Two college buddies lost touch, ended up reconnecting years later in Portland, and somehow that led to a roastery in the Sonoran Desert that flavors its cold brew with mesquite. That’s the short version of how Exo Roast Co. came to be. Doug Smith and Chris Byrne, joined by Peter Wilke, started roasting small batches on their own before comparing notes on weekends, and by 2009 the idea had turned into a real business.
Since 2013, Exo has been roasting and pouring coffee out of its home on Sixth Avenue, right in the Historic Fourth Avenue District of downtown Tucson. It’s grown into one of the city’s most talked-about coffee spots, the kind of place where the drinks taste like they belong specifically to this corner of Arizona rather than some generic coffee-shop template.
What To Order
The mesquite cold brew is the drink people drive across town for. It carries a dry, almost savory edge that plays off the natural sweetness of cold brew in a way that genuinely tastes like the desert, and it’s become something of a signature for the shop. If you’re more of a latte person, the lavender latte made with house-made lavender syrup is a favorite, offering a floral note that’s subtle rather than soapy or overpowering.
Exo also leans into regionally inspired drinks that you won’t find at a chain, like the orange cardamom latte and the mole dulce latte, both of which bring warm spice into the mix without burying the espresso underneath. For something cozier, the dirty chai gets regular praise, and the oatmilk golden milk is a solid non-coffee option for anyone looking for turmeric warmth instead of caffeine.
The pastry case rotates with house-baked goods, and the vegan options are clearly labeled, which makes ordering easy if you’re avoiding dairy or eggs. Pair whatever you order with a seat near the counter and you’ll likely see the roasting and brewing process happening in real time, since this location handles its own roasting on site.
Atmosphere & Décor
The building itself has character before you even order anything. It’s a long, single-story brick structure that technically fronts Sixth Avenue but stretches back toward 7th Street, giving the interior a deep, open feel rather than a cramped storefront layout. Exposed brick walls and an industrial finish give it a warehouse-meets-cafe look that feels appropriate for a roaster rather than decorative for its own sake.
Natural light pours in and the space reads as spacious rather than packed, which makes it easy to find a corner to work from or a table to linger at with friends. The vibe is relaxed and unpretentious, the kind of cafe where you can post up for an hour with a laptop or pop in for a quick cup without feeling out of place either way.
Other Considerations
What are the hours? The Sixth Avenue location is open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., so it’s a solid stop whether you’re an early riser or someone who needs an afternoon pick-me-up.
Is there a second location? Yes, Exo also runs Cafe Crisol at 196 W Simpson Street, which is set inside a historic 1885 adobe home and keeps its own separate hours, generally mornings through early afternoon Tuesday through Sunday.
Is the staff knowledgeable if I’m new to specialty coffee? Generally yes. The baristas tend to walk newcomers through the more unusual drinks like the mesquite cold brew or the mole dulce latte, though like any busy local favorite, a handful of visitors have found the service brisk rather than warm on an off day.
Is it easy to find parking? It sits in the Fourth Avenue district, a walkable, historic strip with street parking nearby, so plan for a short walk if you’re visiting during a busy weekend when the neighborhood fills up.
Exo Roast Co.
📍 403 N Sixth Ave, Tucson, AZ 85705
Website: https://exocoffee.com
