Giant Coffee

This little gem of a spot is hidden next to CVS and the Cancer Survivor's Park, east of Central and McDowell. I first heard about Giant Coffee when visiting Matt's Big Breakfast on a Saturday morning. We never go there to eat anymore, but instead, call ahead and take out (a little tip for those of you who crave the food, but aren't into waiting outside in 100 degree weather, or sit in a cramped and hot dining room).
Giant Coffee is also owned by Matt and Erenia Pool (Matt's Big Breakfast, and The Roosevelt). They serve Four Barrel Coffee from San Francisco, and the milk and cream is organic Barista Milk and Half and Half from Straus Family Creamery or California, which is organic, specially formulated milk and cream for coffee.
The decor is modern, yet warm, with long wooden tables and benches down the middle, and high two-seater desk like booths.

Though the view of McDowell and the flowering trees isn't amazing, the sliding glass wall is. I can not WAIT until the weather is cool, the glass is opened, and I can have a latte while relaxing.

I ordered a plain, hot latte, and a bagel with cream cheese. The bagel was plain, but occasionally had large flecks of salt, making it a bit more like a pretzel. It was hot and crispy outside, and chewy inside. The cream cheese was organic and had chunks of peppers and I think carrots in it! They give you plenty of cream cheese, in your own little cup, so you can put as much or as little as you like. I REALLY hate when places skimp on the cream cheese. Just saying.

 The latte was hot, foamy, not too strong, and they even make a little foamy heart in the top. Delicious.

Giant Coffee is great, and I think it's a wonderful addition to downtown. The barista's are helpful and friendly, and the two times we've been there haven't been busy at all. It doesn't feel pretentious, and you don't have to be hip to go in.

The only downside is that they only take cash. I don't know if that's a temporary thing, or this is how it's going to be, but it's worth making an extra stop at the ATM.