Best Coffee Beans '98

Best Coffee Beans

Starbucks Coffee
Four Locations

READERS' PICK: Tucson trails the West in its absorption of the Starbucks phenomenon--probably because of the awesome roasters and fab cafés we've always had. But the Seattle franchise is indisputably the Mickey D's of go-juice: Sooner or later, you gotta have one. You can find their impeccable brew at any Barnes & Noble, or try one of the classic Starbucks storefronts that've lately set up shop in central Tucson. Either way, the ubiquitous bean barons are there when you want them, a welcome addition to the caffeine scene.

READERS' POLL RUNNER-UP: Coffee, Etc., 2380 N. Campbell Ave.; 6091 N. Oracle Road

CLUE IN: Like your French Roast a little darker? Prefer your Ethiopian Yergacheffe a little lighter? No problem. As far as we know, Planet Coffee, 736 E. Ft. Lowell Road, is the only place in town that will roast your beans to your specifications on small orders. Purchase as little as a pound and they'll custom roast your beans.

1997 Winner: Coffee, Etc.
1996 Winner: Coffee, Etc.
1995 Winner: Wilde Rose Coffee Company