8 drive-thru coffee shops and kiosks in Tucson

Editor's note: This story was originally published on Aug. 31, 2021. We updated the story in 2023.

You don’t need me to tell you that it’s back-to-school season. 

University students will soon descend on the Target at El Con Mall, stripping its shelves bare of frozen fruit, gum and shower caddies. Meanwhile, parents of K-12 students are packing lunches and dropping off their kids at school early in the morning. 

Then there are working stiffs like me, who have no kids, no changing responsibilities with the beginning of a new school year. As we stagger to the finish line of summer, we need a pick-me-up to get through life as usual.

For all of the groups above, few establishments offer as simple and direct relief as a drive-thru coffee stand. While Starbucks and Dutch Bros have become ubiquitous, Tucson has a great selection of homegrown favorites, led by the iconic Coffee Times on Speedway.

Brewed Awakening

Location: 2485 N. Silverbell Road, near Grant Road.

Hours: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Saturday | 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.

Find more information here.

Calle Coffee

Location: 6225 W. Ajo Hwy

Hours: Typically 7 a.m. to noon Monday-Friday | Occasionally closed for private events, which are posted on their Instagram.

Find more information here.

Coffee Times

Location: 3401 E. Speedway, near Country Club Road.

Hours: 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday | 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Find more information here.

Coffee X Change

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Location: 6481 N. Camino Principal, near Tanque Verde Road.

Hours: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

Find more information here.

Crave Coffee Bar

Location: 4530 E. Broadway, near Swan Road.

Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

Find more information here.

Hillhouse Coffee

Location: 1060 S. Kolb Road, near 22nd Street.

Hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Find more information here.

Red Captain Coffee Company 

Location: 4004 N. Stone Ave., near Roger Road.

Hours: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Saturday | 7 a.m. to noon Sunday.

Find more information here.

Roadrunner Kiosk

Location: 1545 W. Wetmore Road, near Flowing Wells Road.

Hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday | 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday | 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Find more information here.