Phoenix Coffee

WHAT?!
I can’t believe this location is closed now. When I used to work in Cleveland, I lived right above this Phoenix — it was a true gem. Transplanted from much larger cities like LA and Boston, these guys had some seriously good coffee — it almost made me not hate the miserable winter I had to endure. I’ve never been to any of the other locations but if any of the others are of similar caliber, I’d highly recommend checking them out!
I sometimes wish I could have a pocket sized version of this shop — I’d be cranking out serious coffee all the time then!

I’m sorry that I didn’t review this Phoenix Location before they closed. What a huge loss to downtown Cleveland.
I took out-​of-​town friends here when they visited Cleveland to show them what an awesome coffee shop was like. I came here for some great chats during the «Phoenix Forum» discussion series in Spring 2010.
This Phoenix location pioneered the «French Press on-​tap» concept. This Phoenix location had a great interior set-​up. This Phoenix location was truly unique.
I visited this shop less than I did the other 4 Phoenix cafes. It’s really sad that I won’t visit again.

I had no idea about all the wonderful amenities this place provides that are listed in Cara L’s review. Obviously, her review is much more useful and probably more cool than mine too.
But, bubble coffee? Now that’s funny. MMM, iced coffee and then WHAT THE FRICK IS THAT?! balls? It’s amazing and fun.

Phoenix Coffee imports the finest beans that Cleveland has ever seen! I really enjoyed the Tanzanian Peaberry via drip. I must try it via french press!
Moreover, the baristas are friendly and are knowledgable about the beans.
I look forward to my next visit!

phoenix is my favorite coffee place in cleveland. to the poster who complained that they use a «pre-​made» base for iced coffee & chai — it’s cold toddy (the best kind of coffee used for iced drinks) and the chai is a tea concentrate they make in-​house (which i’ve never once found at another coffee shop. in general, chai tea lattes use oregon chai or some other mediocre pre-​mix). i guess you could wait the 6 hours it takes to make the chai concentrate, but that doesn’t sound convenient to me.
their mochas are also better than any other coffee shop if you are in the mood for something decadent. great service all around. :)

I’m still a ginormous fan. Here’s added reasons why:
— Personal french press station
— Bialy’s bagels
— Bön Bön Bake Shop goodies
— Souper market soups
— Aladdin’s pitas and hummus
— and coming soon, BYO wine and beer!?!
Are you kidding me? I love this coffee shop enough for everything they stand for, but add booze to the mix and it’s on a whole new level.
Another reason I love Phoenix is how they will customize a drink for you just to please your picky palette. I love chai lattes, but I hate premade concentrates (usually way too sweet). The extremely talented baristas will make my chai latte from scratch, with skim, and then create some fine latte art on the top. Talk about going above and beyond for the customer.
I’m one of those strange people who doesn’t mind waiting while talented people work their magic and create you something delicious. I’ve waited longer at the Steelyard Starbucks for a drink that tastes sub-​par from a crabby, worker with a major attitude. (You can call your boyfriend after you make my drink hun. He’s on probation… he’s not going anywhere.)
These people love their jobs, take the time to know who you are and create you something superior to sip on. Sold.

Phoenix Coffee is like the warm blanket on a cold night… something you know that you can always rely on. They have an amazing unique atmosphere and a ton of specialty drinks ranging from the traditional cup of coffee or tea to specialty mocha’s and lattes.
It is located on West 9^th, very easy to get to if you are downtown, particularly if you are working and need a quick coffee break. Awesome place to enjoy free time, work time, chill time or study time.

Wonderful branding and equally delightful free trade coffee.
In town for business, I set up shop with my counterpart pumped to bust out a few hours of intense computer face time.
Outlets: check.
Relaxing atmosphere: check.
Snacks: check.
Comfy chairs: check.
Helpful baristas: check.
Free wifi: check.
And perhaps most important of all — tasty coffee: double check!
I fell in love with the look and feel of this place and kinda wish I had the equivalent closer to home.

great pastries, service, and coffee — awesome atmosphere too :)

Coffee, coffee. mmm this place is definitely a cool spot for coffee.
I turned on my GPS and ventured on a Saturday morning. Easily pulled into parking on the street (all the meters were flashing expired… so I parked for free?) and ventured in.
Once I walked in, I instantly loved it. The colors, the décor, and that oh so comfy, hip feeling you get, once you walk in, is something I absolutely love about cool coffeehouses. I was a tad surprised that there was only one table of people and a couple sitting outside… this seemed to cool of a coffee place to be this empty. Happy to see a picture of coffee art, I got my usual– a small soy latte– to go.
As I waited, the barista happily chatted away with me. «Got any plans this weekend? You live upstairs?» Dude, she wasn’t even trying– just happily chatting away. Man, was I happy to chat. I got my latte… and was slightly saddened there was no art design! What?! Only art designs if you have the latte inside? Blasphemy! Sadness.
However, the CUP was so artsy! Loved it! The cups actually reminded me of a cupcake show I saw on Food network… where the chefs draw creative art on their cups. Phoenix coffee had this. I saved the cup when I got home. haha.
Taste wise… it was pretty good. Surprisingly, no aftertaste, and the espresso was pretty good. I think I still gotta try the coffee– I really want to try their «dawn patrol» or whatever it’s called.
Finally, a coffee place. Nice. Visited downtown coventry (yes! reminded me so much of Ann Arbor with its cool little off-​beat shops), and the Phoenix coffee is so much bigger there… but nonetheless, any stop at these locations is worth it. :)

Damn skippy, the people here were some of the nicest I have ever encountered in a coffee shop, especially on a dreary-​ass Saturday afternoon. Found through a family member’s iPhone app (damn kids and their toys nowadays — when I was a kid we just had to walk around and hope to find a coffee shop, blah, blah, blah), I wasn’t expecting much but was nicely surprised by their selection. I had one of the coffee milkshakes, which was so good I hope they’ll introduce it soon in bucket size.

I have no idea how I haven’t reviewed this place yet!
Pros: Very hippie. But not dirty hippie.
Cons: Limited hours. Parking sucks.
Phoenix Coffee is one of the most comfortable, unpretentious coffee shops in Cleveland. The staff are laid-​back, down-​to-​earth, and very friendly (see: hippie). Unlike baristas at chain coffee shops, you can tell that the staff at Phoenix actually enjoy their jobs. I love that they’re local to the core– the coffee beans are roasted right in Cleveland. The bakery items are fresh and delicious (and many are baked in house). The physical space is warm and welcoming. The décor is retro (with paintings from local artists) and just really fun– not at all stuffy. There’s always an open spot on a comfy couch or at one of the tables. It’s usually pretty quiet, so if you’re stopping in to do work you won’t be distracted (and they offer Wi-​Fi, too!). They have books and board games available if you’re just looking to relax (or if you need a quick break from work!).
Definitely recommend.

I decided to revise my review of Phoenix after taking many trips to Loop in Tremont for my morning cup of joe. I used to love Phoenix. I thought they had the best iced nonfat latte… until they started short-​cutting the preparation of it. In the last few months I’ve noticed they use a cold-​brew (already prepared) coffee base they pull out of the refrigerator and use in the drink. EXCUSE ME? Even Starbucks doesn’t do that. In fact, if you go to Starbucks or Loop, you will get a FRESHLY prepared coffee, not some pre-​mixed coffee base put in your drink. This morning I stopped down to Phoenix to 1) give them another try, and 2) order an iced chai tea thinking maybe they would make that fresh. NOPE. Foiled again. The girl pulled a pitcher of pre-​made base out of the refrigerator and poured from it. I’m over it. If I am going to pay the same price at Starbucks or Loop for a drink, it better damn well be a freshly brewed beverage. Sorry, Phoenix, your shortcuts aren’t cool, and you’ve lost my business.

Within days I was able to utter, «I’ll have the regular» — and the employees responded with my exact, slightly high maintence, coffee order. It’s a place to feel like a regular right in your own neighborhood. What makes them even better is the Curb Side delivery service. I can sit in my heated car, and they bring the coffee right to me!
Free internet, great board games you can borrow, and unique drinks. Not your average coffee shop.

I agree with the previous reviewer (Kimberly)…I can’t to the life of me figure out why all the cafes close so early in Cleveland. I can saddle up to the bar with the best of them, but for God’s sake, sometimes it’d be nice to not have to pay a fortune to have a place to hang out late.
On top of that, I’m off the grid, so I come here fairly often for their WiFi, which works perfectly and is fast. You can even sit outside in the summer.
I hear they grind and roast and brew all in Cleveland, which is pure awesome, reminicent of my favorite place back in Brooklyn, Café Grumpy. Gotta love local.
Their bathroom is always clean, and has a nice big chalkboard for you to write up rants, draw star destroyers or just write comments on how cute the baristas are.
And hey… their chocolate/​coconut macaroons are insane. Pair it with something strong… like a cappuccino.
This place gets the famed «Brandon’s Five Star Rating». I understand that others may have had different experiences, but for what I look for in a place like this, they’ve never missed the mark.

Good coffee, good muffin, average vegan scone-​thing. Just cause it’s vegan doesn’t mean it has to be dry and boring. But I do appreciate the effort. Good service too. Nice patio out front.

i highly recommend ordering the euro-​short sizes. these are proper 6oz serving sizes with the ideal proportion of milk to espresso. if you enjoy the taste and aroma nuances of craft brewed coffee, you will not be disappointed!

I was not impressed with my cappuccino here — so milky such that I could barely taste the coffee, but I was impressed with the décor. The lamps and paint shades are darling and make a dreary Cleveland winter day into spring. In the future, I’d stick to the French Press.

The Phoenix takes the top prize in coffee fanaticism here in Cleveland. A whole lot of work goes into each individual latte, cappuccino, french press et all. These barristas take their job seriously. They are very knowledgeable about their product. Bottom line — you wait for your coffee, and it is worth the wait. Very –VERY– good. The french-​press by the cup is a bit too intense for me, but it is the real deal.
This is a great addition to the warehouse district. Locally owned, environmentaly concious, nerdy, open at 6AM weekdays too! Not too much food wise yet. Soups were uninspired, limited pastries, but it is early. This location only open a month. But I gotta say, the best latte I ever had. I am addicted.