Service was friendly, helpful. Can tell they're busy. Excellent cold brew, and wonderful environment.

I've been here a couple of times before but just grabbed a coffee to meet up with someone. Today I decided to try working remotely here from my laptop and was disappointed in numerous things....First of all there was jelly and crumbs on the table where I wanted to setup so I grabbed a napkin and cleaned it off myself. No biggy, maybe they had a busy breakfast and hadn't gotten to cleaning yet. So I setup and noticed there were no power outlets near any of the tables so I had to move to the bench area with no table as that was the only power outlet I saw. There was still a few plates and cups left from the previous customers but I just moved them down a bit and got to working. An hour passes and the girls behind the counter have been so loud laughing and talking about snapchat to each other that they haven't even come out from behind the counter to clean any of the tables or the mess that has been sitting for who knows how long now. They can't be too busy at this point because I am 1 of 4 patrons in the whole place but it is almost lunch time and you would think they would want to get the place clean and ready for the new customers. Finally the barista comes over and cleans all of the empty plates and cups but doesn't actually wipe any of the space down. The wifi cut out at least 3 times while I was working so there really is no reason for me to go back to this place. There are other coffee shops in the area that have comparable coffee, better service and accommodate guests wanting to work from their laptops. read more

I LOVE this place. It's close to campus and has free WiFi. It's the ONLY place I go for a chai tea latte. No one makes it better than Cartel. (Trust me, I've been to wayyy too many coffee shops trying their chai lattes) The only downside is that the coffee lab is small, and sometimes it's hard to find a table. read more

The people are great. The music is chill. The night was perfect. The beer was good tasting and freezing cold. Nothing wrong with this place at all. Go there. You will not want to leave read more

We had a business meeting here and pretty much took over the place. It was early in the morning and there was still room for the other customers. We got yummy eggs and muffins, and probably the bet cup of vanilla latte that I've ever had. If I lived in the area, this would be a regular haunt for me. read more

Good coffee. Girls who used to work there was very unpleasant, and a horrible barista.

Does it really take 1 hour to make ONE coffee? This was my first time at cartel, the coffee was good but they gave me the wrong cup of coffee and asked if I would be okay with that coffee instead...after I said no I want the coffee I ordered they took 45 mins to make it. I completely understand it was busy but my order should have been priority. Very disappointed. read more

I went to cartel coffee expecting higher quality coffee but the latte I was given was bitter and unacceptable. That was my first impression also so I won't be going back. read more

Wasn't expecting much when I was looking at the front of the store, but when I walked inside I was blown away. The coffee was great and fresh, sitting on top of a great atmosphere to blog, do HW, etc. Definitely should try it if you have a chance! read more

I am really impressed with this coffee shop! I wasn't expecting to be wowed because lets face it, in downtown Phoenix you can throw a stone in any direction and run into one. Upon walking in I was immediately greeted with great decor and friendly employees. My drink was made quickly and was definitely worth the walk. I suggest trying this location if you are looking for a good alternative to your typical coffee chain. read more

The staff at Cartel knows their stuff. Their Cold Brew coffee is ahh-mazing, not bitter at all! Sad that they stopped their hot foods because I loved their breakfast burritos. But glad their White Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal cookie is still around! read more

Great coffee shop with unbelievable varieties for Phoenix. Latte was supreme. A little confusing with two shops in one space, pay for food at another register. Overall very happy I found this place on a brisk morning downtown. read more

This place suffers from an identity crisis. Is it a coffee house, lounge, restaurant, bakery, bike shop, etc.? Didn't care for this place at all. The coffee was bitter. Walking in for the first time, I couldn't tell how this place functioned. Do you order at the counter or tables? Where is the cream and sweetener for the coffee? In fact, what is that in the unlabeled bottle? Oh, liquid sugar you say after I have to ask. Label it why don't you?!! I asks for cream because the cream container was empty, the worker says ok and continues to drink her coffee. I had to asks another worker for cream. He tells me it's in the empty container. Pretty bad customer service for a $5 cup of bitter coffee. The food is terrible. Eggs that look like rocks and under-cooked potatoes! When I ordered hash browns, the worker says they don't have hash browns, only potatoes! Last time I checked, hash browns are potatoes! read more

Cartel Roasting - This meal was McNasty. I didn't eat the raw hash browns, I mean potaoes! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I love this location more than their Tempe Cartel because they are fast and extensively friendly. The barista for some reason remembered what I ordered last time and they were incredibly hospitable. I love the downtown area and it's not as crowded as LUX or their Tempe location. read more

Finally. A place that serves a cortado right. Been searching all over downtown/Central Phoenix that serves you a cortado with seltzer/sparkling water. read more

My favorite for a good latte! Pop tarts are delicious as well as the scones. The staff is great not overly hyper just normal people delivering great service. read more

We didn't try anything here but beware, the pictures of food posted to the yelp photos for this place are for another location. They don't serve acai bowls or protein bowls or breakfast burritos here. Just coffee and pastries and some prepackaged salads in a fridge. read more

Went for Mothers Day! Pretty cool place, but I'm more of a hoity toity coffee drinker- certainly not foofoo enough for me! Got the iced black tea and it was delicious read more

It is easy to see why this is so popular with the great prices and the free wifi terrific

Good unique sandwhiches, so-so coffee, and trendy people

When I walked in, I thought "whoa, I am not cool enough to be in this place" However, turns out being 'cool' is associated with standing around conversing with one another and friends instead of focusing on making coffee..10 minutes to make a vanilla latte with only one person ahead of me. I figured it'd be the best damn vanilla latte I have ever had. It was not. Cool little place to hang out and chat or get work done, but the service and drinks leaves something to be desired. I'll give it another shot and update my review if necessary. read more

Tyler provide excellent service, a great latte and even information about an interesting jazz venue called the Nash at first and Roosevelt.

I was met with poor, unfriendly customer service. I asked about their pour over coffees and it seemed that my request was a chore to them over a simple drip coffee that was sitting there in the canister already made. I received the $4.25 pour over coffee in a paper cup when I told them I would be having it to stay. You don't drink wine (good coffee) in a paper cup when it is to stay. Where is the sustainability reasoning for wasting the two cups instead of putting it in a proper mug? I call a good cup of coffee in the mornings a "little vacation in a cup" and you just ruined my vacation this morning. read more

Got to say caffeine drinks and alcohol is how I make it thru my day. To find a place that has both and happy hour too, I'm in! This one has whisky and a GREAT selection of IPAs. Love this place! read more

If you want an iced frappe macchiato with soy milk and extra caramel drizzle, Cartel is not the place for you. If you want a ridiculously delicious drip, cold brew, or latte, definitely stop here and give the batch coffee a try. The staff was friendly and helpful with recommendations, and let us know how recently the drip coffee was brewed, and even mentioned what he was going to drink on his break. I'll be back soon for another coffee, and a pound of beans to take home. read more

$4 for an 8 ounce cup of coffee?? I think not... I can go to coffee bean and get a bigger size for the same price. Their food was pricey too, so no thank you. The vanilla latte I ordered did not taste like it had any vanilla in it. I give them another star for the decor and artsy feel of it, and the cute guys that were working in there when I came in, but that's it. Disappointed. read more

Very good coffee and scones. I visited here twice during a recent stay in Phoenix. I agree with other reviewers in that the service is lousy. Employees seem absent minded and unmotivated to serve customers. My review would be higher if the service was at least decent. read more

There are so many good options for coffee now in downtown but for me, Cartel is the best of the best. They have a good selection of brews(particularly some really interesting choices from Costa Rica and Nicaragua)and an awesome breakfast and lunch menu. And the atmosphere is really cool. What also stands out to me is the service. I always get my Americano served up by a big smile and a "How's your day going?" Definitely no coffee snob attitude here and I love it. read more

Really nice set up. Great coffee, great service, understated and interesting layout. Almost a conservative industrial interior decoration with artistic and contemporary sensibilities. Interesting choice of art displays that reflect the feeling of the overall scene. All the staff I have encountered are very friendly with genuine personalities. I look forward to making at least one trip back before my conference ends, and will surely be back again next time I am in Phoenix. read more

Cartel's the quintessential coffee place for getting what you expect from a popular coffee joint: good coffee drinks, friendly customer service, and a chill vibe. I personally think they get most of their business from good branding and a killer location in Downtown Phoenix. I give them 3 stars because they fit every coffee shop formula to a tee, but seems to me they don't have an edge in being anything but. If you're simply looking for a quick good coffee that is non-Starbucks in the Downtown area, stop by Cartel. If you're looking for something more, I'd recommend trying other coffee shops in the Phoenix area. read more

Nom nom nom. Great lattes. I like the vibe of the phx location--very chill.

I came here before the Giants/Dbacks Opening Day game and ordered the iced hazelnut latte. The latte was good but not the best I've had. I would come back if I'm in the area in the near future. read more

If you are stuck downtown for a convention and you want fun breakfast or lunch, great coffee and want out of your hotel this is your place. Breakfast: Highly recommend the fresh baked scones , and they have lot's of egg dishes. Lunch- GF options, sandwiches and salads Caveat - service is all over the place. Seems they haven't figured out how to correctly staff. Some days my orders were fast, other times were so slow with one girl working the register and coffee counter. WIFI- yes read more

While staying in downtown Phoenix we were looking for good coffee. We did not have to walk far. We wandered in, loved the vibe. The baristas were efficient and very friendly. Ordered a mocha with soy, it was exceptionally delicious! Now back in Wisconsin, craving a Cartel Coffee. read more

The best coffee in PHX! Every time I'm in PHX, I end up coming here almost every day! Great service, coffee and atmosphere!

Some of the best tasting salads and sandwiches in downtown Phoenix. Freshest ingredients and completely original flavor combinations. Baked goods also offer something special, that home made flavor and texture. There is always an array of hearty cookie choices to choose from. Nice informal atmosphere, mix of students and office workers. A little sidewalk seating if you're so inclined. Others have already raved about the drinks so I don't need to here. If you are interested in supporting locally owned businesses that are offering something special, go here. It is surprising how many downtown regulars do not know of this little gem when you mention it, but that will change based on Cartel's great offerings. read more

Coffee is boss. Go there when you want damn good coffee and food.

Same great Cartel Coffee in a very open space; lots of open unused space. Although I liked that no one was on top of me the vacant space (bar with nothing behind it) seemed odd. read more

Good variety and rotation of coffee. Great options. Good location. You're average hip coffee shop with a more industrial feel.

The employees of this place love their coffee. I was surprised to find a place like this in Arizona but they are on point! The space is clean and nice and the coffees taste great. read more