Today’s Cup o’ Tea
The Buzzed Goat Coffee
The Buzzed Goat graces a little strip mall at Ray Road/E. Ranch Circle Drive in Awatukee.
Perks (what I really like!)
- Super-friendly baristas.
- The neighborhood feel to the place.
- Their “food” truck which brings delicious drinks to the masses.
The goatherd masterminds! Tony and Gabe
Share a Cuppa (the stories about the owner, building, history, name)
Owner Gabe started serving coffee in a food truck with his friend Tony. They didn’t give up on the mobile aspect of the Goat, but soon realized they wanted a place for people to hang around and be neighborly. What they developed is a comfortable, unique, welcoming place to chat, play, and enjoy a coffee or tea. I love the black and white checkered table tiles, and the green leafy wall, don’t you?
Drew and I graduated the same year from Coeur d’Alene High in Idaho and, years later, recognized each other at a book store in Chandler. Since he teaches English and film studies, we obviously still have a lot in common.
Besides the place being recommended by a long-time friend of mine, who’s a regular, one of the main attractions to me was the name. Really, why…? Well, Gabe directed me to the Web site for this description:
“Why The Buzzed Goat?
Coffee’s origination story, roughly translated, dating back as far as 900 AD. Goat herders noticed when their goats ate a certain shrub they would dance with energy and walk with a pep in their step; they were buzzed! The curious herders tried many attempts to make this magical plant palatable but were unsuccessful. They eventually went to the nearby monks who learned to steep the beans, and coffee was born.
Our story, much like their discovery, stems from curiosity and a quest for something special. The Buzzed Goat is a high energy coffee bar dedicated to bringing quality drinks and conversation together.”
What’s Brewing (coffee, tea, food)
They offer a light, yet delicious, offering of classic and cold brew coffees, plus some blended drinks. How about a mint-chip white tea frappe, anyone?
I spied a few baked goods on the counter and in a cooler to tempt your tastebuds, as well.
Percolation Factor (the activity/environment/energy/service)
The entire back room is a play room with oversized and active games like Jenga, Connect Four, and cornhole. Its walls showcase local artwork. Gabe says they have plans to redo the room as a speakeasy, so we’ll wait to see what transpires…
The Grind (what I would change)
Not much at all. I love the feeling of the place, mostly because of the owners and baristas.
The Grounds (location)
4302 E. Ray Road, #106
Phoenix, AZ 85044
(480) 706-7411
Tea Times (hours)
M–F: 6am – 5pm
Sa–Su: 7am – 5pm
Yelp rating:
4.5 stars from 53 reviews
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I love connecting people and ideas, so I’ve been creating small villages my entire life. Really, what better places can writers and musicians find to create “village” than independent coffee/tea shops? I wrote most of my Rhythms & Muse novel and Delfaerune Rhapsody series-in-progress in coffee/tea venues, so I found it natural to create this blog. Whether you came here to find a new favorite hangout, or suggest a spot not yet posted, may you find Coffee CommuniTea exactly to your taste!
