READERS' POLL RUNNER-UP: Any coffee house that boasts beans from local roaster Wilde Rose is sure to succeed in the Best Beans category. Wilde Rose roasts it dark, by hand, right downtown! While Cuppuccinos Coffee House, 3400 E. Speedway, uses other sources for beans, including the impressive Torrefazione (espresso) and always consistent Arbuckles, it's Tucson's own Rose that places Cuppuccinos' beans among the cream of the crop.

STAFF PICK: Trader Joe's (1101 N. Wilmot Road and 7912 N. Oracle Road) is a boutique supermarket stuffed to the rafters with all kinds of upscale goodies. Their organic whole-bean coffee, sold in 15-ounce cans or straight from the bin, is a case in point: Priced about the same as the insipid drip blends you'll find at Safeway, Trader Joe's blend of Peruvian and Mexican beans makes a tasty, straightforward brew that'll keep you alert and blissful.

1998 Winner: Starbucks Coffee 1997 Winner: Coffee, Etc. 1995 Winner: Wilde Rose Coffee Company

Copyright © 1995-98 Tucson Weekly