The Coffee Builders is a bit off the beaten path — and we kind of love that. After all, Harry Potter fans (who will lose their minds over this place) know that the best destinations are also often the best-kept secrets — whether it’s behind the brick wall of Platform 9¾, within the bustling alleys of Diagon Alley, or inside the ever-elusive Room of Requirement. But you don’t have to be an HP fan to appreciate the magic of Coffee Builders.
The Coffee Builders musts:
- Try one of the “performance-based” beverages such as The Golden Snitch or The Gamekeeper
- Order the waffles — any of the waffles!
- Ask if any beverages on the “secret menu” are available…like “The Forest Moon of Endor”
Our BOSW sorting hat places The Coffee Builders in the “Bestie” category
Situated in the heart of the Downtown Phoenix Warehouse District, The Coffee Builders is like no coffee shop we’ve ever experienced. In addition to its spectacularly whimsical interior, this outwardly unassuming coffee locale boasts delicious and creative food and drink pairings. For these reasons and more, we’ve designated The Coffee Builders as our first Phoenix “Bestie” recipient for outstanding food, beverage, atmosphere and service.
Lumos maxima: Coffee Builders lights up the warehouse district
The brainchild of Thomas Porter, a woodworker, metalworker and what we consider a Renaissance man of epic proportions, The Coffee Builders reflects the craftsmanship and precision for which Porter is known. The ceiling is affixed with Porter’s flowing woodwork artistry. From this exquisite installation, suspends the candles HP enthusiasts will immediately recognize from Hogwart’s Great Hall.
There is a nod to the Magical Wizarding World pretty much everywhere you look, including animated paintings, featuring Coffe Builders’ lively crew.
Accio (summon) the food!
Those in a breakfast, brunch or lunch mood will not be disappointed at what awaits them at Coffee Builders.
To begin with, the Ube Waffles are divine. These (four) mini buttermilk, ube-filled creations come with an insanely indulgent cinnamon butter and barrel-aged bourbon maple syrup. In addition to ube, visitors can choose from Strawberry, Chocolate & Cream Waffles and “Just Waffles” (with that same sweet cinnamon butter and barrel-aged bourbon maple syrup). All waffles are made gluten-free!
The menu offers several grab-and-go options like sweet and savory pastries and Champagne Deviled Eggs, topped with caviar.
Lunchgoers have their pick of several open-faced sandwiches and paninis. Every item on the menu is available all day.
Potions 101: Better Butterbeer than The Three Broomsticks
Since there simply isn’t enough time (we don’t have a Time-Turner) to discuss ALL the unique and tasty drinks from the beverages menu, we’ll have to highlight a few of our favorites. Before we dive in, it’s important to know that Coffee Builders’ baristas exceed all expectations of latte art and delivery. The craftspeople behind the bar infuse originality and thought behind every beverage (and we have the pictures to prove it!).
Here are some of our current favorite drinks:
- The Goblet, a 24 oz coffee concoction served in an actual goblet, is an applewood bacon latte, mixed with house-made bourbon maple syrup, adorned with a bacon strip.
- Umbridge’s Mug-gle, a 10 oz London Fog tea with rose and black pepper, is served in the deviant Ministry-of-Magic-Turned-Hogwards-Headmaster’s infamous pink purse!
- The Golden Snitch, a house-made bubbly lemon drink, includes a pearlescent cotton candy cloud. This is more than a drink, it’s a performance! What begins as a seemingly typical lemonade, starts to sparkle and bubble before your very eyes, as a puff of cotton candy distributes glitter throughout the drink. The end result: A sweet and tangy cold refreshment.
- The Gamekeeper and Fire & Ice Kentucky Forward cold brew. These iced coffees incorporate white oak chips smoked with a chef’s torch — another feast for the eyes and treat for the tastebuds.
Move over Harry, there’s another franchise in town!
Once upon a time, in a galaxy far, far away Coffee Builders catered to another sci-fi fandom — if you haven’t guessed…Star Wars. Much to my delight, as a profound purest of the original trilogy, specialty drinks from my favorite franchise can be ordered thanks to Coffee Builders’ secret menu. I was delighted with “The Forrest Moon of Endor,” a nod to The Return of the Jedi my No. 1 of the Star Wars series. This iced latte offering is infused with house-made maple syrup and topped with an adorable Grogu likeness.
A magical experience
Beyond Porter’s fictional, imaginative menus, there are equally creative, gourmet beverages to be found — some with wine and barrel-aged bourbon, others with lavender and butterfly pea flower (as examples). Much like the stairways of Hogwarts, The Coffee Builders’ menu changes frequently, keeping visitors on their toes and in anticipation of new culinary adventures.
Whether you seek the escapism of a mini wonderland or really just want to sample some extravagant food and drink, visit the magical world of The Coffee Builders. To learn more, visit TheCoffeeBuilders.com. And see more photos of our visit at @TheBestoftheSouthwest.