Photos by Amelia Goe and Sophie Blaylock
Location and Hours:1 N. Central Ave.
Suite 125
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Monday-Thursday 6:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Friday 6:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Sunday closed
Star Rating (0 – 4): ★★★½
Student Discount: Yes, show student ID
Recommended: Iced chai with almond milk,
blueberry muffin
With so many coffee shops around the Roosevelt Row arts district, it can be hard for me to choose where I want to dedicate my patronage when I’m in the area. However, if I’m wandering closer to the business district near Washington Street, just off of Central Avenue, I know without a doubt I’m going to One Coffee Co. In fact, if I’m within walking distance, there is seldom a day where I pick any other place besides One Coffee.
I stumbled upon this gem roughly two and a half years ago and I’ve been a dedicated customer ever since. What was it that snagged me on its hook and never let me go? I’ll tell you.
The outdoor patio doesn’t have a grandeur view and the seating isn’t anything hip or cool, but it’s practical and sufficient. The interior has a couple of long sofas, some long tables, plenty of chairs, nothing out of the ordinary for a coffee shop. The art on the walls, featuring artists such as Shane O. of Cactusprick Media, does not make the space feel necessarily artsy although they recently swapped out pieces and I’m digging the new aesthetics. From the mix of classic oldies and ’90s grunge to holiday drink options like Butter Beer, One Coffee is the hodgepodge of everything that I secretly keep near and dear to my heart. But these simple functionalities and holiday specials are not what keep me coming back.
Not that I need to prove anything, as there is an actual award for what about I’m about to say that hangs on the kitchen door of One Coffee, but you will not meet a friendlier set of baristas in the downtown area. These people know their customers. Granted, it’s because customers of One Coffee seem pretty loyal. Then again, once you’ve tried its chai you may never get it anywhere else. This is without a doubt the best chai I’ve had in downtown Phoenix. Hot or iced, I will always order a chai with almond milk and wowza — is it good! The blend that One Coffee uses is addictive. I’m warning you all now.
The baked goods are all made fresh and in-house. My favorites have to be the blueberry muffins and scones. Perfection is really the only word that I can use to describe them. The more substantial sustenance on their menu would be their bagels and paninis. The bagels are OK but if you do order one, get it toasted and add the in-house jam and then you have something quite nice. The paninis are pretty decent, nothing four-star, but the chicken panini with pesto and Monterey Jack cheese is delicious.
If I ever need to get work done, grab my favorite drink or just go somewhere a little more secluded then I head to One Coffee. While the mornings are crazy busy because of the business women and men needing their morning caffeine buzz, there is always a place to sit and catch up with a friend or dive into work. The Wi-Fi is strong and the environment is ideal for working or cranking out homework as I do on a weekly basis.
One Coffee has been under new ownership this past year and while I miss the face of previous owner Damian Serafine, the newest owner, Johnny Eddins, comes in all the time and spreads an infectious smile.
Regardless of what anyone may say about One Coffee Co., it will always remain close to my heart. The food and coffee are comforting and the employees and people who walk through the establishment remind me why I love downtown Phoenix.
Contact reporter at angoe@asu.edu
