Whether you're pulling an all-nighter, stopping in with the besties, or just need an iced latte to survive the Tucson heat, this city has a thriving coffee scene worth exploring. Here are the top five coffee shops every University of Arizona student should check out.

Coffee shops you need to try as an UofA student!

• Presta Coffee Roasters — Mercado San Agustín
  Location: 100 S Avenida del Convento
  

  Presta has earned a reputation as one of the best specialty coffee roasters in Tucson. The Mercado San Agustín location offers sleek architecture, open-air vibes, and expertly brewed coffee. It’s a little west of downtown but totally worth the trip for a high-quality experience.

  Website: prestacoffee.com

• EXO Roast Co. — 6th Ave
  Location: 403 N 6th Ave
  

  EXO is everything. Housed in a historic building with a rustic interior and an ever-changing seasonal menu, it’s ideal for students who want quality coffee in an artsy, lowkey setting. It's close enough to campus to be convenient, but just far enough to feel like a local discovery.

  Website: exocoffee.com

• Raging Sage Coffee Roasters
  Location: 2458 N Campbell Ave
  

  Raging Sage is a cozy, family-owned spot known for its house-roasted beans and laid-back patio. It's one of the most established local coffee shops in Tucson and a great place to get work done without the distractions of busier downtown cafés. Try a scone, and thank us later.

  Website: ragingsage.com

• Cartel Roasting Co. — Downtown
  Location: 210 E Broadway Blvd
  

  Cartel is one of the most recognizable names in Arizona’s coffee scene. The downtown Tucson location is bright, industrial, and full of energy. With plenty of seating and a commitment to high-quality coffee, it’s a favorite for UofA students, locals, and tourists.

  Website: cartelroasting.co

• Yellow Brick Coffee — The Benedictine
  Location: 800 N Country Club Rd, Ste 3180
  

  If you're looking for a unique café off the beaten path, Yellow Brick delivers. Located inside The Benedictine, a renovated historic monastery, the space is as beautiful as the coffee is bold. It's ideal for weekend study sessions or when you just want a change of scenery.

  Website: yellowbrickcoffee.com

Honorable Mentions

Want to branch out even more? These other spots are worth adding to your Tucson coffee tour:

• Savaya Coffee Market — Thoughtfully sourced, roasted, and brewed with serious attention to quality
• Decibel Coffee Works — A hidden gem at MSA Annex with a creative, indie vibe
• Caffe Luce — Downtown mainstay with fast service and solid Wi-Fi
• Ombre Coffee Roasters — Quiet and clean, great for solo studying
• Black Crown Coffee Company — Known for artsy interiors and small-batch coffee
• Ren Coffeehouse — Great outdoor seating at St. Philip’s Plaza
• Le Buzz Caffè — On the east side, perfect for a weekend coffee and brunch trip

It doesn’t matter if you’re a cold brew loyalist, matcha enthusiast, or a straight-up espresso kind of person, Tucson has a coffee shop for you. Whether you're headed to class or just need a reason to leave your apartment, these spots offer more than just caffeine. Exploring Tucson is part of what makes the UofA student experience unique.

FAQ

• What is the closest coffee shop to the University of Arizona campus? EXO Roast Co. on 6th Ave and Cartel Roasting Co. Downtown are both close and convenient for UofA students.
• Which coffee shop is best for studying in Tucson? Raging Sage Coffee Roasters and Yellow Brick Coffee are known for calm, comfortable spaces perfect for focused study sessions.
• Where can I find specialty or third-wave coffee near UofA? Presta Coffee Roasters and Cartel Roasting Co. are both highly regarded for their specialty coffee programs.
• Are there coffee shops in Tucson with unique atmospheres? Yellow Brick Coffee offers a historic monastery setting, while EXO Roast Co. combines rustic charm with creative seasonal menus.
• Which coffee shop has the best food or pastry options? Raging Sage is loved for its house-made scones, and Cartel Roasting Co. often pairs great coffee with fresh pastries.