Thunderbird students were asked about their favorite coffee. After sampling some of the most popular stops students swear by, I have written a grounded review of how each one actually tastes beyond the hype.

I went to each coffee shop listed below, asking for the signature coffee for which each shop is known. Students who voted for the shops explained why they liked each one as well. The results of the survey were skewed towards these five: La La Land Kind Cafe, Starbucks, Dutch Bros Coffee, Cultivate Coffee, and Coffee Mollie. 

La La Land Kind Cafe offers drinks that lean toward a smooth, sweet taste, making them easy to drink quickly. The espresso is mild, which keeps the flavor welcoming to newcomers; the coconut cloud foam used keeps the coffee consistently creamy. It’s the kind of coffee that feels more comforting than intense, ideal for a gentle start rather than a sharp caffeine jolt. Their drinks excel as a nice, sweet treat to have with friends. “The Coffee is so sweet, I can’t think of another place that compares for me,” said Valerie Marie Avilez, junior. 

Starbucks remains a gold standard that students compare everything else to, largely due to its consistency. The espresso has a stronger roasted flavor compared to La La Land Kind Cafe and the other shops. Arabica coffee beans are the cause of this; Starbucks coffee has its signature boldness as a result of them.  The customization options make it reliable regardless of the customer’s mood. While it’s often not the most distinctive cup, it delivers the signature balance of boldness and sweetness people expect from the brand. “I can’t go wrong with Starbucks. I go there the most since I know what kind of coffee I’m getting,” said Abbygayle Carro, junior. 

Dutch Bros Coffee focuses on energy and flavor first. While using the same beans as Starbucks, drinks are typically sweeter and more indulgent, with syrups playing a significant role in the overall taste. Even so, the coffee base remains evident, and the caffeine level is noticeable, making it a reliable choice to boost energy and sustain excitement throughout the day, especially when running late or on errands. “Dutch Bros is the only coffee shop for me. I love the sweetness within each drink; I can’t find it anywhere else,” said Katelyn Sherman, sophomore. 

Cultivate Coffee stands out for its more coffee-forward profile. The espresso tastes richer and less sugary than those listed above, and their drinks’ taste profiles reflect the time taken for each cup, offering a richer taste. The spotlight is on the community, as the coffee is roasted with beans grown locally in Arizona. This shop is a great option for students who want to focus on the flavor of the beans rather than just the add-ins. “Cultivate is a little out of the way, but it’s my study spot. It’s nice and quiet, and the coffee is good,” said Alexander Fernandez, junior. 

Cafe Mollie delivers a smooth, balanced cup that is slightly more refined than the shops listed previously, with Vietnamese beans taking center stage. The sweetness is lighter, allowing the espresso to stay as the heart of the flavor, while lots of coffee shops use syrups, Cafe Mollie’s espresso alone is able to give a very satisfying flavor. The coffee is especially suited for slower mornings or longer study sessions, when something steady rather than overpowering is needed. “Their beans are so good! I love their matcha, too!” said Kayle Nelsen, junior.

Overall, each spot succeeds in different ways, meaning the best “spot” truly depends on what you want from your coffee.  Whether it’s a long study session, prepping for the week, or even just hanging with friends, these coffee spots are the go-to!