Best Coffee Shops to Study in Tempe, AZ
Finding your favorite coffee shop when you move to a new place is a fun way to feel connected with your new community. It’s also a necessity for students in need of a quiet place to study. Tempe has a ton of coffee shops to choose from. Some are quiet and tucked away, others have a steady hum of people that can make it easier to focus. And the best part? If you’re at Paseo on University, most of them are just a short walk or bike ride away.
Here are a few favorite spots that students love to grab coffee and study.
Cartel Roasting Co.
Cartel Coffee Roasting has been around forever, and once you go, you’ll see why. The coffee is good and the interior has an effortless, but cool vibe with concrete floors and big windows.
It does get busy, but that’s part of the charm. You’ll find a blend of students, freelancers, and random locals, all with laptops or notebooks open. If you’re hoping to stay a while, get there early to grab a table and maybe bring headphones if you’re someone who needs to tune out the chatter.
On a hot day, their cold brew is a lifesaver and they even sell it in cans so that you can bring some home for later!
Infusion Coffee & Tea Crafters
Infusion Coffee & Tea Crafters feels like one of those spots you stumble into and then keep coming back to. It’s bright and welcoming, with a calm energy that makes it easy to focus for hours.
They have an impressive menu that goes way beyond your usual lattes and cappuccinos, craft teas, creative seasonal drinks, and some of the smoothest espresso in town. The staff is friendly, and the seating is a mix of cozy and functional, which makes it a reliable Tempe study spot.
It’s also a good pick if you’re meeting someone for a group project, there are bigger tables and enough room that you won’t feel cramped if you’re working with a friend or two.
Happy Joe Coffee
Happy Joe Coffee has this kind of offbeat, cozy vibe that’s hard to find elsewhere. It’s a little quieter, a little more colorful, and feels like the kind of place you can actually relax while you work.
Their coffee is strong and straightforward, nothing overly fancy, but it does the job. There are both indoor and outdoor tables, so you can switch it up depending on the weather or your mood.
It’s also never as crowded as some of the bigger spots, which makes it great when you just want to spread out and focus without feeling rushed.
Cortez Coffee
Cortez Coffee is the kind of place you might walk past if you didn’t know better. It’s quiet, unfussy, and almost easy to miss. Inside, it’s simple with a few sturdy tables, the smell of coffee beans roasting, and just enough chatter to remind you that you’re not alone.
They roast their coffee right there, and you can taste it. Everything’s fresh, bold, and a lot more interesting than what you’d get at a chain. If you like to study somewhere without a crowd breathing down your neck, this place is worth a shot.
If you’re short on time, they’re quick about getting you out the door with a hot cup, no fuss.
King Coffee
King Coffee feels like the kind of place you’d end up by accident and then keep coming back to. It’s cozy in a lived-in way with mismatched furniture, handwritten signs, and a slightly creaky floor. Basically, it’s the opposite of corporate, which is what people love about it.
You’ll usually find a mix of students, artists, and regulars who treat the place like their second home. There are couches for long study sessions, big tables if you’re meeting a group, and just enough buzz to keep you awake without it being too much to concentrate. It’s definitely one of the best cafés to study in Tempe if you like your coffee shops with a little character.
Press Coffee – Tempe
Press Coffee has a totally different feel than the others. It’s more modern and polished, but still welcoming. The Tempe location is right on Mill Ave, which means it’s super easy to stop by before or after class, or while you’re running errands downtown.
Their coffee is reliably good, nothing wild, but solid and smooth. And even when there’s a line, they keep it moving.
This spot’s right on Mill, which makes it a convenient stop if you’re already downtown. Good seating, a nice mix of energy, and close enough to other spots that you can take a walk when you need a break.
Why Living at Paseo on University Makes It Easy to Study Anywhere
One of the best things about living at Paseo on University is how close you are to all these great coffee shops. Whether you’re walking, biking, or using public transit, you can get to any of them in just a few minutes.
Additionally, you don’t even have to leave home to get work done, due to the great amenities. Paseo has private, Wi-Fi equipped study rooms, as well as places for groups to meet and study together.
When you do feel like getting out, it’s nice knowing you have so many options nearby. Whether you’re looking for something quiet and low-key or a place with a little more energy, Tempe’s coffee scene has you covered.
Living here puts you right in the middle of it all, easy access to campus, local cafés, and everything else you need to feel at home and stay on top of your work.
If you’re looking for student housing in Tempe that makes it easy to study, explore, and enjoy everything the city has to offer, come see what life at Paseo is all about. Schedule a tour today, and maybe grab a coffee on your way over.