Editor's note: This story was originally published on Aug. 31, 2021. We updated the story in 2023.
You donβt need me to tell you that itβs back-to-school season.Β
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.Β
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:Β 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:Β 3401 E. Speedway,Β near Country Club Road.
Hours:Β 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
Location: 6481 N. Camino Principal,Β near Tanque Verde Road.
Hours:Β 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
Find more information here.
Crave Coffee Bar
Location:Β 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 CompanyΒ
Location:Β 4004 N. Stone Ave., near Roger Road.
Hours:Β 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Saturday | 7 a.m. to noon Sunday.
Find more informationΒ here.
Roadrunner Kiosk
Location:Β 1545 W. Wetmore Road, near Flowing Wells Road.
Hours:Β 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.