- Attraction: Macy’s European Coffeehouse & Bakery
- Location: 14 S Beaver St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
- Industry: Coffeehouse, Bakery, Restaurant
- Website: https://macyscoffee.net/
Long before craft coffee became trendy, Tim Macy opened Arizona’s first coffee roastery in downtown Flagstaff back in 1980 – four years before Starbucks even started serving espresso drinks.
For over four decades, this beloved vegetarian coffeehouse and bakery has remained a microcosm of what the world could be: a welcoming space where students, professionals, tourists, skiers, and adventurers gather over exceptional coffee and homemade comfort food.
Pioneer Coffee Culture & House Roasts
Historic Coffee Innovation: When Macy’s opened in 1980, espresso was virtually unheard of in America. Automatic drip coffee makers had only hit the market eight years earlier, making Macy’s groundbreaking espresso service truly revolutionary for its time.
In-House Roasting Excellence: Julia McCullough has been roasting beans at Macy’s for 30 years, perfecting the craft that makes their coffee exclusively available only at the coffeehouse. Every cup represents decades of expertise and passion.
Award-Winning Recognition: Local residents have consistently voted Macy’s “Best Coffeehouse,” “Best Coffee Roaster,” and “Best Vegetarian Restaurant” in the Arizona Daily Sun’s Best of Flag contest year after year.
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Keep Exploring →Signature Coffee Drinks: The Cafe Viennese delivers rich flavor without excessive sweetness, while their brown sugar latte provides the perfect balance of coffee and comfort. Their extensive coffee menu actually outweighs their food offerings.
The Ultimate Cup Legacy: The iconic Macy’s logo featuring a person soaking in a coffee cup was drawn on a napkin by a job applicant. Tim Macy purchased the sketch, and “the ultimate cup” imagery still decorates merchandise four decades later.
Legendary Vegetarian Comfort Food
Famous Biscuits & Gravy: Their vegetarian gravy has converted countless skeptics who never imagined plant-based gravy could be this delicious. Huge buttermilk biscuits get smothered in rich, savory gravy that proves vegetarian can mean indulgent.
Breakfast Sandwich Perfection: Fluffy steamed eggs served on flaky, buttery croissants with your choice of melted Swiss, cheddar, or provolone cheese. The croissants earn consistent praise as “melt-in-your-mouth good.”
Monster Cinnamon Rolls: These oversized pastries draw people in from across Flagstaff and beyond. The French cinnamon rolls represent European baking traditions adapted for American appetites.
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Discover MoreApple Pie Croissant: This signature pastry combines classic American pie flavors with European pastry techniques, creating a unique treat that showcases the bakery’s creative spirit.
House-Made Granola: A Flagstaff favorite featuring Macy’s blend of nuts, seeds, spices, local honey, and whole grain oats baked to perfection, served with choice of dairy or plant-based milk options.
Inclusive Community Hub
Vegetarian & Vegan Excellence: As one of Flagstaff’s few all-vegetarian restaurants, Macy’s proves that plant-based cuisine can satisfy any appetite. Most items can be made vegan or gluten-free upon request.
Diverse Dietary Options: The menu accommodates various dietary needs with almond, oat, and coconut milk alternatives, gluten-free bread options, and clearly marked vegan choices throughout.
Counterculture Gathering Place: Frommer’s describes Macy’s as “Flagstaff’s counterculture hangout,” attracting both students and professors in an atmosphere that celebrates diversity and acceptance.
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Keep Exploring →Community Events: The coffeehouse hosts children’s poetry readings, college students’ first band gigs, Monday night chess clubs, and monthly Baha’i faith discussions, all welcome to everyone.
Welcoming Philosophy: Tim Macy’s vision remains unchanged: creating a space where “everyone could come in, they were all welcome” – a microcosm of how the world should function.
Other Considerations
Busy Weekend Scene: Expect crowds and lines that sometimes extend into the street, especially on weekends. The popularity reflects both quality and community connection that keeps locals returning for decades.
Limited Hours: Plan accordingly as they maintain shorter hours than typical coffee chains, reflecting their commitment to quality over quantity and work-life balance for staff.
Historic Downtown Location: Situated just off Flagstaff’s main downtown streets, Macy’s provides easy access to the Historic Route 66 district and Northern Arizona University campus.
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Discover MoreTimeless Atmosphere: The intentionally unchanged décor and layout preserve the authentic 1980s coffeehouse vibe that many NAU alumni remember fondly from their student days.
No Expansion Philosophy: Despite numerous offers, Tim Macy believes additional locations would compromise the special spirit that makes the original location irreplaceable.
Staff Longevity: The commitment to treating employees well shows in their longevity, with some staff members like roaster Julia McCullough dedicating decades to perfecting their craft.
Affordable Excellence: Despite the premium quality and historic significance, prices remain reasonable for students and locals who’ve made Macy’s their daily coffee destination.
Macy’s European Coffeehouse & Bakery
📍 14 S Beaver St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
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