BUILDING: The coffee shop is located in a newly-designed space with charming pink decor and an abundance of plants. It's a convenient location, especially for ASU students, although parking is limited and only a few free street parking spot. However, the coffee shop is easily accessible from the nearby railroad stop. The two doors may be a bit inconspicuous, but I have included a picture to help with locating the establishment. It is situated across from the restaurant Cusina Chiwas.
PRICE: The prices at this establishment are relatively higher, possibly due to its prime location. During my visit, I ordered a small Garden latte and a bacon/egg burrito for a total of $16. However, the menu listed the latte for $6, which makes me think the burrito was $8 may have been an additional charge for the burrito. I left a tip in cash.
FLAVOR: The bacon/egg breakfast burrito was decent in size, but I felt it was not entirely worth $8. On the positive side, the accompanying red salsa was quite delightful. The chamomile rose latte was enjoyable, but I couldn't help but notice that the rose flavor was not very pronounced. I was hoping for a more prominent floral taste.
SERVICE: I found the cashier with tattoos to be friendly and helpful. Additionally, there was another barista preparing drinks, while two others were seated at the end of the register. Unfortunately, there were no clean tables available upon our arrival.
AMBIANCE: The coffee shop offers a good number of tables and bar chairs, as well as outdoor seating. Service dogs are welcome, and the atmosphere is relaxed with a steady flow of patrons coming and going. Inside the coffee shop, it tends to be...
Read moreAruma Cafe, located in the car-free community of Culdesac Tempe off Apache Boulevard, has recently opened its doors and is currently in its soft opening week. Situated directly nextdoor to Cocina Chiwas on Apache Blvd, this charming new coffee shop offers a warm and inviting atmosphere. The open space is adorned with soft pink tiles and chairs, complemented by long natural wood tables, creating a cozy yet modern ambiance.
Aruma Cafe has an impressive menu featuring a variety of specialty coffee and espresso drinks, as well as an assortment of teas. Additionally, they offer refreshing aguas frescas and delicious horchata, providing a delightful selection for every palate. I tried the Cajeta Latte (a rich caramel) and it was delicious, on the sweeter side but very good. Whether you're a coffee aficionado or just looking for a relaxing spot to unwind, Aruma Cafe is the perfect new addition to the neighborhood- plus the entire...
Read moreAruma in Tempe has such a nice aesthetic (definitely Instagram-worthy). We came by on a Saturday morning around 11:30 and was pleasantly surprised that there was plenty of space.
I ordered the pistachio cold brew, but unfortunately, it was really watered down and didn’t stand out. Definitely not what I was expecting for a specialty drink. I also got a bean and cheese burrito, which was delivered in foil and directly to the table, with no plate or napkins. I had to ask for both, which felt like a bit of an oversight.
The service was just OK. We had to ask the bar staff for details about the menu, and while they weren’t rude, they didn’t come off as particularly warm or engaging either. It felt like just average service, and overall, the experience left me unsure if...
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