Higher Grounds Coffee

This was my favorite coffee shop when first moving to Flagstaff. Unfortunately, I have seen it change drastically over the course of the year. First, they changed their coffee source to a local roaster when they used to use a really high quality organic company. You can really tell a different in the new taste of the drinks. Second, they seem to up their prices every time I come in — what used to be the cheapest shop in town is one of the more pricey. Third, what once used to be a cozy, local cute coffeehouse now is starting to take on the character of a bland, chain with each new (and frequent) remodel they do (took away the book exchange, took down the local art, changed the music, etc.).

Macy’s down the street is good, and it’s a classic. But this place out shines it. It’s never as crowded, the coffee is DANK, and the service is just… So good.

SingleSpeed Coffee Roasters is the best, the baristas here don’t mess around they are talented and know the science behind a great cup of coffee. The atmosphere is truly special and has such great loving vibes. Places like this is why Flagstaff is such a great city!

Had a fabulous coffee with friends. We sat outside but inside was spacious and comfortable looking as well. Great atmosphere, very good and reasonably priced coffee. Will be back today! Staff was friendly, nice and efficient.

Great drinks, but slower sit-​in service. Relaxing and a great place to chill and work

Seating is awkward. Coffees/​teas are overpriced. Has more of a warehouse feel than a place of repose for reading or writing or conversation.

I love this place and come here often — great drinks and a nice working environment, but seriously 4 out of 5 times that I come here it smells like poop. Literally, poop. I would enthusiastically give 5 stars if they could invest in a better fan or vent system in their bathroom.

Just moved to Flagstaff several days ago. Unpacking makes for a stressful non-​productive work day at home. Husband and I loved the vibe. We were able to get some work done while enjoying delicious Americanos. Half way through our visit, we were treated to a live band practicing their tunes next door.
Service was on point. Definitely our go-​to place for work… and coffee of course.

I stopped in because this place had the best reviews in the area and when I’m out of town I always am searching for local coffee shops. I will say that the environment is the reason I didn’t give this place 5 stars. It had no music in the background, it was kinda dirty, and it looked like they were getting ready to close early or something. My coffee was good however and the baristas were very genuinely pleasant and helpful. I got a latte with English Toffee and Maple. It was a great balance of coffee flavor and the flavoring I added to it which is tell tale of a solid coffee joint because sometimes flavored lattes can end up like indistinguishable sugary messes. I would definitely recommend it if you’re just stopping in to grab a drink and go, but if you’re looking for a cute spot to study or go on a date I would keep looking.

The service is quick and the mocha is to die for! It has a wonderful casual atmosphere good for talking, studying, and playing games.
The espresso and pour over is also italian approved.

Went in ¹²⁄₁₁ Waited over 5 min and was never served. The girls were just standing in the back talking. Don’t waste your time with this place there are plenty of other and I am sure better this place!

Higher Grounds is a great place near Downtown Flagstaff to enjoy a great cup of coffee with a friend or focus on homework for a few hours.
Great prices, wonderful staff, and awesome atmosphere.

This place is awesome because they love dogs and allow them inside. There are lots of coffee shops in town but they are the only spot that allows our furry kid hang out.
The prices are very reasonable and if you bring your own mug it’s a .50 discount.
Get the spicy chai! It’s delicious and made with cayenne pepper.
Bookshelf of books to read and games to play like apples to apples.
The staff is nice and very fast.
Two couch areas with comfy chairs. Counter style seating along the wall and tables scattered throughout.
Wifi is really good which is always a plus.

Friendly staff, tasty tea, great atmosphere. One of my favorite places in town to study.

I first walked into Higher Grounds to meet a friend. I have been returning almost everyday for a two years. The baked goods are amazing (especially the brownies). The coffee? Unless you are at Cartel in Phoenix, fat chance you’ll find anything better. Plus, it’s all fair trade for us guilty liberals. But the best part? The baristas. I never hung around coffee shops because I felt like I was among caffeinated drones who only knew coffee as the by product of a sinister espresso machine, which was more likely to spew tar than coffee richness. Higher Grounds is different. Has always been different. And will always be different. Everyone who works here is an actual person who value each customer as somebody worthy of respect, kindness, and amazing drinks. Every time I walk in, they greet me by name, ask me about school, and are genuinely interested. A few days ago, I was once assaulted outside the coffee shop (a guy called me a f*g and came after me), they provided me a safe space when I needed it most. In short, if you want good coffee, visit here, and if you want good coffee with amazing, caring people who reinvigorate your faith in humanity on a literally daily basis, go here. Now. Oh, and they allow dogs too. :-)

My favorite coffee place! The prices are cheap and the coffee is great! It is all non-​profit so it is for a good cause. Also a great place to study!
I would recommend any of their Chai, it’s the best I’ve had! Friendly staff as well.

Coffee, no frills. Non-​profit coffee shop that gives its proceeds to charities. The coffee never disappoints, either, and a barista is always at the desk to greet you. In not used to the friendliness, so it’s a welcome surprise. Every time I visit Flagstaff, this is my go-​to shop.

I came in with my parents and their friends. Their version of coffee is just coffee, not espressos or macchiatos or anything fancy. So, when their drinks came out and they only got a shot of espresso, they were shocked.
Well, Sarah and Sophia (sorry if I spelled your names wrong!) were so helpful and offered to fill the cup with extra hot water or steamed milk to make their espressos more like they had anticipated. Most places would just tell you that you got what you asked for, but not here! Thanks so much guys! Super appreciated :)
I had the Chai latte and it was great! A little too sweet for me, but if you have a sweet tooth, defintiely go for it.

You can go to Macy’s or Firecreek and pay more for the hipster-​ness, or you can come here and pay less for the same coffee. The workers are cool and it’s a good place to hang out.

Cool non profit coffee shop; always a good thing. Great atmosphere & they have pour overs!!!

Quiet little place in the cuts between SanFrancisco and Beaver Street
We walked by and I was hoping they had a smoothie and they did. The people were relaxed and super friendly. Our pastries were warned and delicious!
I’ll come back to do homework soon!

Nicest people ever! Instead of throwing out a clean batch of coffee for the night, they gave it to us. Real good people. Great coffee, too!

Great place if you don’t care for the quality of your coffee + drinks.
Super cool environment, but the baristas don’t know the first thing about coffee and fail to make a good cup of anything

It’s a very nice and cozy place. A lot of wood panelling and wooden beams everywhere. It’s very much what I would expect to see in a quiet little mountain town like Flagstaff. The shop is quiet and does not have as many people in it making this an ideal place to study early in the morning. Much quieter than Macy’s which is just down the street and of which I dislike because it’s almost always overcrowded. My only wish is that it were to open earlier.
The service was top notch. I got a dirty chai which was phenomenal. Just the right amount of espresso!

Atmosphere wise, there isnt much there. It looks like they rented an empty building and threw some chairs and couches around. I appreciate a coffee house with a nice design. Something that reminds me of home. Or something very modern. Or anything really. But this looks like something i could set up in my garage.
Music here is «great». Its live music, but i think its played from the business next door. And all im getting on this side is distorted acoustics. Bring your earbuds.
Wifi was down for the day. Unfortunately this is my biggest tick. If its down, put up a note saying so. Or tell me before i order. Im not from the area, and i go to coffeeshops to get work done. Impossible without wifi. Now i have invested my money into a cup of coffee to sit here and people watch. I cant even eavesdrop because of the loud music!
The coffee itself is fine. Its not great, its not bad. I probably wouldve overlooked everything and not bothered with a review if i could keep myself busy with say… work.

This place is awesome. It has a very homey, comfortable, warm atmosphere. The staff are always friendly and helpful. The coffee is really great. If you’re a fan of dirty chai lattes, I highly recommend theirs (with two shots!). It’s the best dirty chai in town, and thankfully their drinks aren’t super sweet.
It also has some nice seating areas, and I’ve sat for a few hours working there before on my computer or on some art project quite comfortably.
The music is usually pretty alright, but if I hear one more Neil Young song while I’m there I’ll scream. It’s like all Neil Young, all the time. My my, hey hey, get some other tunes.

If you are a fan of chai run here, order chai, and email me thanks. Its ridiculously tasty. Also, for you coffee fans my hubbs said it was one of the best caramel macchiatos (excuse spelling its its wrong) hes ever had.
Note, they donate all their proceeds to charity which means they are even more amazing that my review. By enjoying the coffee here you get to not only tantalize your taste buds, but also help someone in need while doing it.

The guy was very friendly and the place is cute but blended drinks are typically sweet and this one was definitely not sweet.
Fine but not great.
Move on
2013 #23 /​365