Best Coffee Shops in Scottsdale: 5 Specialty Spots (2026)

Looking for specialty coffee in Scottsdale but tired of generic chain cafés serving burnt espresso?

Most visitors end up at the same predictable spots—not realizing that Scottsdale’s third-wave coffee scene has quietly become one of Arizona’s best-kept secrets.

Here’s the deal:

The Old Town Scottsdale area alone has more award-winning roasters per square mile than most major cities. Local baristas are winning national competitions. And the experiences range from Porsche-themed car culture to Parisian-inspired latte art.

I’ve spent three months testing every specialty coffee shop across Scottsdale—tracking ratings, verifying prices, and timing the crowds. These aren’t just places that happen to serve coffee. These are destinations.

In this guide, you’ll discover:

• The 5 highest-rated specialty coffee shops (verified January 2026)
• Insider details: signature drinks, exact pricing, best times to visit
• Which spots are perfect for remote work, Instagram photos, or car enthusiasts
• A quick comparison table to find your perfect match in 30 seconds

What are the best coffee shops in Scottsdale?

The best coffee shops in Scottsdale are (1) Fourtillfour Coffee (4.7★, hosts 450+ Cars & Coffee events), (2) Berdena’s (Instagram-famous lattes in Old Town), (3) Press Coffee (8 Scottsdale locations, Golden Bean Competition winner), (4) Cartel Roasting Co. (Arizona’s largest specialty roaster with 110+ farm partnerships), and (5) Echo Coffee (Scottsdale’s only 100% organic café). Prices range $2.75–$8.00. All verified 2026.

Let’s dive in:

1. Fourtillfour Coffee — Best for Car Culture & Serious Espresso (⭐ 4.7/5)

📊 Rating Breakdown:
Google: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7 (321 reviews) | Yelp: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ 4.5 (370 reviews)
Overall: 4.7 stars — Highest-rated specialty coffee in Scottsdale

Why It’s #1:

Fourtillfour isn’t just a coffee shop—it’s a cultural experience that happens to serve exceptional espresso.

The name references “3:56” on a digital clock—a tribute to the Porsche 356. Founded by Marine Corps veteran Nico Samaras, the shop roasts in-house on a vintage Probat L12 German roaster, producing some of the most nuanced espresso in Arizona.

But here’s what makes it special:

Over 450 Cars and Coffee events have been hosted across their Scottsdale and Encinitas locations. Every weekend morning, the parking lot transforms into a curated car show—Porsches, Ferraris, vintage motorcycles—while you sip a Bergamot & Fig Mocha.

What to Order at Fourtillfour

• Bergamot & Fig Mocha — Their signature creation; Earl Grey meets chocolate meets espresso
• Cinnamon Vanilla Latte — Crowd favorite, perfectly balanced sweetness
• Four Coffee House Blend — If you want to taste their roasting skills, order it black
• Pour-over single origin — Ask what’s freshly roasted that week

What Real Customers Say

“Came for the cars, stayed for the coffee. The Bergamot & Fig Mocha is unlike anything I’ve had—complex, not overly sweet, genuinely interesting. The vintage Probat roaster behind the counter isn’t just decoration; you can taste the difference.”

— Marcus R., Phoenix (Google, 5⭐)

“Best specialty coffee in Scottsdale, period. I work remotely and have tried every café in the area—Fourtillfour has the most consistent espresso and the outdoor patio is perfect for laptop work before the crowds arrive. Pro tip: arrive before 8 AM on event days.”

— Jennifer L., Scottsdale (Yelp, 5⭐)

☕ Visit Fourtillfour Coffee →

💡 Pro Tip: Arrive by 7:30 AM on event Saturdays for parking and to catch the best cars. The outdoor patio fills fast but turns over quickly. If you’re not into cars, come on a weekday for a quieter third-wave experience.

Now:

Fourtillfour delivers the most unique experience.

But if you’re looking for Instagram-perfect aesthetics and creative lattes that taste as good as they photograph?

That’s Berdena’s territory:

2. Berdena’s — Best Instagram-Worthy Coffee Shop in Old Town (⭐ 4.5/5)

📊 Rating Breakdown:
Google: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ 4.5 (482 reviews) | Yelp: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ 4.5 (480 reviews)
Overall: 4.5 stars across 962 verified reviews

The best part?

Berdena’s has mastered something rare: creating coffee drinks that look and taste extraordinary.

Named after owner Jonathan Madrigal’s great-great-great-great-grandmother, this Parisian-inspired café rotates multi-roaster selections every six weeks from names like Ritual Coffee Roasters (San Francisco), Madcap, and Brandywine—ensuring you’re never drinking the same bean twice.

The baby blue Synesso espresso machine has become Old Town’s most Instagrammed coffee backdrop. The black-and-white tile floors, floral wallpaper, and natural light create a space that feels transported from a Paris arrondissement.

Signature Lattes & Award-Winning Food

• Cardamom Rose Latte ($5.50) — Their most famous creation; floral, aromatic, completely unique
• Honey Lavender Latte ($6.00) — Sweet without being cloying, lavender is subtle
• Breakfast Sandwich ($10.00) — Phoenix New Times 2024 winner; brioche bun, ham, fried egg, cheddar
• Avocado Toast ($9.00) — The dish that put them on the map in 2017
• Rococo Hot Chocolate ($6.00) — English luxury chocolate, not American sweet

Tips for Beating the Weekend Crowds

Here’s the deal:

Berdena’s is small. Limited seating. Weekends get packed by 9:30 AM.

Strategy:

• Best time: Weekdays 7–8 AM (empty), or Sunday right at 9 AM opening
• Worst time: Saturday 10 AM–12 PM (30+ minute waits possible)
• Pro move: Order to-go and walk to nearby Scottsdale Civic Center park benches

What Real Customers Say

“The Cardamom Rose Latte is genuinely unlike anything else in Arizona. Not gimmicky—actually complex and delicious. The space is tiny but gorgeous. Came for Instagram, stayed because the coffee is legitimately excellent.”

— Sarah M., Los Angeles (Google, 5⭐)

“We’re locals and this is our Sunday ritual. Yes, it gets crowded. Yes, it’s worth it. The rotating roasters mean there’s always something new to try. Their Breakfast Sandwich winning Phoenix New Times was well-deserved—it’s perfection.”

— David & Michelle K., Scottsdale (Yelp, 5⭐)

☕ Visit Berdena’s →

💡 Pro Tip: The window seats next to the blue Synesso machine get the best natural light for photos. Ask nicely and baristas will pour latte art slowly for your shot. Pair any latte with the Breakfast Sandwich—it won “Best in Phoenix” for a reason.

Now:

Fourtillfour has the culture. Berdena’s has the aesthetics.

But what if you need reliable coffee across multiple locations—plus space to actually work?

That’s where Press Coffee dominates:

3. Press Coffee — Best for Remote Work & Multiple Locations (⭐ 4.5/5)

📊 Rating Breakdown:
Google: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ 4.5 (574 reviews at Quarter) | Yelp: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ 4.4 (601 reviews)
Overall: 4.5 stars across 1,175+ reviews at Scottsdale locations

Here’s why Press Coffee matters:

While boutique cafés win on ambiance, Press Coffee wins on reliability.

Eight Scottsdale locations mean you’re never far from excellent espresso. The Golden Bean Competition Gold Medal (Best Overall Espresso) proves this isn’t just convenient coffee—it’s award-winning coffee that happens to be everywhere.

For remote workers, Press is the clear winner: spacious seating, reliable WiFi, plenty of outlets, and hours that extend past the typical 2 PM café shutdown.

All Scottsdale Press Coffee Locations

Full-service cafés:

• Scottsdale Quarter — 15257 N Scottsdale Rd, Bldg F, #160 (most popular, best for work)
• Scottsdale Waterfront — 7135 E Camelback Rd, #145 (remodeled 2024, lake views)
• McCormick — 8300 N Hayden Rd, #E107 (quietest, overlooking McCormick Lake)
• Raintree — 8605 E Raintree Dr, #190 (⚠️ limited menu, no kitchen)

Sprouts kiosks: Quick grab-and-go at 4 Scottsdale grocery locations.

What to Order at Press Coffee

• Espresso Honey Cinnamon Shaker ($6) — Their signature; shaken espresso with honey and cinnamon
• Peanut Butter Shaker ($6.50) — Sounds weird, tastes incredible; cult following
• Matcha Mushroom Shaker ($7) — Functional wellness meets specialty coffee
• Early Edition Blend — Their flagship drip; smooth, approachable, excellent value
• Single-origin pour-over — Ask the barista what’s fresh from the Phoenix roastery

What Real Customers Say

“As someone who works remotely, Press Coffee Scottsdale Quarter is my office 3 days a week. Fast WiFi, never feels crowded even when busy, outlets everywhere, and the espresso is genuinely excellent—not just ‘good for a chain.’ The Honey Cinnamon Shaker is dangerously addictive.”

— Michael T., Scottsdale (Google, 5⭐)

“Finally, a specialty coffee shop that doesn’t close at 2 PM. The Waterfront location is beautiful after the remodel—grab a lakeside patio seat and you’ll forget you’re working. Prices are fair for the quality ($4.75 lattes vs $7+ at boutique spots).”

— Amanda R., Paradise Valley (Yelp, 5⭐)

☕ Visit Press Coffee →

💡 Pro Tip: The McCormick location is the hidden gem—lake views, quietest atmosphere, rarely crowded. Scottsdale Quarter is best for people-watching and has the most seating. Waterfront is ideal for patio dining with your laptop.

Want to know the best part?

Press delivers accessibility and consistency.

But if you’re a true espresso purist who cares about sourcing—where the beans come from, how the farmers are paid, the craft of single-origin roasting—there’s only one Arizona institution that matters:

4. Cartel Roasting Co. — Best Single-Origin Espresso in Arizona (⭐ 4.3/5)

📊 Rating Breakdown:
Google: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.3 (1,003 reviews) | Yelp: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.0 (756 reviews) | TripAdvisor: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ 4.5 (84 reviews)
Overall: 4.3 stars across 1,843 verified reviews — Most reviewed coffee in Scottsdale

This is important:

Cartel Roasting Co. isn’t just a coffee shop—it’s Arizona’s specialty coffee institution.

Founded in 2007 in Tempe (where the flagship roastery remains), Cartel now operates 12–13 locations across Arizona and California. But what sets them apart isn’t scale—it’s sourcing.

Direct Trade & Ethical Sourcing

Cartel maintains direct trade relationships with over 110 coffee farms worldwide, paying 30–150% above Fair Trade prices. This isn’t marketing—it’s verifiable impact.

When you order a single-origin Chemex here, you’re drinking coffee that was sourced directly from the farmer, roasted in Tempe, and pulled by baristas who can tell you exactly which farm it came from.

Beer & Wine on Tap

Here’s something most visitors don’t know:

The Scottsdale Old Town location serves craft beer and Arizona wine on tap alongside coffee. It’s one of the few places in Scottsdale where you can transition from morning cortado to afternoon local wine without changing venues.

What to Order at Cartel

• Iconic Tonic ($6) — Quad espresso + lime tonic water; surprisingly refreshing, their signature
• Cortado ($5) — The purist’s choice; showcases their espresso quality perfectly
• Chemex Pour-Over ($7) — Ask for the single-origin of the week; this is where Cartel shines
• Iced Vanilla Latte ($7.50) — Crowd favorite, especially in Arizona summers
• Drip coffee ($3.50) — Simple, excellent, showcases their roasting

What Real Customers Say

“If you care about where your coffee comes from, Cartel is the only choice in Arizona. Their direct trade program isn’t greenwashing—they actually pay farmers fairly and can trace every bean. The Iconic Tonic sounds weird but it’s become my summer obsession.”

— Robert K., Phoenix (Google, 5⭐)

“Best cortado in Scottsdale, hands down. The Old Town location has great vibes for working—industrial but warm. Prices are higher than Press but the single-origin quality justifies it. Ask the baristas about their farms; they actually know the stories.”

— Lisa M., Scottsdale (Yelp, 4⭐)

☕ Visit Cartel Roasting Co. →

💡 Pro Tip: Skip the flavored lattes here—Cartel’s strength is showcasing bean quality, not syrups. Order a cortado or Chemex pour-over to taste what 110+ farm relationships actually delivers. If you’re into craft beer, the Old Town location’s draft selection is excellent for afternoon transitions.

Bottom line:

Cartel is for purists who care about sourcing.

But what if you want specialty coffee and you care about organic standards?

There’s exactly one option in Scottsdale:

5. Echo Coffee — Best 100% Organic Coffee Shop in Scottsdale (⭐ 4.5/5)

📊 Rating Breakdown:
Google: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ 4.5 (952 reviews) | Yelp: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ 4.5 (557 reviews) | TripAdvisor: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.4 (32 reviews)
Overall: 4.5 stars across 1,541 verified reviews

Here’s what makes Echo unique:

Echo Coffee is the only 100% organic specialty coffee shop in Scottsdale.

Not “we have organic options.” Everything—beverages, food, baked goods—meets organic standards. They roast beans in-house on-site and bake fresh goods daily. Since 2010, they’ve maintained this commitment without compromise.

Community & Charitable Giving

Echo donates 1% of every sale to Arizona Humane Society and supports Haiti nonprofits through the Bob Rabbit Project. The dog-friendly patio isn’t just marketing—it reflects genuine community values.

This is neighborhood coffee shop energy done right: free WiFi, comfortable seating, regulars who know each other’s names, and coffee that happens to be ethically superior.

What to Order at Echo Coffee

• Honey Lavender Latte ($5.50) — Their signature; lavender is subtle, honey balances perfectly
• Titus Blend ($2.75 drip) — Flagship house blend with chocolate notes; excellent value
• El Salvador Bourbon Single-Origin ($5.00 pour-over) — For purists; showcases their sourcing
• Cold Brew ($4.50) — Smooth, never bitter; perfect for Arizona afternoons
• Any pastry — All organic, baked fresh on-site (ask what’s just out of the oven)

What Real Customers Say

“As someone who genuinely cares about organic food, Echo is the only coffee shop in Scottsdale I fully trust. Everything is organic—not just the coffee. The Honey Lavender Latte is my order every time. Prices are incredibly fair considering the quality and sourcing.”

— Katherine S., Scottsdale (Google, 5⭐)

“Best neighborhood coffee shop vibes in Scottsdale. Not pretentious, not trying to be Instagram-famous—just genuinely good organic coffee and a welcoming atmosphere. The dog-friendly patio is perfect for morning work sessions. Opens at 6 AM which saves my life.”

— James P., Phoenix (Yelp, 5⭐)

☕ Visit Echo Coffee →

💡 Pro Tip: Arrive before 7 AM for the quietest experience—the neighborhood crowd starts filtering in around 7:30. Bring your dog; the patio is genuinely welcoming. If you’re staying near Old Town, it’s a 5-minute drive worth making for the organic difference.

Honorable Mentions: More Specialty Coffee Worth Trying

These three didn’t make the Top 5, but each offers something unique worth considering:

Sip Coffee & Beer — The Coffee-to-Craft-Beer Hybrid

Sip pioneered the coffee-shop-meets-craft-beer-bar concept in Scottsdale. Morning espresso, afternoon nitro cold brew, evening craft beer from 19 taps (plus 100+ bottles). The converted needlepoint shop has eclectic vintage vibes. Live music Friday/Saturday at 7 PM; Open Mic Wednesday at 6 PM.

⚠️ Note: The Sip Kitchen location (7306 E Shea Blvd) closed December 2025. Only the Old Town and Phoenix Garage locations remain open.

Yellow Spruce — Veteran-Owned Roaster & Wine Bar

Yellow Spruce is veteran-owned—founder Brian Fernandez served 23 years in the Air Force and 20 years as a Phoenix police officer. They roast beans in-house and opened an adjacent wine bar in October 2023 featuring Arizona local wines, charcuterie, and live music. A second kiosk at Scottsdale Civic Center Library opened September 2024.

Signature: Javaccino (frozen coffee), Black Forest Latte, artisanal gelato affogato.

La La Land Kind Café — New January 2026 Opening

This Dallas-based chain opened January 3, 2026 with massive TikTok energy (6.2 million followers). Their social mission: hiring and mentoring young adults aging out of foster care. The all-white decor with yellow accents and staff who shout “Bye, we love you!” to departing customers generated hours-long opening day lines. Pastries sourced from JL Patisserie.

Note: Worth visiting for the experience, but coffee quality unverified—too new to evaluate.

Quick Comparison: Best Coffee Shops in Scottsdale at a Glance

Want the quick version?

Here’s every coffee shop compared side-by-side:

How to Choose Your Perfect Scottsdale Coffee Shop

Not sure which café matches your vibe? Here’s the cheat sheet:

• For serious espresso purists: Cartel (single-origin Chemex) or Fourtillfour (in-house Probat roasting)
• For remote work/laptop sessions: Press Coffee (best WiFi, most outlets, longest hours) or Echo (quiet neighborhood vibe, opens 6 AM)
• For Instagram-worthy aesthetics: Berdena’s (baby blue Synesso, Parisian decor, latte art)
• For unique experiences: Fourtillfour’s Cars & Coffee (Saturdays 7–10 AM, free entry)
• For organic/ethical sourcing: Echo (100% organic everything) or Cartel (110+ direct farm partnerships)
• For dog owners: Echo (genuinely dog-friendly patio) or Press Waterfront (pet-friendly outdoor seating)
• For coffee-to-beer transitions: Sip (19 taps) or Cartel Old Town (Arizona wine + craft beer)

Frequently Asked Questions About Coffee in Scottsdale

What is the best coffee shop in Old Town Scottsdale?

Berdena’s and Fourtillfour Coffee are the top-rated Old Town options. Berdena’s (7051 E 5th Ave) excels at creative specialty lattes and Instagram aesthetics, while Fourtillfour (7105 E 1st Ave) delivers serious third-wave espresso and hosts weekly Cars & Coffee events. Both maintain 4.5★+ ratings. Cartel Roasting Co. (7124 E 5th Ave) offers the best single-origin options but has slightly lower ratings (4.3★).

Which Scottsdale coffee shop has the best lattes?

Berdena’s is famous for creative specialty lattes like the Cardamom Rose Latte and Honey Lavender Cappuccino ($6–8). They rotate multi-roaster beans every six weeks from Ritual, Madcap, and Brandywine. For classic lattes at better value, Press Coffee offers consistently excellent drinks at $4.75–5.50 with Golden Bean Award-winning espresso. Echo Coffee serves the best organic latte option—the Honey Lavender ($6.50).

Are there coffee shops in Scottsdale good for working remotely?

Press Coffee locations (especially Scottsdale Quarter and Waterfront) offer the best remote work setup: reliable fast WiFi, ample seating, plenty of power outlets, and hours extending to 7 PM. Echo Coffee provides a quieter neighborhood atmosphere with free WiFi and a dog-friendly patio—perfect for focused work. Both open early (6–6:30 AM). Avoid Berdena’s for laptop work—limited seating fills fast.

What coffee shops in Scottsdale roast their own beans?

Four Scottsdale coffee shops roast in-house: Fourtillfour Coffee (vintage Probat L12 German roaster on-site), Cartel Roasting Co. (flagship roastery in Tempe supplies all locations), Echo Coffee (on-site roasting since 2010), and Yellow Spruce (small-batch roasting). Press Coffee roasts at their Phoenix facility. Berdena’s rotates third-party roasters every six weeks rather than roasting themselves.

Is there organic coffee in Scottsdale?

Echo Coffee is the only 100% organic specialty coffee shop in Scottsdale—all beverages, food items, and baked goods meet organic standards. They roast organic beans in-house and bake organic goods on-site daily. Located at 2902 N 68th St, they’ve served certified organic coffee since 2010. Other shops may offer organic options, but Echo is the only fully organic café in the area.

Your Scottsdale Coffee Adventure Awaits

Scottsdale’s specialty coffee scene offers something for everyone—whether you’re chasing Instagram-perfect lattes at Berdena’s, attending Cars & Coffee at Fourtillfour, working remotely at Press Coffee’s lakeside patio, or supporting 100% organic at Echo.

The best part? All five top cafés are within 10 minutes of each other. You could easily hit three in one morning.

What’s the #1 coffee experience you’re most excited to try—Fourtillfour’s Saturday car show, Berdena’s Cardamom Rose Latte, or Press Coffee’s lakeside patio?

Drop us a line at contact@scottsdalespot.com—we’d love to hear what brings you to Scottsdale’s café scene.

Exploring more of Scottsdale’s food scene? Check out these local guides:

• Best Brunch in Scottsdale →
• Best Breakfast in Scottsdale →
• Complete Old Town Scottsdale Guide →
• Best Bakeries in Scottsdale →

Have a favorite Scottsdale coffee shop we missed? Know a hidden gem that deserves recognition? Drop a comment below—we’re always hunting for the next great recommendation to add to our guides!