We sipped our way through Eastern Arizona and the White Mountains to find the most inviting coffee shops. You’ll find great java, but more importantly, a place to relax where community is as important as the brew.
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There’s nothing corporate about these Eastern Arizona coffee shops. Discover cherished gathering spots where the baristas are warm and the beverages are hot (or cold!), and everything from the atmosphere to the conversation is welcoming.
Arizona Mountain Coffee Co.
Arizona Mountain Coffee Co. in Pinetop-Lakeside is locally owned and locally loved. Grabbing a drink here is like hanging out in a friend’s living room, from the co-owner-created artwork on the walls and artist-led community painting classes to movie- and television-themed beverages. Fans of “Star Wars” will love items like the Han Solo hazelnut latte, Boba Fett boba pearl teas and the Chewbacca wookiee cookie frappe, a loaded vanilla frappe with chocolate chip cookie crumbles, cold brew, chocolate and caramel drizzles and white cream.
Must try: Sip on the crimson-colored Cactus Blossom Tea, infused with crisp apple, hibiscus flowers, calendula or sunflowers, rose hips and mango. It’s bright in look and taste.
Credit: @arizonamountaincoffeeco.
Cyclelogical Coffee & Gelato
Cyclelogical Coffee & Gelato blends a love of cycling and coffee as perfectly as it blends its signature drinks. Whether energizing for a ride among Pinetop-Lakeside’s ponderosa pines or refueling after a day of exploring Eastern Arizona, Cyclelogical’s coffee — made from beans sourced from Peru, Honduras and Ethiopia — keep you caffeinated. Sit back and stay a while. The minimalist interior has leather couches to sink into and desks for getting work done, plus an outside patio on which you can enjoy the crisp White Mountains air.
Must try: Taking inspiration from Arizona’s southern neighbor, the Vamos (Spanish for “Come on!”) Latte includes Mexican-chile syrup to add a little spice to your caffeine kick.
Junk & Java
One might argue that Junk & Java is incorrectly named. Perhaps it would be more accurate to call this Springerville gem Sips & Souvenirs or Coffee & Collectibles because the word “junk” is selling the shop’s treasures short. This vintage store and coffee shop is filled with quirky knick-knacks, including antique furniture, stained glass lamps and thrifted clothing. Grab a cold brew chilled by coffee ice cubes (no watered-down drinks here) and take your time browsing.
Must try: Yes, the coffee here is superb, but the pastries are just as beloved. Go for a latte and pair it with a freshly baked slice of cherry pie or a lemon-ricotta scone.
Credit: @theperkatoryaz
The Perkatory
With a saloon-inspired exterior that pays homage to Snowflake’s pioneering past, The Perkatory offers a new way to sip and sample. Here, it would be a shame to get a plain ol’ drip coffee when The Perkatory’s staff loves to create on-trend and themed beverages, and loves to give friendly recommendations. For kiddos or those who don’t like caffeine, check out customizable drinks like juices, lemonades, teas and sodas with hundreds of options — add cream, a lemon or lime wedge, flavored syrup, even four flavored syrups! The menu is your oyster.
Must try: Check out the staff-suggested Dirty Horchata, which blends horchata’s milky sweetness with a hint of spice and two shots of espresso.
Pine Creek Fudge Ice Cream & Espresso
If small-town charm was a place, it would be Pine Creek Fudge Ice Cream & Espresso in Pine. With homey couches and snug seating areas, as well as a pet-friendly patio for those sunshiney summer days, Pine Creek encourages visitors to order a coffee, side it with homemade fudge, then make yourself at home. Open since 2009, Pine Creek offers seasonal specialties (like pumpkin spice lattes, of course), a doggie beverage menu and sweet confections like ice cream and treats.
Must try: Locals love Pine Creek’s Wake Up Shake, a Pine Creek-ified affogato that’s an ice cream shake with two shots of espresso. One reviewer said it was, “the best thing you'll ever put in your mouth.”
Notable Mention - Pinetop Coffee House & Roasting Company
Named "Best Coffee shop in the greater White Mountains" for 2022-2023 and "Best coffee shop in Pinetop-Lakeside" for 2023, don't miss the freshly-roasted offerings available at Pinetop Coffee House & Roasting Company. Veteran owned and operated, this coffee house sources organic and fair trade certified coffee beans from all over the world.
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About the Author
Ivy Morris
Ivy Morris has lived in Tucson for the past five years. If you happen to sit next to her at a bar and mention you're from out of town, prepare for recommendations on where to eat and what to do.
