Royal Coffee Bar in Downtown Phoenix

Coffee

October 15, 2006

Downtown Phoenix has a new gem of a coffee shop, and that’s the Royal Coffee Bar on Jackson St. It’s an interesting neighborhood for a coffee shop, since it is surrounded by parking garages on one side, a giant post office on the other, and Chase Field within walking distance.

In my brief visit last week to Royal Coffee Bar (RCB for short), I was impressed with the way they had decorated the small space. Black leather couches and treated cement floors set off the fresh flowers and artwork (some photos of New Orleans were the centerpiece).

The owners have an interesting story and have little background in the coffee industry. In fact, Royal Coffee Bar began over a dinner pondering the next business idea. One is an architect by day, and all of the buildout was performed by hand.

The space for RCB is perfect. It’s small and cozy, and has an upstairs loft which is being used for music. While I was there a DJ was setting up his gear in hopes that a crowd would wander south from Roosevelt and into the coffee shop (it was the first Friday of the month).

I’m optimistic about the future for Royal Coffee Bar. They have one of the most upscale interiors I have seen, and if they can prove that quality coffee is their passion, things look bright.

My doppio macchiato.

Gwen and — (can’t remember name) stand behind the counter. One concern is that the coffee is stored in the pink containers, and that’s probably not a great idea long-term.