drive-through lanes and indoor seating both work well, and a rewards program keeps regulars coming back. Students, remote workers, and friends can all find their rhythm here. Each location adds a local touch—sunlit patios, regional art displays, or both—and open hours start early to support every kind of schedule.
Lost Dutchman Coffee House
Tucked into downtown Mesa, Lost Dutchman Coffee House combines carefully roasted coffee with handcrafted gelato and ice cream treats. Beans are micro-roasted in Tempe, producing single-origin options and house blends. The espresso bar specializes in straight shots, macchiatos, cappuccinos, and lattes that pack plenty of character.
Specialty drinks include Hario pour-overs, Shot in the Dark espresso, and cold-press coffee. Lombardo’s gelato arrives daily, making affogatos a highlight. Ice cream floats and shakes—named Gold Panner and Pink Lady—are available anytime, even before noon.
The cozy interior features communal tables, counter service, and laptop-friendly nooks, while outdoor seating faces the pedestrian zone. Beyond coffee and ice cream, the menu offers teas, smoothies, light sandwiches, and classic chocolate chip cookies. Lost Dutchman is where you slow down, savor your drink, and enjoy a croissant sandwich surrounded by local art.
Bikini Beans Coffee
On busy Mesa corners, Bikini Beans Coffee stands out with bold branding and a simple concept: great coffee and confident service. Baristas craft drinks from beans roasted in-house, so the espresso tastes noticeably fresh. Popular options include hot coffee, organic cold brew on tap, and the White Macadamia Nut Latte, which enjoys a devoted following.
In addition to espresso-based drinks, the menu features protein shakes, energy drinks, frozen lemonades, and Italian sodas. Pastries like blondies and donuts are available at the walk-up window, catering to grab-and-go customers. Since they open at 5 AM every day, the drive-thru is usually the busiest spot.
Family-owned and proudly Arizona, Bikini Beans offers wallet-friendly prices without sacrificing quality. It’s a reliable choice for anyone seeking a caffeine boost, a quick snack, and a dose of friendly service—all delivered with an unapologetically bold style.
Renegade Coffee Company
Renegade Coffee Company in Mesa offers more than just a great cup of coffee. They source beans from local roasteries, so every espresso shot tastes fresher than typical drive-through brews. You can order a s’mores mocha or a nitro-infused cold brew and still slide through the drive-thru lane without pausing your podcast. The breakfast burrito and vegan muffins pair perfectly with specialty lattes, and baristas will fill travel mugs with kombucha or CBD cold brew whenever you ask.
Inside the café the design feels comfy and modern, with outlets at nearly every table and bar seating for solo visitors. A dog-friendly patio gives pups a spot to relax while their owners sip Red Bull-infused drip coffee. The food selection spans biscuits and gravy, paninis and rotating seasonal pastries. Artwork from local artists adorns the walls and private rooms host community meetings. Gender-neutral restrooms and wallet-friendly prices complete the welcoming, neighborhood-focused atmosphere.
The Nile Coffee Shop
At The Nile Coffee Shop, you’ll find a perfect blend of personality and history within the old Nile Theater lobby in downtown Mesa. The retro-industrial décor and exposed brick allow natural light to flood the space, creating a cozy, lively atmosphere. All pastries are baked in-house and entirely vegan, though flavors like cinnamon raisin bagels, sweet potato bacon bagels and the Mc Blufin sandwich feel as indulgent as their non-vegan counterparts. If you prefer something other than traditional coffee, try the pistachio rose latte, sample a rotating seasonal drink or choose from several loose-leaf teas served by friendly baristas.
Locals appreciate the reasonable prices. Live music, occasional jazz nights, art pop-ups and even wrestling events connect the café with the theater beneath its roof. Free Wi-Fi and plenty of power outlets make it easy to stay for hours, whether you’re settling in on the shaded patio or gathering around a communal table with avocado toast and an oat milk chai latte.
