The baristas are tested and trained to the highest degree. I love going into shops and having nerdy coffee conversations about origins, brew methods, etc. and I got just that here.
A big criticism of the Third Wave coffee movement is that it is all about educating the consumer. Education is cool and important, but you have to treat customers like humans first and foremost and I definitely got that here!
When I moved to Phoenix a couple months ago, Cartel was one of my favorites. It's been a few trips since I have had a great cup though, progressively becoming an average shop.