New downtown Phoenix cafe is a woodcrafted wonderland of stunning drinks, surprising flavors
Thomas Porter of Porter Barn Wood opened The Coffee Builders in a former 1960s storefront at the end of July.
A good way to find it is to look for the small white building dwarfed by the towering, weathered brick of the Porter Barn Wood showroom and lumberyard.
Two wooden doors with brass handles shaped like branches open into the coffee shop, which is as much a gallery for woodwork as it is a cafe. Everything in the shop is made by the Porter Barn Wood team, from the tessellated triangular wooden ceiling to the blue leather banquettes, semicircular booth and gray and gold barrel chairs.
The effect is stunning and soothing, due in no small part to the notably low sound decibel. Neither the coffee machines nor the music drowns out the human voice, making it an ideal place for meetings or catching up with friends.
What's on the menu at The Coffee Builders?
The menu displayed on two screens above the counter lists coffee, specialty drinks and light fare. The items on the menu reflect what the owner loved growing up: European pastries and smørrebrød, or Norwegian open-faced sandwiches. Porter explained that the menu will change seasonally and be "goofy, because that's what we are."
As the name implies, at The Coffee Builders, coffee is the main draw, thanks to the creations of lead barista Johnny Rios. Certified by the International Barista & Coffee Academy (IBCA), Rios has helped design cafe menus around the Valley, including at Jobot and Wren and Wolf.
Rios' relationship with coffee is a unique one. He said he didn't drink coffee until he dated a woman who loved it and would take him to different coffee shops. After the breakup, he decided to keep the memory alive by learning everything about coffee. The result? Fantastic specialty drinks.
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The Coffee Builders goes beyond typical lattes
On a recent visit, we ordered three lattes: regular, Birthday Cake and The Slope.
As a lover of hot coffee (and I mean trace your gastrointestinal tract hot), I am almost always disappointed when I take the first sip of a lukewarm drink, no matter how much I emphasize the need for heat.
Rios, however, understood the assignment. My latte was just right. And the flavor was perfectly smooth.
The Slopes is one of the more eye-catching drinks, made with blueberry, white chocolate, butterfly pea flower, espresso and milk. A clear cup revealed three layers, though Rios suggests mixing them before taking a sip. The pillowy soft foam offers a lovely texture and gentle, sweet flavor. As promised, the blueberry comes through on the back end, with the white chocolate lending a delicate balance. Despite the sweet-sounding ingredients, it's subtle and far from cloying.
Birthday Cake latte, made with white chocolate, vanilla, espresso and milk is unashamedly sweet, but far from the expected "straight up sugar" assault one would expect from the white layers topped with sprinkles. It's a winner for those who like it sweet, but still balanced.
Plan a visit to The Coffee Builders
Prices range from $2.50 for sides and cookies to $10 for salads and $11 to $18 for the mains. But remember, you're here for the drinks. On the beverage menu, find hot coffee and tea, iced coffee and tea as well as fraps and specialty drinks. Prices range form $2.75 for an 8-ounce coffee or tea to $8 for a 24-ounce frap.
Specialty drinks cost $6 for 16-ounce and $7 for 24-ounce size. Some of the specialty drinks include:
Builders affogato, made with ice cream flavor of the week plus espresso shot.
The Golden Bee, made with turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, honey, and milk.
Chocolate Pistachio, made with chocolate, pistachio, espresso and milk.
Orange Blossom Special, made with orange, white chocolate, espresso and milk.
The Slopes, made with blueberry, white chocolate, butterfly pea flower, espresso and milk.
Birthday Cake latte, made with white chocolate, vanilla, espresso and milk.
With any latte, you can ask for a Pup in a Cup. Simply text a photo of your pup to the barista and your drink will come with your dog's picture on your cold foam or frothed milk.
Hours: 6 a.m. – 2 p.m. Monday to Friday.
Details: 901 S. Seventh St., Phoenix. 602-904-7550, thecoffeebuilders.com.
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Reach the reporter at BAnooshahr@azcentral.com. Follow @banooshahr on Twitter.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: The Coffee Builders cafe in Phoenix delivers chic vibes, great lattes
