08/11/2025 | 3 Min. Read
Lately, I’ve been in my “find new coffee shops and romanticize my life” era. You know that feeling when you push open a café door and the smell of fresh coffee hits you like a warm hug? That’s been my mission….except I’m on a very specific quest: to sip my way through Black-owned coffee shops in Phoenix and the surrounding areas.
It’s more than just coffee for me. These spaces feel intentional, as if each cup was brewed with a dash of culture, a sprinkle of history, and a whole lot of love. They’re community hubs disguised as cafés, places where the playlist hits just right, where someone might greet you like family, and where the latte art is as good as the conversation.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve discovered four spots that completely captured my heart. Some are smack-dab in the middle of downtown, others are tucked into neighborhoods or suburbs, but they all have this magic… that thing that makes you want to linger just a little longer. So, grab your favorite mug and let me take you on a little coffee adventure.
1. The Grind by Chic Chef – Downtown Phoenix
45 W Jefferson St, Ste J, Phoenix, AZ 85003
This downtown beauty feels like a burst of style and comfort all in one. Chef Nik Fields—aka “Chic Chef”—is the visionary here, blending her culinary background with a passion for community. Their beans come from women farmers, which makes every sip taste even better. The vibe is modern but warm, the kind of place you could post up with your laptop and a dirty chai, then accidentally stay until closing.
2. A.T. Oasis Coffee & Tea Shop – Central Phoenix
4613 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018
Stepping inside here feels like a gentle exhale. This Ethiopian-owned shop serves coffee that’s rich, bold, and full of story. If you’ve never been part of an Ethiopian coffee ceremony, this is your chance—it’s slow, intentional, and rooted in tradition. My advice? Pair it with their chai tea latte (thank me later).
3. Harlem Coffee – Downtown Phoenix
149 W McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Tucked inside Sauvage Wine Bar, Harlem Coffee has this intimate, artsy energy that feels like you’ve stepped into a time capsule from the Harlem Renaissance. The walls hum with culture, and the coffee? Smooth, with just the right amount of boldness. Perfect for slow mornings or deep conversations with someone who gets you.
4. Nu Café – Chandler
5865 W Ray Rd, Unit 7, Chandler, AZ 85226
Bright, airy, and full of good energy, Nu Café is where you go when you want coffee and a little creativity. They’re known for their fun drinks—like matcha flights, the “Berry Zen,” or their coconut breeze latte. Whether you’re working remotely or catching up with friends, it’s an easy spot to lose track of time.
☕ Wrapping It Up Over One Last Sip
Here’s the thing: these coffee shops aren’t just about caffeine—they’re about connection. They’re proof that when we support Black-owned businesses, we’re not just spending money; we’re investing in culture, in dreams, and in spaces that make our city richer.
Each of these cafés tells a story. You taste it in the beans, you see it in the decor, you feel it in the way the owners pour into their community. Whether it’s Chef Nik sourcing from women farmers, the Ethiopian traditions at A.T. Oasis, Harlem Coffee’s nod to a rich artistic era, or Nu Café’s playful, uplifting menu—every detail matters.
So maybe this weekend, skip your usual coffee chain run and try one of these instead. Bring a friend, order something you’ve never had, and take a minute to actually savor it. Who knows—you might just find your new favorite corner of the Valley.
Black Phoenix Arizona 
Whats the word?