Guide To Local Palm Springs Coffee Shops

There’s no shortage of places to eat and drink in Palm Springs, especially when it comes to coffee. Almost every main thoroughfare has an independent shop or two with top-quality beans and brews and plenty of local flavor and flair. We can’t think of a better way start your day than to enjoy a relaxing beverage in an independent Palm Springs coffee shop.

Café La Jefa

750 N. Palm Canyon

One of the newest arrivals in the desert coffee scene has become one of the most Instagram-able spots in uptown Palm Springs. Located in the recently renovated Flannery Exchange, Café Le Jefa is a Latina-owned business that serves up delectable handcrafted drinks and pastries.

The menu features both traditional and modern fare – you can sip on a classic Americano or hearty Cafe 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 their matcha and chair are also some of 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.

More than just coffee: Don’t want to take your cup to go? The Flannery Exchange from Erika and Michael Flannery that houses Café La Jefa is a mixed-use place also sports a co-working space for those looking for a place to set up shop for longer stretches of time.

Cartel Coffee Lab

1551 N. Palm Canyon

Visitors at the Arrive Hotel will be quite familiar with Cartel Coffee Lab – and visitors from Arizona might be, too. Cartel Roasting Co. is longstanding Arizona-based coffee company with multiple locations through the Phoenix metroplex, plus locations at Arrive hotels. You’ll know them by their sleek design and bold and vibrant beans.

In Palm Springs, Cartel offers espressos, drip coffee, tea and pastries in a petite yet airy atmosphere. It’s a great choice for coffee purists who are seeking a no-frills approach to great coffee, or for visitors who are fueling up. And their line of to-go mugs, merch and bags of house beans to bring home make for a stellar souvenir.

Ernest Coffee

1101 N. Palm Canyon

Ernest Coffee has become a beloved Palm Springs coffee spot for locals and visitors alike since — 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 scrumptious baked goods and a delightful south-facing patio that’s a prime choice for sitting and sipping.

Ernest is named for 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!

 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 of Palm Canyon Drive, it’s a special hideaway that fosters a real 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.

A music lover’s destination: Be sure to check out their website or social media if you want to drop by for any special events like open mics or trivia, or in-house performances.

 Koffi 

With three Palm Springs coffee shop locations to choose from, Koffi is one of the most accessible indy coffee brands you’ll find on your trip — and it’s one of the go-tos for desert locals. The menu offers signature coffee staples like Americanos and cold brew, as well as flavored frozen drinks. Their beans are used throughout the valley in many hotels and restaurants. With blends named for locales like Wilma and Frieda’s, you can even find those signature blends for sale to take home with you or enroll to have them sent to you through their subscription options.

Co-founded by John Abner and John Strohm, the original Koffi storefront is in the The Corridor at 515 N Palm Canyon. After it gained prominence a few years after opening, they doubled in size with the addition of a bakery kitchen.  It now supplies all Koffi locations with freshly baked muffins, scones, cinnamon rolls, grilled breakfast sandwiches and salads.

A newer and glass-walled shop is across from The Ace Hotel at 1700 South Camino Real, just next to PS Underground.

The 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. It offers a spacious outdoor patio with mountain views.

Ristretto

500 S. Palm Canyon

Ristretto is is located in The Five Hundred Building. It was formerly known as the Alan Ladd Building for 1968 – 2011, designed by local architect Hugh Kaptur. Alan Ladd was an actor best known for his westerns in the 1940s and 1950s.  He was considered the second most popular male film star in the world in 1951 after Gregory Peck.

Ristretto features an extensive selection of espressos, ice blended coffees, tea, Italian sodas and smoothies. The menu includes assorted fresh baked items, bagels, yogurt, oatmeal, salads, sandwiches and much more. Free Wi-Fi is available, along with comfortable seating in the indoor or outdoor lounges.

Bluebird Coffee

395 N. Palm Canyon

Bluebird Coffee features a cute walk-up counter window both inside and outside the Lighthouse Dispensary.  You’ll spot them by the quirky chalk sandwich boards and the spacious front patio. They’re a reliable spot to grab a cup of Joshua Tree Coffee Company java to spice up your morning (or evening) stroll down Palm Canyon Drive.

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 Racquetclub Center and often overlooked by visitors. Their purpose is to be able to offer great coffee and food and also give back to the local animal shelters.