Ok, so 2nd time I've visited Cartel Coffee Lab. First time around at Scottsdale location was a good experience, and happened to be in this neighborhood needing an afternoon cup o' joe so thus my stop at this locale. The place was bustling with what seemed to be happy customers which included locals, ASU students and business peeps.
Staff couldn't have been more friendly or helpful. I made a selection from the current brews and went with JauJa. I was happy with my choice but for some reason it did have a slightly burnt aftertaste. Possibly beans roasted too long? I will probably give them another try but if that's how they roast their beans all the time this may not be my first go to coffee shop. I do like that they have a "secret" taproom in the back where they brew several beers. Will have to come back to try that out also. It was busy as well though it was barely afternoon.