Sparkroot, Tucson

Floor-to-ceiling windows adorn the front wall of Sparkroot, showering light onto a small tree that sits at the center of a circular wooden table. This café space, lined with the work of local and international artists, aims to spark creativity with paintings, varied seating options, and a lofted area that takes advantage of the towering ceiling. Within these confines, tunes blast from a classic jukebox, harmonizing with the chatter of conversations and fingers typing on laptops.

Of course, customers don't watusi into Sparkroot just for the atmosphere, so the staff works to create a menu as innovative as the decor. Behind the counter, baristas brew espressos and lattes using Blue Bottle coffee, a small roaster that uses organic and pesticide-free, shade-grown beans. The drinks, which also include craft beers and wines, are complemented by housemade vegetarian meals, including pressed ciabatta sandwiches and crunchy granola.