I loved coming to the Fair Trade Cafe when I lived and worked downtown.
Their coffee is delicious, the pastries are divine and their sandwiches were my go to for a quick lunch or light dinner. My favorite was their grilled cheese panini with carrots. First off, they give you carrot sticks, not horrible baby carrots. Second the bread was a yummy focaccia style bread that held up well under the panini press. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. And if you didn't want coffee to drink there were always two kinds of ice tea to choose from. Why did I move to Tempe again? Oh right, boyfriend. :)
If they have peanut butter chocolate chip cookies when you visit you must try them! They're so good! They hit the sweet spot between crispy and moist with just the perfect amount of peanut butter and enough chocolate not to be overwhelmed by each. And they're small enough that you can eat one for a little something sweet or have two and not feel like you completely gave up on your diet.
I loved the mix of clientele that would frequent the Fair Trade Cafe. Downtown Phoenix is such a melting pot of different lifestyles. Having a conversation with the table next to you was always an adventure because you could meet anyone from CEOs to college students.
When the weather is nice, you should try to sit out back in the little courtyard if you can find a seat.