Palm Springs has no shortage of ways to enjoy a caffeine fix in style. Along every palm-lined avenue, you’ll find locally owned cafés pouring top-quality brews with plenty of desert flair. These independent coffee spots aren’t just places to grab a cup; they’re gathering spaces infused with art, design, and the city’s signature laid-back energy. Start your day right with a perfectly crafted espresso, a flaky pastry, and a dose of Palm Springs sunshine at one of these standout coffee destinations.
Enjoy Our Top Independent Coffee Shops
Coffeeism Co.
110 E Tahquitz Canyon Way
Discover one of the best coffee shops in Palm Springs at Coffeeism Co., a family-owned café in the heart of downtown. Blending Scandinavian-minimalist design with a focus on craft coffee, this café offers a serene, intentional space where locals and visitors alike can savor high-quality beverages, fresh pastries, and thoughtfully curated treats.
Our Coffee & Menu Highlights
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Craft Coffee & Espresso - Featuring Intelligentsia espresso, rotating single-origin drip coffees, and seasonal iced creations inspired by the desert. Coffeeism Co. serves only medium and large sizes, emphasizing quality over quantity.
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Pastries & Sweets - Indulge in French macarons, Italian pastries, and other handcrafted treats, perfectly paired with your coffee.
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Cold-Pressed Juices & Refreshments - Freshly prepared cold-pressed juices offer a refreshing alternative to start your day.
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Curated Merchandise - From lifestyle items to branded Coffeeism Co. merchandise, every item reflects the café’s clean, minimalist aesthetic.
Café La Jefa
750 N. Palm Canyon
In the recently renovated Flannery Exchange, Café Le Jefa is a Latina-owned business serving up delectable handcrafted drinks and pastries.
The menu features a mix of traditional and modern fare. You can sip on a classic Americano or hearty Café de Olla cold brew while munching on a concha or fruit-filled scone made by local bakers. Owner Erika Flannery says that the slightly spicy Mexican mocha is also a hit with visitors, and matcha and chai are among their most popular drinks.
Their shop also has a great selection of healthy grab-and-go meals or snacks for the road. But if you plan on staying awhile, Cafe La Jefa is an ideal place to sit and watch the world go by, with stellar views of the mountains from their patio.
Cartel Coffee Lab @ Arrive Palm Springs
1551 N. Palm Canyon
Visitors at the Arrive Palm Springs will be pretty familiar with Cartel Coffee Lab—and visitors from Arizona might be, too. Cartel Roasting Co. is a longstanding Arizona-based coffee company with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix metroplex, including locations at Arrive hotels. You’ll know them by their sleek design and bold, vibrant beans.
Cartel Coffee Lab offers:
- Espressos
- Drip coffees
- Teas
- An assortment of pastries
It's in a petite yet airy atmosphere- an excellent choice for coffee purists seeking a no-frills approach to great coffee or for visitors who are fueling up. Their line of to-go mugs, merch, and bags of house beans to bring home make for stellar souvenirs.
Ernest Coffee
1101 N. Palm Canyon
Ernest Coffee has become a beloved Palm Springs coffee spot for locals and visitors alike, especially for fans of Stumptown coffee, as Ernest says they’re the only coffee shop where you’ll find the Portland roaster. You’ll also find delicious baked goods and a delightful south-facing patio that’s a prime choice for sitting and sipping.
Ernest is named after Ernest Raymond Beaumont Gantt, or “Don the Beachcomber,” who had a tiki-inspired restaurant at the site in the 1950s. That’s why you’ll find the original tiki torches still adorning the property and featured in the logo! Bootlegger Tiki is just around the corner, where you'll find the legacy of Don the Beachcomber.
Credit: Christine Kim
Frisky Business Coffee House & Cat Café
4781 E Palm Canyon Drive, Suite F
Indulge in a tantalizing journey of flavors and feline fun. Frisky Business Cat Café is not just a place; it's an experience that fuses the love of cats with the allure of freshly roasted coffee, matcha delights, soothing teas, delicious baked goods, mouthwatering sandwiches, and much more.
Sip and savor in a one-of-a-kind setting catering to our feline friends and fellow humans. Their unique, relaxed environment allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds. Whether you're a cat enthusiast or simply seeking a tranquil spot to unwind, their Frisky Business café is a fun combination.
Gré Coffeehouse and Art Gallery
278 N Palm Canyon
When you’re seeking culture with your coffee, look no further than Gré Coffeehouse (that's not a typo). Tucked into a courtyard off Palm Canyon Drive, it’s a unique hideaway that fosters a sense of community in Palm Springs.
Gré is part café, part record shop, and part art gallery. Together, it’s a one-of-a-kind spot for music and art lovers who want a hip and inspired vibe with their coffee. They serve Klatch Coffee, a longstanding Southern California roasting company,
Whether you’re planning to browse the stacks, settle in with a book, or take a cup to-go, Gré is a memorable spot for locals and visitors alike – and be sure to look down to inspect the floor tiled with vintage vinyl.
Koffi
With three Palm Springs coffee shop locations to choose from, Koffi is one of the most accessible indie coffee brands you’ll find on your trip — and it’s one of the go-to spots for desert locals. The menu features signature coffee staples, including Americanos, cold brew, and flavored frozen drinks. Their beans are used in many hotels and restaurants throughout the valley.
Koffi Uptown: The original Koffi storefront is in The Corridor at 515 N Palm Canyon.
Outdoor Seating
Koffi South: This newer, glass-walled shop is near The Ace Hotel at 1700 South Camino Real, just next to PS Underground.
Koffi Tahquitz Corridor: This central location occupies a spacious corner with a large patio at Kaptur Plaza (650 E Tahquitz Canyon Way). This is a Class 1 historic property designed by local architect Hugh Kaptur and constructed in the mid-1970s.
Ristretto
500 S. Palm Canyon
Ristretto is located in The Five Hundred Building, formerly known as the Alan Ladd Building from 1968 to 2011, and designed by local architect Hugh Kaptur. Alan Ladd was an actor best known for his westerns in the 1940s and 1950s. In 1951, he was considered the world's second most famous male film star after Gregory Peck.
Ristretto features an extensive menu selection:
- Espressos
- Ice-blended coffees
- Tea
- Italian sodas
- Smoothies and Yogurt
- Assorted fresh-baked items, oatmeal
- Salads & Sandwiches
Free Wi-Fi and comfortable seating in the indoor or outdoor lounges are available.
4 Paws Coffee Co.
2500 N. Palm Canyon
Who doesn't want to enjoy their java with their best friend? 4 Paws Coffee is off the beaten path in the Racquet Club Center and often overlooked by visitors. They aim to offer great coffee and food while giving back to local animal shelters.