Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Desert Drifter

    4.5 (31 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 am - 7:00 pm

    Order Desert Drifter Takeout or Delivery

    Desert Drifter Photos

    DESERT DRIFTER ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Dogs allowed
    Outdoor seating

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Desert Drifter

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Alicia J.

    It pleases me to no end when I can find a locally owned coffee shop that sells great coffee and also has great customer service. This morning was my very first visit to Desert Drifter and I wasn't sure exactly what to order so Zach (sp?), the GM, took the time to share some of the special seasonal drinks, he got an idea of what flavors sparked an interest to me and then he designed a drink specifically for me. I truly appreciated the time and effort that he put in to making certain that I got a drink that I would be happy with! That is what I call GREAT customer service. The coffee: The espresso was strong/bold and the add-ons that were suggested weren't overpowering but the perfect compliment to the coffee itself. I don't love super sweet coffee and it was exactly what I was looking for. Zach did give me options for sweet drinks though, so if you are looking for that, I'm sure they can accommodate that. They also have a rewards program, which immediately gave me enough points for a free drink on my next visit! I can't wait to stop in again and try something different. If you find yourself near the speedway location, stop in and give them a try!!!

    Arpita G.

    Stellar service and a great healthy option! The smoothie tasted fresh without added sugars. They were so friendly the entire experience. There's a drive thru and walk up window. Fast service.

    Rattler. Perfect color
    Laura D.

    Actually pretty good! I stopped by and got a chai and I'm VERY pleased to say it's good!! I'm picky about chai so I was hesitant to order because of how picky I am but I gotta try to let me fellow yelpers know. My husband is the coffee one in the relationship and he got the rattler it's just a white chocolate breve and he really liked it. I'll be back to try more. They are "locally" owned. They are from Oregon but moved here and opened two locations now. So I guess I gotta support that more than my typical 7brew. Coffee and smoothies is there main thing so when I want my energy drinks I'll head over to 7brew.

    Iced Charity , hot white mocha
    Estrella G.

    Update, the owner was so kind to reach out to me when I had a negative experience. They even sent me points for a future drink and I was actually able to get two one for me and one for my husband. I am grateful for their generosity and I finally had a chance to try their coffee again. Happy to say I really enjoyed my coffee I also tried a hot coffee, I got a white chocolate latte and it was delicious. I tried the Charity latte iced and loved that as well. I will definitely be back when I'm in the area. Thank you guys!

    Tabitha S.

    Don't go here if you value your sanity. The drinks taste AWFUL - all of the I tried a variety and none of them were even close to being good- and the service is so confusing and ridiculous. They told me to go park (drive through coffee shop so huh?) to receive my drinks and parking was limited because it's in an extremely busy gas station parking lot so when I found my spot after a couple of mins my drinks were ready... like you couldn't just let me stay at the window? And then someone parked right behind me so I couldn't leave the parking spot the manager made me go sit at for 10 mins (the car owner was inside the gs getting food) also the cups they use are terrible quality and kept falling over in the drink carrier. And the drink carrier is poor quality. Only medium cups have their branding otherwise it's just cheap unbranded plastic. I will NEVER come back.

    JP P.

    Desert Drifter is one of those coffee spots that just has it all dialed in. From the moment you roll up, the vibe is right -- desert-cool aesthetic, a mural that says everything, and a staff that's genuinely having fun (and even posed for a few pictures -- love that energy). I stepped out of my usual matcha routine and tried their Clean Energy drink -- and wow. It's the perfect pick-me-up without the caffeine crash. You can tell they've put real thought into crafting drinks that make you feel good, not jittery. The menu is surprisingly extensive, with a mix of creative drinks and bakery items that all look as good as they taste. And what I love even more? Desert Drifter collaborates with local coffee roasters and bakeries -- small businesses supporting small businesses. That kind of community connection just makes everything taste better. Bonus points for the drive-thru -- ideal for those days when you need your fix on the go. Everything here feels thoughtfully curated and refreshingly original. My new go-to spot, hands down. I'll definitely be drifting back again (and again).

    Andrea K.

    Service was awesome! I enjoyed the avocado toast. The coffee.... I was slightly disappointed in. I had hyped this place up before I went and had very high expectations. Definetly wanna try again to see if I just ordered the wrong thing. I also would have loved to be able to sit down inside, they only have a walk up window or drive through.

    Rey F.

    I had been holding off on trying Desert Drifter until the Oro Valley location opened but after hearing so many great things I couldn't wait any longer. First off, the art outside the building is really cool, very Tucson! The drive thru was pretty quick and the girl outside who took our order was really friendly and helpful. She even shared some of her favorites drinks. We ordered a tres leches latte and a piloncillo shaken espresso and they were both really good. I can't wait for the Oro Valley location to open!

    Outside!
    Kim L.

    I've heard great things about this place, but I guess you just don't know until you go in person! I was wowed! First it just made me happy driving this early morning and looking at the beautiful desert scene painted on the outside! It felt like a very Tucson morning! And then the menu just matched!! There desert themed drinks like the sonoran spice and the prickly palmer! I had the desert bloom, which had honey, lavender, and espresso! It was absolutely fantastic!! I felt great after drinking it (and during) and the customer service was over the top! They were happy to be there, and told me about other locations, and acknowledged it being my first visit! I can't wait to go back and try all the drinks! I signed up for the reward program as well! Oh! And today, 16oz drinks were just 3.00!! Happy customer here!

    Yummy! And cute cups!
    Mandi G.

    I tried Desert Drifter for the first time today....Great little local drive-thru coffee shop! The service was fast and friendly, menu choices unique (and familiar favorites), and a great mural covered the building. The iced "desert bloom" was so tasty and I suspect I'll be craving it again soon! Note: It's located just west of Speedway/Main (on the south side of Speedway), next to the Shell gas station - you can get to it from the gas station. (Just adding that info because I was afraid I'd missed the turn in but being able to get to it from the gas station makes it much easier)

    desert bloom latte
    Michelle M.

    Unique menu for tasty drinks. The staff was friendly and recommended the Desert Bloom - a lavender honey latte. I got it iced and it was the perfect midday pick-me-up. Good to know: drive-thru and walk-up order only.

    Exterior
    Lexi S.

    Like Dutch Bros, but stronger coffee and a better Tik Tok marketing team. I was completely clueless when I arrived, and the barista on the other end of the microphone helped me choose one of their classics, the Desert Bloom. It has lavender, which I feel like is so easy to go the soap route, but this was very well balanced. There's a lot more for me to try at Desert Drifter, and I look forward to returning for their other drink and food options.

    Talisa M.

    I had a great first time experience driving thru this new local coffee spot. The art work on the building is stunning and definitely an eye catcher. It's still undergoing a little bit of construction and next door is a gas station being built too, but it's nothing that impeded my visit. They have a lot of creatively named drinks and this time around I tried an oatmilk cappuccino and the Sonoran Spice which is a Mexican mocha made with local chocolate business Tucson Chocolate Factory. (It's dairy free) both were delicious and I also got a Pan Au Chocolat made by local vegan baker Houldens Rise Above. They have several other locally crafted ingredients and products along with a line of yummy drinks , coffee of course being the star. Service was wonderful, got a cute sticker and am looking forward to trying it more

    Iced chai

    See all

    16 days ago

    I had the best experience at desert drifter. would recommend 10/10!!! got a latte and a burrito loved both.

    Business owner information

    Photo of Brenna Y.

    Brenna Y.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Brenna Y.

    Brenna Y.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Brenna Y.

    Brenna Y.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Alicia J.
    168
    22
    31

    4 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Brenna Y.

    Brenna Y.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    27 days ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Brenna Y.

    Brenna Y.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Brenna Y.

    Brenna Y.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Brenna Y.

    Brenna Y.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 hours ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Brenna Y.

    Brenna Y.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Brenna Y.

    Brenna Y.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 1

    7 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Brenna Y.

    Brenna Y.

    Helpful 11
    Thanks 6
    Love this 11
    Oh no 1

    3 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Brenna Y.

    Brenna Y.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Brenna Y.

    Brenna Y.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    7 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    4 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Brenna Y.

    Brenna Y.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 2
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Brenna Y.

    Brenna Y.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Brenna Y.

    Brenna Y.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Brenna Y.

    Brenna Y.

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 2
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Brenna Y.

    Brenna Y.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Trevor C.
    212
    1014
    17201

    8 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Brenna Y.

    Brenna Y.

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Brenna Y.

    Brenna Y.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Brenna Y.

    Brenna Y.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    3 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Brenna Y.

    Brenna Y.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Brenna Y.

    Brenna Y.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tjay
    0
    5
    0

    7 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Brenna Y.

    Brenna Y.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Brenna Y.

    Brenna Y.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Brenna Y.

    Brenna Y.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Maren H.
    23
    21
    99

    6 months ago

    The employees were friendly and the drinks nice, but the wait for a matcha tea was too long.

    Business owner information

    Photo of Brenna Y.

    Brenna Y.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - Desert Drifter

    Review Highlights - Desert Drifter

    The drive thru was pretty quick and the girl outside who took our order was really friendly and helpful.

    Mentioned in 7 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    HeeMee Coffee + Bakery - Beef Bulgogi bowl

    HeeMee Coffee + Bakery

    4.5(209 reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$

    What a cute find! The hotel we stayed in had something similar to coffee but coffee it was not. So…read moremy friend and I walked down congress avenue and stumbled upon this little gem. Service was friendly and welcoming! I loved that the items were unique and the bakery was equally appeasing! I chose the Dubai Chocolate Latte and a strawberry creme pastry ! Delicious !!!! I literally could not brag on this place enough! I love it here and would definitely return !!!

    I was looking for something to eat and came across this bakery and it has a ton of people in it so…read moreI thought I would try it. It's a little spot that is modern, and clean. The staff was nice and they explained everything they had, which is a lot. I opted for their cold brew but I think their matcha is where it's at. I never had matcha but everyone in there were ordering them and they looked fantastic. They were made to order which I know is a good thing. The coffee was good I would order again but it wasn't life changing. What was amazing beyond belief was their pastries, they said they were all made fresh daily and they had everything from sweet to savory and all looked great. A few things that caught my eye specifically were their Egg Tarts, Custard Donuts, and their Kanafeh. I opted for the Kanafeh because you don't see this anywhere really. The Kanafeh was all that it should be. It was crispy, had a mild cheese in the center and the bottom was soaked with a honey syrup. It was topped with pistachios which added some salt to it and some crunch. I would go back just for this. I think this place is a must stop!

    Photos
    HeeMee Coffee + Bakery
    HeeMee Coffee + Bakery - Pastries

    Pastries

    HeeMee Coffee + Bakery - Apple Custard Bun

    See all

    Apple Custard Bun

    Caffe Luce - Decor

    Caffe Luce

    4.3(387 reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $

    (Campbell Location)…read more I love their cappuccinos with chocolate, particularly if I can have it with a bargain yesterday's bear claw. Afterwards I can go to Trader Joe's

    We so rarely encounter attitude in Tucson, that our experience at your coffee shop on Saturday…read morereally took us aback. All 4 of us have extensive experience in the hospitality industry and appreciate the stresses. Since we are unfailingly friendly customers, as so many servers are, & because there were only 6 other customers at your coffee shop at the time, sharing our experience is warranted. We visited the Main Gate shop just after noon on Saturday, 4/18. The barista was wearing a cap & O'Neill-branded t-shirt; he has a salt & pepper beard. Requesting my cappuccino in a ceramic cup, he stated, with obvious exasperation, "You can just say 'for here'." He was also visibly irritated when we requested 3 Dirty Chais of various sizes & shot strength, as if this request was overly complicated. We would have ordered food, but he was so unwelcoming we did not. Nor did we linger. We have visited this location other times and have only been treated warmly. Clearly this barista does not represent the customer service your employees normally provide. You can train people to make a good coffee. Training them to be pleasant is more complicated & best documented. Hence, this review. An unpleasant experience like this has no place in Tucson. It's not who we are & it's not who you are either, I know. We hope this gentleman finds another line of work soon

    Photos
    Caffe Luce - View from the loft

    View from the loft

    Caffe Luce - The Dave- avocado, egg, cheese, ham

    The Dave- avocado, egg, cheese, ham

    Caffe Luce - Actez & Matcha Latte with Oat

    See all

    Actez & Matcha Latte with Oat

    Talega Coffee - Shaken Hojicha

    Talega Coffee

    4.7(67 reviews)
    1.3 mi

    If Tucson has a heartbeat, part of it lives inside Talega Coffee Roasters…read more I used to live next door, and honestly, they were the only thing keeping me in Armory Park as long as I stayed. When I finally moved, I thought the hardest part would be adding 30 minutes to my commute. It wasn't. It was losing that daily routine of walking into a place that feels so real and personal. Talega isn't just a coffee shop. It feels intimate in a way that's hard to find now. You can tell Tyler & Rene actually care. Not just about the coffee, but about the people who come in and the community around them. Nothing about it feels transactional. You're remembered, conversations matter, and it feels grounded in something genuine. Their seasonal drinks are what really set them apart. They are not cheap grabs for attention or copies of whatever is trending online. The ideas feel inspired and intentional. (Their maize latte and miso latte were perfect) You can tell there is real thought behind what they put on the menu. It reflects a level of care for the craft that is especially rare. It's been incredible to watch how far they've come since they started. They've grown without losing what makes them special, which is not easy to do. I don't live next door anymore, but I will never stop being a regular and I will never stop drinking the Maize latte (I literally dream about it).

    Talega Coffee is such a vibe!!! I stumbled upon this gem coffee shop while waiting for my bf and…read morehis bro to finish the century at Tour de Tucson. I have to say, their drink was so good that I almost missed being at the finish line in time for my bf! Talega was so intriguing to me that I had to google what it meant. "Talega coffee is an artisanal method that uses a talega, a cotton bag traditionally used to carry coins. Over time, it was discovered that these bags were ideal for filtering coffee, giving rise to this traditional method. In addition, the word "talega" comes from Arabic and means "to hang," which refers to the original use of these bags. The bag is made of cotton, a material widely used in Mexico since ancient times, especially during the Mexica period for making clothes. Likewise, the cotton, made of 100% cotton, is a completely organic product ideal for preparing coffee. Therefore, cotton, composed of 90% cellulose, does not introduce foreign odors or flavors to the coffee and is insoluble in water." via huupa.coffee The owners, Tyler and Renee, were so wonderful. I had such a nice time chatting with them about coffee in general and what a beautiful place and concept and vibe they have at their shop! If you've been to Telega, you know how beautiful and dreamy the spot is. It feels so cozy, like a living room of your best friend's house. But, it also feels like you are in the lobby of a very artsy hotel. They have such creative and intriguing seasonal drinks, manzana latte, miso maple flat white, and picca latte. I didn't get a chance to try them but I got their iced matcha with oat and it was so good! Just perfect. I sent my bf and his bro here the next day and they also loved their coffee so much! We def need to come back to visit Tucson and especially to visit their coffee shop again. My bf said his second order of coffee, their machine wasn't working so it was on the house. They are so generous! We came back on our way out and stopped by them again because my bf insisting for paying his cortado but it was after 2pm. We realized when we got there.. Well, this just means we def will need to come back and I think my bf and his peeps are already considering coming back for next year Tour de Tucson so I can't wait to come back to Talega again!

    Photos
    Talega Coffee - Jalapeño & Cheddar Scone

    Jalapeño & Cheddar Scone

    Talega Coffee - Interior seating. A bit eclectic.

    Interior seating. A bit eclectic.

    Talega Coffee

    See all

    Desert Drifter - coffee - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...