Category Archives: Mesa, AZ

Today’s Cup o’ Tea: Caffeine Cauldron, Mesa, AZ

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Caffeine Cauldron is a little pop culture shop brewing up delicious witchy/booky/nerdy-named drinks in Mesa, Arizona’s Superstition Springs Mall food court. You’ll find it tucked into a corner near the carousel.

Perks (what I really like!)
With the tagline, “A Cafe For Fans of Fantasy, Whimsy, and All Things Magical,” its theme has a wiccan flair. but also includes fun Pokemon art, books, and other pop-culture references. I love the fun names on their wide range of “magical elixers.” Try a Mando Macchiato, a Espresso Patronum, or a Gandalf the White. Explore the full menu.

I found that the baristas are well-versed in all the types of drinks they serve and the long list of modifiers to make your coffee, loose tea brew, energy drink, or soda all your own.

Share a Cuppa (the stories about the owner, building, history, name)
This East Valley location in the Superstition Springs Mall is the only Caffeine Cauldron in the Phoenix area. The original locations started in Tucson, AZ, where there are two mall locations.

What’s Brewing (coffee, tea, food)
The cozy shop offers standard coffee fare along with loose teas, energy drinks, and dirty sodas with a wide variety of “modifiers,” syrups, and milks. A sweet little pastry case presents a delectable selection of local baked goods.
A favorite draw is the morning “Brew and Bite Bundle:” a choice of a pastry, breakfast sandwich, or bagel plus a 16-oz latte or brewed tea for $9.

Percolation Factor (the activity/environment/energy/service)
From the website:
“At Caffeine Cauldron, we are on a mission to create a unique and welcoming destination for the community, a haven where the love for Pop Culture, Books, Poetry, and Games converge over the perfect cup of coffee. 
We genuinely care about providing a safe and comfortable space for everyone to indulge in their passions, whether it’s delving into a thrilling novel, engaging in epic tabletop battles, or simply savoring a delightful specialty drink crafted with love. Our dedicated and nerd-centric staff will ensure that every visitor feels right at home, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie.”

The Grind (what I would change)
If only there could be more seating within the white picket fence that defines their space in the mall. Of course, the general food court seating is just a few steps away but the shop’s ambience is lost there.

The Grounds (location)
Superstition Springs Mall food court, level 2
6555 E Southern Ave
Mesa, AZ 85206
480.832.0212 or 520.833.3268

Tea Times (hours)
Mon–Sat 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sun 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Yelp rating: _NA_stars from _NA_ reviews

Coffee CommuniTea: Vinyl Rush Cafe – Downtown Mesa, AZ

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Today’s Cup o’ Tea
Organic Bean Café
[formerly Vinyl Rush Café]
Downtown Mesa, AZ

Park right on the street in front and enter here... ©2013 ANVidean

Park right on the street in front and enter here…
©2013 ANVidean

Perks (what I really like!)

...walk down the courtyard alley...©2013 ANVidean

…walk down the courtyard alley, where you may want to sit later…        ©2013 ANVidean

  • Courtyard seating. A cute, narrow courtyard between the rows of small businesses in the building.
  • Intimate setting. “Side A:” the coffee bar where you order your goodies, and “Side B:” a room across the courtyard where you can sit, chat and listen to music away from the sounds of blenders and counter chatter.
  • Album clocks. The owners decorated with lots of charming music paraphernalia, including a large collection of vinyl record album covers—33s and 45s—which they’ve turned into clocks.

    ...purchase delectables on Side "A" and enjoy them here in the comfort of "Side B." ©2013 ANVidean

    …purchase delectables on Side “A” and enjoy them here in the comfort of “Side B.”
    ©2013 ANVidean

Share a cuppa (the stories about the owner, building, history, name)
Missy, one of the owners, is both a coffee and music lover. She and her coffee partner bring you 38 years in the restaurant, hotel, and retail industry. At Vinyl Rush, they roast their own coffee beans, favoring full-bodied, medium-dark to dark roast styles. Just be ready for it!

What’s Brewing (coffee, tea, food)

  • Fresh roasted coffee
  • Espresso drinks
  • Smoothies
  • Hot teas (a nice selection)
  • Pastries and bagels

The Grind (what I would change)
Not a thing. Just be prepared to enjoy your goodies in a close, intimate setting.

Percolation Factor (the activity/environment/energy/service)
If you want your own album clock, they’ll make one for you. Each is custom designed with the time movement and hands placed creatively to compliment the cover image. http://vinylrushcafe.com/clocks/

The Grounds (location)
Downtown Mesa, AZ
40 N. Macdonald Street
Mesa, AZ 85201
480.615.4333

Tea Times (hours)
Monday – Friday 6:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Saturday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Yelp rating:
4 stars (62 reviews)

Who recognizes the symbol under their “Vinyl Rush Cafe” signs?

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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 it seemed natural to create this blog. Whether you came here to find a new favorite hangout, or suggest a spot not yet not posted, may you find Coffee CommuniTea exactly to your taste!