Go Flagstaff: High-Altitude Buzz

Macy's Coffee
Latte at Macy’s European Coffee House.

Flagstaff’s coffee culture is alive and well. Over the years, local roasters have fine-tuned roasting processes for higher elevations. The resulting slower roasts produce unique flavors for a high-altitude buzz found only at 7,000 Feet. What makes Flagstaff coffee so tasty? Slow roasting caramelizes the sugars in coffee beans to produce rich, well-rounded nutty flavors. Here are five Flagstaff coffee shops where you can sample top-notch java.

 

By Stacey Wittig. Macy’s European Coffee House photo by Donavan Seschillie.


POURING LOVE INTO EVERY CUP

As the first coffee house and roaster in Arizona, Macy’s European Coffeehouse & Bakery introduced Flagstaff to cappuccinos and espressos back in 1979. Considering Macy’s reputation, it’s no surprise that you’ll find a wide variety of customers within the cozy walls: students, tourists, NAU alum and business people blend in with college professors, firefighters and the occasional logger. Vegetarian soups, salads and sandwiches are also available. 14 S. Beaver St. or visit macyscoffee.net to order beans, cocoa or granola online.

IT’S NEVER TOO LATE

Late for the Train supplies its four espresso bars from one central Flagstaff location where they bake their own pastries, roll burritos and roast tons of coffee beans. To keep the local community caffeinated, an almost two-story tall roastery transforms green coffee sourced from farmers and co-ops that embrace eco-friendly practices into craft-roasted beans. Locals’ fave off the menu: Dave’s Rockrammer (international visitors have returned for this drink) is a triple shot pulled short with raw sugar and a splash of half and half. 22 E. Birch Ave. and 1800 Fort Valley Road or visit lateforthetrain.com for a full list of locations.

COFFEE HUB

Dramatic gallery space and a stage in the back give Firecreek Coffee Co a hip vibe that attracts students and young out-of-towners. With plenty of space to spread out, ergonomic coffee bars and tables seat Chai-sipping laptop users or espresso drinkers speaking French or German. House-made coffee syrups make the Salted Cardamom Latte a favorite morning drink whereas coffee cocktails including Whiskey Chai or Botanical Nightlife – a concoction of gin, vanilla and cold brew – make their appearance along with beer and wine around 9 a.m. Since 2008, Firecreek has supplied its specialty coffee to restaurants, grocery stores and cafés across Arizona from its Flagstaff roastery. 22 W. Historic Route 66 or visit firecreekcoffee.com.

BREAKFAST AND LUNCH ON THE GO

Spend quiet time with a Snow Bunny (coconut mocha) next to KickStand Kafé’s inviting fireplace, meet friends in the outdoor space sipping Marley (hazelnut, white chocolate and almond milk lattes) or order both online and pick up at the drive-thru. It’s all good. A bike station with a rack, pump and tools make this a favorite for bicycle enthusiasts. Serving the celebrated Italian espresso coffee, Illy Caffé, and Single Speed Coffee by another local company, Single Speed Coffee Roasters. Breakfast and lunch items are noteworthy and available via drive-thru. 719 N. Humphreys St. or visit kickstandkafe.com.

DELUXE BREW

“I haven’t tasted a coffee this velvety smooth since that memorable cup in Vienna,” says photographer Barb Sherman about the Flat White at Lux North. The coffee’s smoothness is attributed to the controlled extraction of Lux’s Italian La Marzocco Linea espresso machine. Flagstaff’s new kid on the block – the first location is in Central Phoenix – also serves up croissants, scones, donuts and muffins made fresh daily. 111 E. Aspen Ave. or visit luxcoffee.com.

THIS MONTH IN FLAGSTAFF

NOV. 6: Flagstaff Ukulele Jam; Joe C. Montoya Community and Senior Center; flagukejam.weebly.com
NOV. 24: Northern Arizona University Orchestra Concert; Ardrey Auditorium; events.nau.edu
NOV. 28: Thanksgiving Champagne Brunch; Little America Hotel; flagstaff.littleamerica.com


Stacey Wittig is an award-winning travel writer and author located in Flagstaff, Arizona. For more travel & world-wide adventures visit Stacey’s website at unstoppablestaceytravel.com.

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