About Fair Trade Cafe

“Coffee with a conscience” is the motto at Fair Trade Cafe. And no, that isn’t referring to anthropomorphized cups of java with the capacity to feel guilt over downloading illegal torrents of Hollywood movies. It means that every caffeinated beverage the cafes serve, be it joe or tea, proudly carries the labels of “certified fair trade” and “organic”. Those aren’t empty buzz words, either—they reference the natural, eco-friendly growing methods of the coffee beans and tea leaves, as well as the fair living wages of the workers who cultivate them. Furthermore, all the cups, napkins, and lids those hot drinks come with derive from recycled, Mother-Nature-approved materials.

But beyond just serving fairly traded, ecologically sustainable, and locally roasted coffee drinks, the two hip cafes—both located downtown near Phoenix’s arts district—exude a warm, communal vibe. They both welcome guests to come and chat with one another over a cone of hand-crafted ice cream, collectively pour over the latest works hanging in the onsite art galleries, or simply enjoy a house-made pastry together on the outdoor patios. Taking that communal concept even further, the cafes regularly invite local poets to give readings, as well as offer area chefs the opportunity to rent kitchen space to experiment with new dishes and serve organic, vegetarian food to the public.