Coffee Connoisseur’s Guide to Palm Springs

Looking for great coffee and espresso drinks in Palm Springs? Sure, we’ve got Starbucks. But you’ll also find a variety of independent coffee shops striving to serve you the absolute best espresso they can in ways that support the local economy. And while there are several top-notch spots pulling steamy shots of single-origin roasts, many locals prefer to get their daily buzz on with cold brew and iced coffee drinks. Whether you’re in the mood for a hot macchiato with a dollop of foam or an icy concoction blended with chocolate-covered espresso beans, here is our guide to where to find the best coffee, local coffee shops, espresso drinks, and coffee roasters in Palm Springs.

Koffi
Closest location: 1700 S Camino Real
Palm Springs’ largest and most popular independent coffee shop and roaster has four bright and bustling locations around town. Lucky for you, Koffi South is located just up the street from Twin Palms. Locals love the tantalizing assortment of iced drinks and decadent coffee freezes, and the buzzy outdoor patio at this location is a prime spot for people-watching. Koffi lets you customize your coffee just how you like it, with options for different types of espresso roasts and organic drip coffees, plus tons of drink flavorings. You’ll also find hot and iced teas, fresh-squeezed juices, smoothies, and tasty baked goods. Grab a bag of beans to take home, they’re roasted just down the road in Rancho Mirage at Koffi’s roasting room. All locations are open until 5:30pm.

Ernest Coffee
1101 N Palm Canyon Drive
This great little shop on the edge of Uptown pulls shots of single-origin and blended roasts from Stumptown seven days a week. Macchiato, cortado, flat white… yes, yes, and yes. This is a place for serious coffee lovers. Plus fresh baked goods and quiche. Although shelves of books now line the walls of the cozy interior, the space once housed Don the Beachcomber’s original tiki restaurant. Tiki torches still stand tall above the front door, and they’ve got some fun merch.

Cartel Roasting
1551 N Palm Canyon Drive
Another spot for connoisseurs who appreciate thoughtfully sourced single-origin beans and artisanal blends. Both are done well inside this specialty shop located inside Uptown’s Arrive hotel, Cartel’s only location outside Arizona. For a rich cuppa, ask for their daily Black Market Blend Forty-Eight drip or a cold brew. If you like to nerd out on coffee, you’ll be happy here.

Café La Jefa
750 N Palm Canyon Drive
Located inside the newly renovated Flannery Exchange, La Jefa is loved as much for its espresso drinks as it is for its beautifully-designed patio. Serving Oregon-roasted Sisters Coffee, this is a lovely spot to recharge, admire the views, and snap a few pics. If you’re hungry, you’ll find a selection of baked goods as well as Latin-influenced omelets and breakfast sandwiches. Open until 8pm on weekends.

Gré Records & Coffee
278 N Palm Canyon Drive
Vinyl, art, and coffee junkies unite at this funky hangout located down an alleyway in the heart of downtown. Coffee is not the main focus, but they take it seriously.

Ristretto
500 S Palm Canyon Drive
You’ll find organic espresso drinks and a solid iced coffee at this easy-going cafe inside the iconic 500 Building. A good spot to get a little remote work done in the morning. Parking available.

4 Paws Coffee
2500 N Palm Canyon Drive
If your energy flags while shopping for mid-century treasures around Racquetclub Center, this locally-owned, dog-friendly café makes a good iced coffee.

Play Cafe & Lounge
2825 E Tahquitz Canyon Way
This off-the-beaten path local hangout serves up a great cup of coffee and a fun atmosphere, complete with shelves of different board games to play and themed midweek game nights. The coffee beans are top-notch, direct from Sleepy Monk roasters in Cannon Beach, Oregon. The homemade biscuits here also get rave reviews.

Joshua Tree Coffee Company
Although Joshua Tree’s retail shop and roastery is located in (you guessed it) Joshua Tree, their organic, small-batch coffee beans are exceedingly popular around the valley and served at some of the best restaurants in town. Inspired by the rejuvenating power of the desert landscape, Joshua Tree is devoted to developing new and unconventional roasts. Bags of fresh-roasted beans are available at several locations, including Townie Bagels or downtown at On the Mark. Or cool off with a scoop of gelato made with Joshua Tree espresso roast at Granucci’s.

Thanks for reading our coffee lover’s guide to Palm Springs’ best local coffee shops, espresso spots, and coffee roasters. Open days and hours are always subject to change depending on the season, so make sure to check the website links we’ve included for the most current information.