Caffio Espresso Bar is located inside the lush, beautiful garden at Pueblo Life plant shop in Downtown Phoenix. But much like the ever-evolving flora and unique coffee concoctions on its menu, Caffio does not remain static. This locally owned coffee shop is operated out of a VespaCar, an Italian commercial vehicle with three wheels.
Owner Anthony Fiorelli wanted to open a business that he was passionate about while honoring his family’s Italian heritage. He came across a photo of a VespaCar in 2015 and immediately knew he wanted to open an espresso bar out of one. In 2016 he found the VespaCar that’s now parked at Pueblo Life on Craigslist two miles from his Central Phoenix home. He says the VespaCar is from 1985, the same year he was born. “If that’s not meant to be I don’t know what is,” he says.
Caffio Espresso Bar has partnered with Pueblo Life since before the plant shop relocated from the Garfield District to Historic Grand Avenue in 2020. Fiorelli says this was a beneficial move for both businesses.
“Coffee and plants complement each other really well and the ambiance of enjoying a coffee on a beautiful patio surrounded by plants is a vibe,” Fiorelli says.
“A vibe” is an understatement. Grabbing a latte or cappuccino while shopping for new plant babies is a dream come true for both coffee and plant lovers. My favorite part was sipping on an iced mocha latte and taking in the beautiful foliage. The way sunlight poured into the garden created a magical golden hue that instantly put me at ease. Feeling the burst of energy from the caffeine and the warmth of the sun made me feel rejuvenated, almost like I went to a spa or a yoga class. If I could summarize my experience in one word it would be: Zen.
Speaking of dreams coming true, Pueblo Life’s owners Michael Lanier and Coby Bruckner’s goal was to bring a vibrant community space to the city. Including a coffee shop in the business model has helped create an inviting space for those who value experience over profit.
The gorgeous greenery and delicious specialty coffee and local business owners who truly love what they do add to the local color and flavor of Phoenix.
“With Caffio, I have been able to do something I truly love in making specialty coffee, and I have met some of my best friends from it. I have yet to have the same day twice and love being able to be a part of the fabric of Phoenix,” Fiorelli says.
Caffio Espresso Bar stays true to Fiorelli’s Italian roots by sticking to classics like Caffe Americanos, cappuccinos and straight-up espresso shots. It also builds on traditional menu items to make its most popular drinks: the Il Caffioso (espresso mixed with Mexican chile, vanilla, cinnamon and milk) and Onyx Delight (espresso mixed with honey, vanilla bean, cinnamon and milk).
Caffio Espresso Bar at Pueblo Life is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday. It can also be found at the Aftermarket 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday and at various other farmers markets in Phoenix. To keep up with locations and hours, follow Caffio Espresso on Instagram. It can also be reserved for weddings and corporate events.
Whether you’re in need of a caffeine fix, some new plants for your collection or just good vibes, Caffio Espresso Bar at Pueblo Life is a little slice of paradise in the middle of Phoenix’s concrete jungle.
1025 Grand Ave., Phoenix, 480-686-2291, instagram.com/caffioespresso
