The Coffee Builders: A coffee shop with a twist

Known for its creative food and unique coffee drinks, The Coffee Builders prides itself on its experimentation with popular flavors and dishes.

The mildly eclectic selection of food and drinks is something owner Thomas Porter had a vision for, with his “testaurant” format that allows him to bring bold new ideas to the coffee shop scene.

“What I really wanted to do at this shop was take coffee to another level,” Porter said. “If you come here, you are going to experience something different.”

The crafted specialty drinks bring a twist to conventional coffee with items such as their lattes, with unique flavors like cabernet or black truffle. The restaurant also boasts a selection of teas and sweet drinks that are great alternatives for non-coffee drinkers.

The food items complement the coffee perfectly, with one of their most popular items being their open-faced sandwich called Smørrebrød, a Danish-style bread that is artistic. The restaurant also has a wide gluten-free selection.

“Check, Please! Arizona” guests enjoyed the gluten-free waffles, with a base made in-store, and sampled the Smørrebrød sandwiches alongside their drinks.

“I just love the atmosphere of the place,” Guest Ryan Johnson said, noting the calming and quiet environment of the artfully designed restaurant.

Guest Veila Aguirre’s pro tip is to check out the fun events the restaurant hosts, from chess tournaments to yo-yo classes.