Phoenix is a coffee city, with dozens of independent coffee shops to choose from in central Phoenix alone. So, singling out just one as the absolute best is not an easy task. But some attempt the impossible anyway.
Chowhound recently published a list of what its writers declared the best coffee shop in every U.S. state. The list was compiled using a combination of awards, press and social media recommendations to determine each state's best coffee shop. They specifically sought cafes that "not only serve great coffee, but also contribute something distinctive to their local scene, whether that's roasting excellence, innovative drink craft, community atmosphere or a strong ethical mission."
Their choice for Arizona was a three-year-old north Phoenix
specialty roastery, WeBe Coffee.
The Chowhound article highlighted WeBe's "in-house roasting, friendly, no-snob atmosphere and inventive seasonal drinks" with a special shoutout to the kumquat-cardamom latte.
I had never been to WeBe, myself. It's a bit farther north than I typically venture for coffee. But if another publication said it was the best in Arizona, I knew I had to try it for myself.
What to order at WeBe
WeBe is a specialty coffee roaster, so I knew the first thing I had to try was a plain espresso shot. They served it the traditional way, with two small shot-size glasses, one filled with sparkling water and the other with espresso, and a small stirring spoon. It was my first coffee of the day, so the inside of my brain felt like it was absolutely itching for caffeine by the time I took my first sip of the shot. It felt like being shocked awake in the very best way. The espresso was smooth and definitely not burnt.
I also asked the barista what their most popular latte was. They said it was the Sunburst, comprising honey, orange and cinnamon. I'm a huge fan of orange in coffee, so I was already excited by the description. And when my drink came out, I was not disappointed. All three flavors blended together so well, the taste could best be described as pastry-like, but not in an overly sweet way. Muffins came to mind.
Is WeBe Coffee really the best in Arizona?
It's hard for me to call one cafe the absolute best, especially after only visiting one time. I've been to nearly every coffee shop in central Phoenix and Tempe, and even among the handful of options that I frequent most often, asking me to choose just one is like asking a parent to pick a favorite child.
But I would definitely return to WeBe Coffee. If I lived closer, I'd probably become a regular Sunburst latte drinker.
How to visit WeBe Coffee Roasters
WeBe has two locations in Phoenix. Both are open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Details: 15244 Cave Creek Road, Phoenix. Also, 3831 E. Thunderbird Road, Suite 6, Phoenix. webe.coffee.
Reach the reporter at eddie.fontanez@azcentral.com. Follow @ERFontanez on Instagram.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix coffee shop named among best in US. I tried it to find out why
