One of the highlights of my week was swinging by Royal at the Market in downtown phoenix's public market for a fantastic cup of coffee. When I moved offices to the Biltmore area, I was thrilled to hear that Royal was opening a location downstairs from the Red Door Spa.
The drip coffee here is perfect. Royal's beans are roasted to perfection in small batches. Then, the beans for each cup of coffee are ground seconds before the cup is made (they aren't pre-brewed and left to get stale in a big thermos).
The baristas here are friendly, knowledgeable and actually know how pull a shot of espresso. I don't often get espresso based drinks, but when I do, they are excellent.
The Biltmore has long lacked a decent coffee place. Now, with prices lower than Starbucks (on every single drink), and quality FAR exceeding that of Starbucks, the Royal has filled an important niche. Don't get it to go. Sit down and enjoy a cuppa.