I live near this place and surprisingly have never visited. Needing a caffeine fix, my friends and I pop into this unassuming coffee shop along a strip mall area. It had a very typical coffee shop vibe. People writing papers, baristas making espresso drinks, and a general chill atmosphere. I ordered a caramel macchiato to satiate my sugar craving after a long morning run. The staff were friendly and talkative. And apparently they have WiFi now (which is equally addicting as caffeine). I will definitely pop into this place again in the future to sip on a delicious brew and write papers for my work. read more

Steve's has been a regular stop for me, with some of the better coffee I've had in the valley. I've seen and heard a few people complain about the lack of WiFi, but its honestly one of the biggest reasons I keep going back.... it lets me pull out my laptop and focus in on what I need to get done. The food is generally tasty... I've never had something I disliked. The cocktails, should you be inclined, are ok. I tend to think something is missing from them, but I can't quite figure out what it is. Overall though I definitely recommend Steve's. Staff is friendly and if you go there frequently they will remember you. read more

This coffee house is by far the best in Tempe, Period. Very kind staff and Chefs are outstandingly gracious. Food and coffee are perfect. Thank you for an amazing experience. read more

Came here bc I'm sick of shitty coffee from Starbucks and needed a change. Rachel and Isabel were working this morning and could not have been sweeter. They made me the most delicious iced caramel latte that tasted like heaven. Will def try the food when I return :) read more

This coffee shop has been a destination for my husband and me for decades. When we lived in the East Valley, we used to come here for excellent coffee and a pastry. They used to advertise only French press, but I do not know if that is still their brewing method. I have always loved their lattes. About 6-7 years ago, the décor was very plain, and the coffee shop did not offer free internet to deter people from camping out all day long. We got a chance to visit in February, and were delighted to see the beautifully redone interior. The size of the interior has doubled. The place was busy. The website says they encourage guests to stay a while, so they probably offer free internet. The menu is more extensive than in the old days, and now offers lunch. The food is all homemade. There is seating outdoors too, but I cannot recall if it has expanded. There is plenty of parking because the shop is located in a small shopping center. One of the friendly servers said Steve is still the owner. We look forward to returning. read more

See all

Really good iced oat milk latte! A bit thick and rich, but a good spot for a treat of a coffee. Love a good locally owned coffee place!

It is always awesome to get coffee at Steve's Espresso. The staffs are super friendly and nice. The coffee is always tasting good. I love to come here every time. Highly recommended to everyone!!! I tend to go jn there on Sunday or Saturday with friends. It is a really good meet up place. I always got an ice Americano or ice vanilla latte. read more

Good coffee and ambiance. Would highly recommend except i came here to do homework and there is no wifi or plug ins to charge your computer. Long story short if you are looking for a place to do homework dont come here, kinda sad because i like the place. read more

Had the honey vanilla latte and it was decent. New for me and not something you see on the menu of many coffee places. Disappointed it was a honey sweetener and not actual honey, could be a great opportunity for a local bee keeper. Would love to see a chili chocolate tea or coffee drink here! Great lighting and happy that it's unplugged. It's loud with conversation and unique music. read more

Steve's Espresso - Such the words for such the place! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

wonderful atmosphere and food! ordered a chai tea latte and a chocolate croissant. the staff was very kind and i will definitely be coming back. :) read more

The espresso is good. Pastries are okay. Atmosphere is uptight or maybe it was just during my visit but the owner micromanaged EVERY LITTLE THING the employees did, down to how the put whipped cream in a dome lid! Back off and chill out, dude. Geez. Oh and no wifi, which is the main reason I wont be back. The owner sat on his tablet for an hour, using wifi, but doesnt want customers to be able to do the same? I dont know if hes cheap or just egocentric, but Im out!! read more

Steve's Espresso - No wifi here. The owner wants you to connect with others, not electronics! Unless you are the owner, then youll chill online for hours. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

Friendly staff, amazing coffee and delicious food! Great place to hang out and do some work, or meet up with a friend for a cup of coffee. read more

Steve's Espresso - Avocado Toast - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

A nice, cozy little coffee shop. The decor is nice and the menu reasonably priced. I ordered the Aztec Mocha and it was good, but not the best I've had. I can see myself returning to try other items on the menu and see if that may change my rating. I didn't hate anything but definitely not my favorite place. read more

Steve's has great prices for some of the best coffee in Tempe. The space is warmly decorated and inviting, perfect for an after-dinner cup of coffee with friends. They make their own food and pastries here every day as well. Try their brioche! read more

Amazing coffee, loving place, better than Starbucks in my opinion because I like that "made at home" coffee taste

My thesis statement: As far as trapped-in-stripmall coffeehouses go, Steve's Espresso is great. Nothing fancy about the seating arrangements - basic tables and chairs, plus four leather chairs set by the door for leasurely reading-chatting (lots of reading material available behind the espresso machine). Walls are a warm, dark orange - not quite burnt sienna/raw umber territory but leaning in that direction (yeah, I view the world according to Crayola, wanna fight about it?) with random local art hanging. Light is just enough to do your reading/working, not too bright. Music selection is perfect: smooth electro-Brazilian-lounge stuff that you can easily put in the background and not let it distract you, but still relaxing. As for the food and drink offerings: pastries/cookies for eats. Don't know if they actually make anything sandwich-wise (if they don't, I'd recommend going to Little India in the same shopping center for some chaat and then coming here). My medium decaf soy latte was decent - nothing amazing but the soy milk wasn't burnt or curdled so that's a plus. Barista was extremely courteous, and even threw away a shot he wasn't impressed with. Their advertised free-WiFi wasn't working tonight - so the rating's going to slip a little, but not too much. Every coffeehouse has their WiFi snafus now and then, and I'll give these guys the benefit of the doubt that this doesn't happen too often. Crowd looks mostly like ASU upperclassmen/grad students working on an assortment of theses, and I get the feeling that's the usual evening scene here. Mellow and not too loud, so a great place to get your work done. They're only open till 10 though, which for a student-heavy coffeehouse seems a little odd. In conclusion, I'd say Steve's Espresso is a great coffeehouse for what it is. If I lived closeby I could definitely see myself coming here often, with or without a laptop. However, I don't live closeby - so who knows how many future trips I'll be making. Rating: About 3.93 stars - round up to 4. *Almost* red-orange (or is it orange-red?). Worth a trip if you're in the 'hood. read more

The coffee fairies were on my side today! Needed coffee today, I used the magic power of yelp to locate the nearest place & found an awesome hidden local shop! I'd driven by it dozens of times, didn't know it was there. That's the power of yelp! I had a caramel latte, yum! Great price, hopping shop but plenty of indoor & outdoor seating! I'll definitely go back, now that yelp has showed me the way! And now I see that my Yelper friends have been there as well, definitely a hot spot! read more

It is just dismal those few times you want something to eat at the coffee house, and your choices are sad breakfast offerings or overpriced bakery items. But I am vouching for Steve's food!... bacon, jalepeno & cheese frittata (w/ thin sliced potatoes as the bottom layer) as well as the ham & cheese stuffed brioche! You do have to heat yourself.. luckily the microwave does have power settings, so go PL-7 or 8 to avoid overcooking as you heat. These guys are open early (5:30am M-F and 6:30am S-S)... so this is going to be my new go to place to grab some food when I have an early morning flight or roadtrip. read more

I miss you Steve's Espresso. You were in my old hood, and I used to visit you frequently. Now I am without a great local coffee shop with free WIFI. Steve's has great tea and espresso drinks, I've tried both. Comfortable seating is all over the place. I could go there and get work done in peace. It has a very chill atmosphere and the employees were always super cool. Even the bathroom is nice. I really enjoyed our time together Steve's Espresso, and I am sorry I had to leave you. read more

Been to Steve's a few times. Time for a review. (+ positive, - negative, -/+ neutral) + Good ambiance. Low lighting and sweet music. I really enjoy studying here. + Slightly above average coffee. I've had better, but Steve's still has really good drinks. + Awesome prices. I'm in college and I really like saving my money. -/+ Customer service is alright. One time I was there only one barista working. He was obviously a high school student and had other important things going on. Two of his friends came in and chatted him up at the counter... and they weren't quiet. Then, he left the counter, with no one else there, to go outside for a smoke and talk with his little friends. Nothing happened in result, but I thought it was rude. read more

I like Steve's. The sign is wierd and I get visions of Freddy Kruger when I pass the place, but the coffee is good. Local stuff. The place is good for working. First time I went in I got kinda "my sh*% don't stink" kinda vibe from the barista. It is kinda offputting, so I stayed away for a bit, but have gone back and haven't had any issues. I prefer Solo down the street, but when I am here and it's convenient, I go to Steve's. Good coffee, good workspace. The end. read more

I was introduced to Steve's Espresso last year and enjoy the chai tea latte's and the avocado toast! At different breakfast places I try the avocado toast and I think Steve's Espresso has the best avocado toast. I was amazed how it's conveniently located in Tempe and I must have driven by it quite a few times without even knowing it was there until last year. This place has great tea, food, and customer service. read more

Steve's Espresso was recommended to me by a friend one day as I was on my way to work before Solo Cafe opened and desperate for some heavenly caffeine. When they told me where it was I almost didn't believe them, as I drive past it every day and never knew it was there. It's pretty hidden and the main sign doesn't have the name of the business but just says coffee I believe. The coffee is pretty good. I have come to love the aztec mocha. I also appreciate that the cups are already insulated thus eliminating the need for the crazy cup holder/warmer thing that doesn't really work at all and keeps falling down. The atmosphere is fairly plain. I believe they have free wifi, but to me it feels like just another establishment I'd stop in quickly but not be inclined to stay at. I'd love to see a more inviting feel. I'd probably stay and have more coffee instead of getting mine to go. read more

Awesome coffee, I got an iced coffee and it was pretty delicious. It was strong but very low in acidity, which is always the way I prefer an iced coffee. I also ordered the veggie frittata and took it to go. I was really impressed with the frittata, it was light and fluffy and the veggies were crisp even after I reheated it. I try to support local whenever I can and I am really happy my friend suggested this place instead of Starbucks. Fast and Fresh and Free Wi Fi! read more

I've been here many many times and it never fails to disappoint. Amazing and welcoming atmosphere and always perfect and friendly service. The drinks are always amazing and the espresso is truly second to none in Tempe. The pastry and food items are all great as well. This is my go-to place to bring anyone that's visiting me from out of town or who's new to the area. Definitely recommend visiting on a rainy morning or with friend you're looking to catch up with. :) read more

I love Steve's. Having been here twice now, I feel safe with my conclusion. Steve's Espresso is tucked away on the side of an obscure strip mall in Tempe. Most don't even know it is here, which is perfect for an increasingly anti-social nerd like myself. The atmosphere is a little bit different, too. While it is like most coffee shops, it is a bit simpler and the music is a bit different. All of which add to my liking of this place. Let's not forget the coffee. While I can admit I may have had better coffee at other places, the espresso at Steve's is very delicious. And for some reason, I have noticed their Mocha tends to give me a bit more motivation than most places. I thank @bwilley for having a meeting with me here, because it is now a new fav. read more

Unpretentious. Friendly. Inviting. Warm decor and soothing music. This is the first local coffee house I found when i moved here a year ago. It was an oasis, a hidden gem in a shopping plaza. My only complaint is that there's nothing else around worth doing, so you can't grab an ice chai (my favorite; with 1 shot espresso), a conversation and hit the road. You either have you chill in one of their comfortable chairs or sit outside on the make-shift patio. Works for me, unless you get antsy. Bonus - Free Wifi. And the people there are no way obnoxious. No loud conversations or annoying cell phone calls. If you like tea, you can buy some here. They boast a wide selection that even the most decisive tea drinker may have trouble deciding! MONKS BLEND = Oh so good! I only wish it were closer to my work/home. And for you carb lovers, try the Pumpkin Muffin. It's fantastic! read more

Love this place - you can get a good "hardcore" coffee or a nice, tasty mocha. It also gets a nice blend of clients, and I never see it too full of hipsters or too full of laptops. A great independent business - stop in and enjoy! read more

This is the best coffee in this part of town. The coffee is roasted locally, and always "pressed." It does make a difference! The atmosphere is very laid back, it's never too crowded and unpretentious doesn't begin to describe its feel. read more

I started liking this place after I tried the iced Aztec Mocha. Strong and delicious with a taste of mexican chocolate and cinnamon. I've tried hot coffee and it's smooth. Tried the iced chai latte and it needed sugar, I guess I was expecting something closer to the Starbucks, like really sweet..... Have had their bacon/jalapeno frittata and it's sooo good. Not at all spicy like I thought, but definetely a taste of chile with some chunks of potatoe and chunks of cheese. Never mind my sweet tooth, I enjoy supporting this local place. The barista is always so nice and quick! Haven't tried the teas because I'm intimated by all the different selections. I agree with another post, the sign does remind me of FreddyKruger too!! :) Sometimes I worry their location doesn't give them enough justice to how great this little place is. read more

Surprisingly the brioche ham and cheese does taste like brioche !!! The coco mocha was to die for. A very nice and laid back atmosphere all around. A great local coffee shop! read more

Steve's Espresso - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

I live right between here and Solo Cafe (another nearby coffee shop). I always end up going to Steve's when I need to get work done. They've got bigger tables and a generally more mature clientele. They also play some good music, which unlike Solo, is relaxing and easy to work to. And not to mention the coffee... it's the best in town. They french press every cup, which I love. The refills are cheap, unlike Solo. I haven't tried the food, but it looks great and always tempts me. read more

TL;DR : Great espresso and home made pastries, but the worst customer service. I went here for the first time with my boyfriend yesterday at about 9:30 am. I am from Washington but live in Tempe now, and miss having a regular spot to go to. When we arrived there were 2 baristas working, one was a smaller Asian girl with long hair and the other a shorter blonde who looked as though she might be in training. It was a slow day with maybe 5 customers already seated and reading books sipping coffee. We were not greeted upon entering. We walked up to the counter and did not get a smile or greeting from either girl. Big smile from me and I mentioned that it was our first time here in the hopes of sparking some sort of welcome. NO reply, no explanation of drinks, nothing. Just blank stares. We ordered and the drinks were made. The blonde girl was on the bar, made the drinks and slammed the first one on the counter with no call-out of which it was or whose it was. The same went for mine. We drank our coffee and the quality was excellent, the European style mocha and latte were delicious. However with customer service like that I will absolutely not be back. I have never felt so unwelcome! There is a lot of competition in the area and good customer service is what sets you apart. I manage an espresso shop back home and would be appalled to learn my employees were acting in this way. I hope some action will be taken to train your baristas in how to properly greet and serve customers, as you have lost what could have been a daily customer with this experience. read more

We found Steve's in a corner of a strip mall- took a chance and ordered 2 Americanos, a macchiato( Starbucks style) and a few cookies. All were delivered promptly without smile or much interaction... But not in a small hip Portland style surliness- they seemed disinterested. The coffee was unremarkable but cookies were fresh. All in all- an easy place to stop if you are looking for coffee at Baseline and McClintock....and don't want to travel any further. read more

This quaint strip mall coffee shop is a gem in the Southern Tempe area. After entering their boldly painted space (naartjie orange walls, plum purple ceiling), I was met by a smiling barista who told me they were known for their Aztec Mocha Iced Coffee. Since I had never been here before (coupled with the fact that I was in an adventurous mood), I excitedly ordered the Aztec Mocha. When the barista handed me her final product, my tastebuds were met with a resounding cinnamon and smooth coffee flavored beverage. It was the perfect drink for a scorching afternoon. My only wish this they had another shop that was closer to my house so that I could stop here more often. I would highly recommend Steve's Espresso to any coffee buff. read more

Steve's Espresso - Caramel macchiato - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

Came in for a Chai Latte with Oat milk and an avocado toast. Both were so delicious. Also love the atmosphere of the cafe and the people there. read more

Vanilla Latte More like little explosions of vanilla on my tongue It was a balanced drink, not too sweet just the way I like it. read more

Thought for a brief second I had found my new local coffee spot. Lots of drink choices . decent food menu and even serves beer and liquor ... Has comfy couches and cool seating options.... But no Wi-Fi? This explains why at a time when other coffee shops are super busy this place only had 1 person in it. You can not run a shoo like this without Wi-Fi and frankly its sends the wrong signal to would be customers . read more

Good coffee good atmosphere and a good place to meet up. I like finding these quaint hidden independently owned coffee houses they are great! The staff is great since whenever I come in I am only half mast and they must decipher what it is I am trying to request. Give them a shot (no pun intended) they are worth it! read more

I've had a mocha there before and it was good, as well as bought some loose leaf tea as a gift for a friend. That's not what the 2-star rating is about though. My 2 stars are for the fact I stood in line, looked at the menu, and was about to order when I finally saw the (small) sign about no WiFi. Not only was it irritating that I stood and waited in line, it was even more frustrating to realize that I had almost ordered without discovering that first since I was going to try to get some work done. Only reason I'd even stopped in was to try to support another local coffee shop (I had already been to GoldBar earlier that day and enjoyed a tasty mocha, PLUS free WiFi). read more