Great coffee with a bad attitude. I really enjoy coming here and generally most of the staff are friendly, but one person in particular gives me the cold shoulder no matter which Cartel Coffee location I'm at. She always seems grumpy and never smiles, not at me at least. I always do my best to kill her bad attitude with kindness, but it seems like she goes out of her way to be inhospitable. Today was no different. She took my order while walking away from me and was incredibly short. I felt rushed and welcome. She didn't make my coffee the way I ordered it and when I asked her to ad the shot of vanilla I ordered, she told me that I needed to ask for it that way in the first place, which I clearly had. She was super nice to the other barista and all of the other customers that walked in the door but I couldn't seem to get any respect or friendliness out of her. I'm not sure why she feels the need to disrespect me so thoroughly and I don't really care to know but I'm hoping this post inspires a little bit of self-reflection on her part. read more

Cartel Roasting - Bad service from the dark haired woman behind me. Good coffee though. :) - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

This review is based on Beer, not Coffee! There is a very eclectic selection if draughts here, and currently only 1 Cartel Beer! But that one beer is a gem! Desert Pale Ale! Very nice easy drinking APA! Well made and quite tasty to be sure! Looking forward to future efforts by Cartel! Atmosphere is ultra shriek, and the music is LOUD! But all in all a cool place DT to have a Brew! Get on DT and try it out! read more

Cartel Roasting - A Desert Pale Ale! Yum! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

I was visiting the Tucson area in January and my gf brought me to Cartel for some coffee on a cool day. I ordered a mocha and it was dee-lish! This coffee shop has a very cool vibe, wish I could've gone inside but I had my dog with me, maybe next time. I had received a bag of their Black market 48 blend for xmas and OMG, that is GREAT STUFF! Please don't ever stop creating this blend, it is absolutely one of my favorites! Will definitely check out the other Cartel locations as well.. read more

This is a great place to study. The coffee is delicious as well. Love the free wifi. This place saved my life when my internet went down and I needed to turn in a paper. I felt bad for the staff that had to take my order when I was freaking out but and very grateful that they were very nice to me. read more

I got an Americano & the flavor was not so great...... Will not be returning.... Better coffee at Cup cafe around the corner read more

Rustic vibe, nice place to hang out and they make a good cup of coffee. BUT the prices are MUCH higher than any coffee shop I've been to around here. And for some odd reason they don't list the prices on the large display board above the bar. Not good. read more

Three generations of us walked into this establishment on August 23rd. My son and grandson ordered coffee, I ordered a latte. While waiting on our drinks, I browsed the available bakery goods and pastries. Completely underwhelming. The two coffees for my son and grandson came up right away, so they went to sit down. I waited, for what seemed like an eternity. Finally, when my latte arrived it was one of the worst I've ever had. The milk had not been heated properly and it was basically tepid. Meanwhile, my son and grandson reported that their coffee was some of the hottest they've ever had and tasted bitter and scorched. Very disappointed! read more

I always go out of my way to grab a coffee/tea from Cartel when I come into town. I am a huge fan of the variety of baked goods too. As someone who has to eat GF, I'm always stoked to see that they cater to those needs. One new addition that was quite a surprise was the pizza oven being ran by Jarrod. He whipped me up a fantastic Gf pie (where I finished it on the spot), and he even made me another on the house to-go!! One of the best pies I've ever had. I will definitely be heading back again soon. read more

Deliciously smooth espresso, friendly baristas, and a cool industrial vibe. There's a bunch of ratings about price, but they honestly seem quite reasonable especially given the quality of the coffee. read more

i want to like cartel so bad, but it's just not my favorite (or even my 2nd or 3rd favorite) coffee shop in tucson! i've come here 3-4 times and ordered something different every time to try to give it a fair chance, but unfortunately i didn't like or love anything i ordered here. the coffee is a bit too bitter, and sometimes altogether flavorless, and just doesn't taste very good. i've gotten a cappuccino (super bitter, not great foam) iced coffee (very bland, and watered down tasting) and americano (also very bland! can't hardly taste the coffee at all) the space is really beautiful, so it does make it a good place to go if you're downtown and want to sit somewhere cute, but i can't say i would recommend coming here for the coffee. read more

The coffee tasted weird and sour and even though I ordered decaf I got fully caffeinated. That's a pretty awful mistake to mistake. I have a caffeine sensitivity and now I have a headache and am all shaky. I will not be back and I caution anyone who is looking for decaf to not buy coffee here. read more

Nice little quite coffee shop located downtown... parking is a little hard to find. BUT FIND PARKING and come in and check this place out! Open floor seating and great staff members. They'll help you decide if your indecisive... Definitely a Tucson Staple. read more

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Super hipster coffee place with tons of tables (with people who work in the area and students) so come here to people watch :-)

The coffee is good but expensive at $5. I had the $11 breakfast burrito. It was doughy and had a nondescript flavour and taste. I would NOT order this again . read more

I guess this is a local chain or something. I came there with some friends for coffee and I really liked the place. First, the size of the place is staggering. It is the size of about 20 NYC coffee shops, so no awkward bumping into people or shuffling around to get a seat. Also, there are big windows, bathing the place with light. The whole space feels open, light and airy. There is solid wifi and there are plenty of places to sit. There were a lot of people there working and doing their thing. So what about the coffee? Oh yeah, forgot about that. We got a variety of things: lattes, coffees and espressos. I got a dopio macchiato. It was very good. The people who work there were very friendly as well. They also think of the small stuff. For example, when I asked for sugar, they pointed me to bottle that looked like corn syrup. Upon asking again, the guy calmly explained that it was cane sugar in a liquid state as the cane sugar clumps in the searing AZ summer. Brilliant stuff. read more

Had to give one star cause I had to... terrible service stood at the counter for 10 minutes and all I got was an I'll be right with you ... grossly overpriced and all the patrons inside look like zombies and give you dirty looks ... won't be back this place is a joke read more

Have been coming to several Cartel Coffee shops for years, and this is location is really missing it when it comes to service. This morning one person working, people waiting 20 mins for a drip coffee, I ordered a pour over which took 20 mins to be served. Watched several people walk out because of the lack of service and length of time in line. I would suggest having more than one person working on Sunday morning. No coffee is worth waiting 20 minutes! read more

Over 30 mins to get a latte, restroom stink and are super dirty, and then on top of that latte was cold and I only got 1 of the 2 cups I ordered. Waste of time. read more

Large, rustic industrial space converted to a coffee and tea shop. This is a great place to do some work or meet friends. Right in downtown Tucson. I came here in the early evening and chose to have one of their herbal teas -- the Eight Treasures blend with a mix of goji, date, licorice, longan and ginseng. It is a perfectly soothing blend for a mild sore throat. All ingredients are dry and need to steep for at least 5 minutes to ensure the right flavor. Totally worth the little wait. The staff was friendly and even kept the soaked ingredients in case I wanted a free refill. read more

Cartel Roasting - Rustic industrial interior - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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Nice spot to hang out and grab a cup of joe. The space is very open with a modern rustic feel (wood, concrete and steel look). Super friendly people serving and were very friendly although I was on the visitors side of the football game later that day. read more

Really liked this place! Great coffee, friendly staff, and yummy pastries. We loved the muffin!

Excellent coffee but very, very expensive. I really want to recommend but just be prepared for the very premium prices. Latte and espresso were both very good. read more

This is my neighborhood coffee shop, and I love it. After working in coffee shops for 13 years, I have experienced many as a customer and coffee fiend. The franchise, and this location specifically are at the top of my list. The coffee is always made fresh, and the baristas are highly knowledgeable and well trained in the art of brewing. The atmosphere is what keeps drawing me back, time and again. With skylights, side windows, and a large front window, the natural light beats any other place I have been. The only drawback would be power outlets, although along the west wall there are plenty, enough for 10 or more people to work. read more

Cartel Roasting - My Office for the day, looking out over the store. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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Industrial atmosphere is a little on the stark/cold side, but definitely interesting. Service was disappointingly impersonal. I had a weekday meeting around 11am with a colleague who works very close to Cartel-downtown so I suggested this locale since I love exploring new places. I ordered their (hot) chai latte ($5 for approx 16 oz) and it was delivered about 7-8 minutes later (we were the only two to order during that time, so it seemed a bit long). The taste was good, if also above-average sweet, however, it was only luke-warm at best. I drank about a 1/4 of it as we were deep in a work-related conversation. When my colleague got up to use the bathroom, I approached the counter and softly asked if they could just add a little extra steamed milk. The barrista said they couldn't do that. After an awkward moment of silence (I was puzzled because the other barrista had just finished making someone's coffee latte and there was no one else in line) I sheepishly asked if the young man couldn't just pour a bit more milk into my Chai. She then said they can't do that, but she could charge me for a small carafe of steamed milk. I then said, actually, I just need this to be heated a bit... do you have a microwave? Whoa, the look I got from her, followed by the chuckle. Never having been here before, I didn't realize they STOPPED serving lunch (there's a huge, brick/iron oven in the center of the open coffee bar... now unused apparently) and they don't have a microwave on premises. To her credit, she now realized why I wanted a little extra steamed milk, the barrista offered to (throw away my 3/4 Chai latte) and make me a brand new one. I was now so puzzled by the sheer obscurity of the logic over the last 2 minutes that I simply smiled and said "no that's alright, I'll be ok." I returned to my table and explained what had just happened. My colleague busted out laughing and said, "yeah, they can be like that." I since learned that my request for the bit of steamed milk is sacrilege in the hoity-toity Cartel world (nevermind the request for a microwave). Under no circumstances will they re-doctor any drink. Alas, at all turns in this ridiculous journey, I was simply trying to be graciously low maintenance. I finished my room-temp chai latte and departed. With places like Raging Sage, Presta, Cross Roads Coffee House and Savaya (places that not only understand "first-crack" roasting but herald it, sell it, preach it)... I will surely never be back. Let me conclude with this simple observation: I applaude scrupulously pursued perfection. But when it is executed by rote, oblivious to the critical charm that is the human element in any gastronomical experience, there is a pretentiousness simply for pompousness's sake. And that, my friends, I will never endevaor to be associated with. read more

Fantastic coffee! (And tea). Great relaxing comfortable seating and beautiful huge place. Love visiting this place when I'm in town.

This was my first time visiting this location, and although the setup and atmosphere was not quite as nice as the one I go to in Tempe, it was still pretty great and the beverages were outstanding! I needed a pick-me-up in the afternoon before a networking event I was in town for, and the dirty Chai tea latte I ordered hit the spot. It was rich yet light all at the same time. I received my order quickly and received great service from the guy working the counter. I recommend Cartel Coffee over Starbucks any day. I will be back for more! read more

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Worst coffee ever, had to throw it out. Opens too late in the morning so normally hadn't been able to try this place but was finally able to wait outside for them to open today. They don't have sugar for your coffee so number one, this is not a coffee joint. Number too, coffee tastes like they've got a fish in the percolator, worst cup of coffee I have ever had in my life, had to throw it away, on my way to gas station right now for a better cup. Also, INSANELY expensive. read more

I tried 4 top rated coffee shops in the area, trying the cappuccino at each spot. I found the cappuccino at cartel to be the best. The miilk was not too foamy, the design was spot on, and the coffee was not too bitter and was very good. read more

Cartel Roasting - Cappuccino - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

First off - love Cartel. Great coffee, staff are always kind and efficient, and quality of food and beverages is consistently great. You can tell that ownership and staff are really invested. Writing today because on my last few trips to the downtown location on Friday afternoon, things have been a bit different. The two staff that work this shift always serve drinks in to-go containers and food on napkins. One of the reasons I've always loved Cartel is that they don't only use disposable cups. The two staff on this shift also seem to have a great friendship and there's nothing at all wrong with that - but they are having personal conversations and conversations about other Cartel staff, and I'm not sure they're aware that everyone in the shop can hear them. On a couple of occasions, they've missed a portion of my order, not apologized, and seemed a bit put off when asked for the missing items. It has not been busy and there's been no line on any of these occasions. I'm sure these staff don't intend to convey this - but this does give the impression that providing service to the customers is not their first priority. We'll definitely keep coming to Cartel and will definitely recommend it to others - just hoping to share some constructive feedback since this experience is different from the Campbell location and seems to be the "new" normal for Friday afternoons at the downtown location. read more

Did not live up to the hype unfortunately. No vegan options available, which is what they boast online and in reviews, and so I asked if I could get a soyrizo burrito without cheese and they shut me down quick. My latte was lukewarm instead of hot. At least the espresso itself had good taste... that was the only good part. read more

Really good coffee, great chill atmosphere. There San Augustin single origin coffee is delicious. Didn't put any sugar or creamer. It is perfect on its own. read more

Cartel Roasting - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

This coffee shop redeemed itself and I rescind my previous review. The coffee has always been great and their treatment of all customers has improved. read more

Coolest coffee shop Ive seen in a long time. Not to mention fantastic coffee, super smooth crema on your espresso/latte and fresh baked goods. Banana muffins....mmmm... The decor is awesome. Music (Phantogram, Son Lux, etc) is edgy and wifi is fast and free. Highly recommended. read more

Cartel Roasting - Great spot for coffee. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

This was the worst espresso I have ever been served--Cartel's version is vinegary and acidic, gross over cooked burnt taste and absolutely undrinkable. My friend had a latte and could not stomach the taste. Server stated they recently changed bean brands, manager type tried to blame the victim, implying I am a moron for sending the espresso back and not having a palate developed enough to recognize the unique flavor of the singly sourced beans. I guess the unique flavor is supposed to be bitter, acidic and the smell is supposed to resemble asparagus pee. Fake hip surroundings will not make up for poor quality product, Cartel you will need to up your game with so many options downtown. read more

Cartel Roasting - Door handle at Cartel downtown. Really? - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

We stopped in for an afternoon coffee/tea with our two well-behaved kids. The woman working was unhelpful and rude when she took our order. I made sure to say thank you and to be polite, because sometimes people just have a bad day. She was very nice to some other people that came in but still seemed to go out of her way to be rude to me. She put off a "better-than-you coffee snob" vibe. The shop was clean, and not overly crowded. I won't go back. The coffee was mediocre and the tea was just bad. I have had much better drinks and way better service at so many other places in town- Sparkroot, Yellow Brick, Savaya. Hell, I'd even take Starbucks over Cartel. read more

Happened to stumble upon Cartel Coffee and it was a blessing! We made it a point to come get coffee every single day during our trip! Their tea and espresso are well crafted, staff is friendly, and vibes are good! Great place to do work! read more

The location is ok the inside is far better to sit and relax in. Well kept and clean as it should be. Wasn't overly crowded when I came In. My drink was a dirty Chai but it was on the lighter side. With tip the total was $9.50 keep in my alternate product in your drink such as almond milk is a .75 up charge. This coffee place is pricey but one pays for things like this. To me and it was just OK. Experience read more

Cartel Roasting - Dirty Chai - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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Iced mochas = best in Tucson. The flavor is more rich than most places, but not too rich. It's just perfect. If consumed in-store, it's served in a glass which helps keep it cold. Their food is also great. A slice of coffee cake, stuffed with pecans, cinnamon sugar, and raisins, is the perfect compliment to a cup of coffee. This place offers a lot more seating than most coffee shops, and it's interior is filled with the objects that are rusty, but beautiful. The ambience feels great. On the last Wednesday of every month, Cartel hosts an "Open-Mic Night" where local musicians, poets, and other performers come and express in front of a large crowd. Coffee is always served, too! This is my favorite place to go whenever I'm downtown. Highly recommended to anyone. read more

Cartel Roasting - Small iced mocha in a glass, with coffee cake, stuffed with pecans, cinnamon sugar, and raisins. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

I've been to a couple Cartel locations so I knew the coffee was going to be good. The barista was very knowledgeable about the coffee beans and helped me make an excellent choice for a pound to take home with me. I had a chai tea latte which was also excellent. read more

I came to Cartel to work for a few hours and I absolutely loved the space. It has a very industrial chic sort of vibe and the space was open and able to accommodate a good number of people. They definitely have one of the better coffees in Tucson! I had the cortado and it was extremely delicious. They also have some beers on draft and had signs up for some live music later that evening, so I'll definitely have to be back to check out the night life. I'm excited to come back and try more of their drinks on the menu in addition to their pizzas! read more