I'm new in town and don't know many people, but one of the few peeps that I do know, informed we would be going to coffee today AND it would be at Cartel Coffee Lab.
...You could say I didn't have a choice...but then again I didn't object either :-)
I have stumbled into a few local coffee shops in Scottsdale and also a few chains (no shame people) Cartel definitely gives it's competitors a run for their money.
When we walked in, the smell exactly what you'd hope if you love the smell of coffee. It smelt like ~Heaven~ and by heaven I mean roasted coffee beans. People were chatting, working or simply enjoying their beverage of choice (there's even beer and wine on tap!)--it was a very welcoming and relaxing vibe.
Ok so what did I order? My girlfriend said they make a great chai so I took her word for it but took it a step further...I ordered me a *dirty*chai (chai with a shot of espresso). and It was Perfect. If you love chai you know how important it is for it to not be too sweet and this had the perfect combo of spice, hint of espresso and creaminess!
It's sad to admit how much I loved Cartel Coffee Lab's brew and have to accept that it's out of the way to get on a regular basis but when I'm in the neighborhood I will definitely be stopping in to get my fix!
*cheers*