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| - Giant Coffee is my go-to coffeehouse in midtown Phoenix. I should explain: I live near the Heard Museum and in that part of town, if one wants a good cup of coffee, one has to travel south to Giant (half a mile) or north to Lux (a couple miles). Obviously, since Giant is closer to me, that's why it's my go-to place.
It's close to where I live, is consistently great, and offers good coffee, excellent espresso drinks, and great pastries. Plus, there's ample bicycle parking (essential as I walk, bike, or take public transportation everywhere). If you feel like treating yourself, get the breakfast burrito (but be prepared to wait 15 minutes for it to be heated).
My hesitation with Giant, however, is that it runs a bit on the expensive side. A 16 oz. coffee runs $2.25 and their tea runs at $3.75. (Refills on coffee are $0.50 and you can keep getting new hot water for your tea.) The various pastries and baked goods are between $3 and $4 and a cup of granola with yogurt is $6.
Also, their music runs on the loud side. If you're here to talk to someone or have a meeting (which I often do), be prepared to talk a bit louder. I don't get why coffeehouses have to have such loud music. It's also hard when I try to listen to my own music since my headphones can't play music that loud.
One of my favorite things about Giant, aside from the food and drinks, is that the west-facing windows are actually glass panels that open the restaurant out to the world. It's great when the weather is absolutely divine here. In the mornings during the winter, however, one of the glass panels is open. It might be cold inside so bring a jacket just to be prepared.
Giant is a great place that has a great vibe. It's an asset to the neighborhood. Even though it's on the pricier side of the indie-owned coffeehouses in central Phoenix, it's definitely worth it.
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