Cabernet in your latte sounds like a bad idea until you try it. That’s the whole premise behind this spot just south of Chase Field in Phoenix, where a coffee menu gets treated less like a fixed list and more like a rotating experiment. The Coffee Builders opened in August 2023 under owner Thomas Porter, who also runs Porter Barn Wood, and he built the shop around what he calls a “testaurant” format, a place designed specifically to try out odd new ideas and see what sticks.
That approach has turned a neighborhood coffee stop into one of the more talked-about breakfast and midday spots in the city, pulling a five-star average across hundreds of reviews and a spot among the top-rated restaurants in Phoenix on Tripadvisor. It’s a small building doing a lot of unusual things well, and that combination is exactly why people keep coming back.
What Makes The Menu Different
The headline act here is the specialty latte program, which leans into flavors you don’t expect from a coffee shop. Black truffle and cabernet-infused lattes have become signature options, and the point isn’t novelty for its own sake, it’s that the shop actually wants to push what a latte can taste like.
Beyond the drinks, the Smørrebrød has become something of a calling card. It’s a Danish-style open-faced sandwich built on dense bread and topped with an ever-changing rotation of ingredients, plated with the kind of care you’d expect from a restaurant rather than a coffee counter.
The kitchen also takes gluten-free eating seriously rather than treating it as an afterthought, with a genuinely wide selection that includes house-made gluten-free waffles. Add in paninis, pastries, and seasonal specials, and the menu covers a lot more ground than the average espresso bar.
Because the offerings change frequently, no two visits look quite the same. The team leans into seasonal themes and experiments, so regulars have learned to check what’s current rather than expect the same drink every time.
Atmosphere & Décor
Inside, the space reads as calm and intentional rather than loud or overstimulating, with an artistic sensibility that feels more like a design studio than a typical café. It’s quiet enough to sit and work, but the layout and finishes give it a warmer, more personal feel than a chain coffee shop.
Outdoor seating extends the space and makes it a comfortable option on cooler Phoenix mornings, and it’s dog-friendly, which matters in a neighborhood where a lot of people are walking to breakfast. A larger parking lot sits behind the building, which takes the guesswork out of visiting an area near the ballpark.
What sets the atmosphere apart is that it doesn’t stop at food and drink. The shop has hosted chess tournaments and yo-yo classes, turning the space into a small community hub rather than just a place to grab coffee and leave.
Other Considerations
What are the hours? The shop is open Monday through Friday from 6am to 2pm, and Saturday from 8am to 2pm. It’s closed Sundays, so plan accordingly if you’re hoping to swing by on a weekend visit.
Is it good for working or lingering? Yes. The quieter, art-forward interior makes it a solid option for laptop work or a slower morning, and the outdoor seating gives you another option if you’d rather sit outside.
Can I bring my dog? Pets are welcome, which fits the neighborhood feel of the place and makes it an easy stop if you’re out walking near the stadium area.
Is there parking? There’s a larger lot behind the building, which is a real plus given the location’s proximity to Chase Field on event days.
The Coffee Builders
📍 901 S 7th St Bldg C, Phoenix, AZ 85034
Website: https://thecoffeebuilders.com/
