When asking yourself about something to do near me in Phoenix with a group of friends or family, consider
The Refuge Coffee, Food and Wine
Why The Refuge Coffee, Food and Wine is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Refuge Coffee, Food and Wine offers a unique blend of specialty coffee, delightful food, and exquisite wines, making it an ideal spot for friends to meet and enjoy quality time together. Located in Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport's Terminal 4 near Gate B8, this establishment welcomes travelers and locals alike with a vibrant, warm atmosphere that encourages relaxation and connection. The menu features expertly crafted coffee beverages, freshly made sandwiches, salads, pizzas, and an impressive selection of wines. Beyond its gourmet offerings, The Refuge Coffee stands out for its strong commitment to social impact: it's a social enterprise that dedicates 100% of its profits to supporting homeless veterans in the local community. This dual mission creates a meaningful experience for patrons who not only enjoy excellent food and drink but also contribute to an important cause through their visit. Friendly and attentive staff enhance the inviting ambiance, offering free coffee samples and exceptional customer service, further elevating the experience. The Refuge Coffee's integration of community support, quality offerings, and a comfortable environment makes it a standout choice for gatherings, casual meetings, or simply a peaceful pause during travel or daily life.
Here's what people think of The Refuge Coffee, Food and Wine
As of recent, The Refuge Coffee, Food and Wine holds a 4.3-star rating based on 217 reviews.
Customers consistently praise The Refuge Coffee, Food and Wine for its welcoming atmosphere and friendly, attentive staff, contributing to an enjoyable and relaxing experience. Positive reviews highlight the superb customer focus, a diverse menu with delicious coffee, sandwiches, tapas-style appetizers, and an excellent wine selection. Visitors appreciate the establishment’s commitment to social causes, particularly its mission to support homeless veterans, which adds a meaningful dimension to their visit. Many reviewers value the opportunity to give back to the community simply by patronizing this locale, noting that the cozy environment is perfect for casual meetings or unwinding. On the other hand, some negative feedback points to its location within an airport terminal, which might affect noise levels or accessibility for some patrons. Occasionally, reviewers mention the limitations on seating or the challenges of finding a quiet spot during busy times. However, these issues do not overshadow the overall positive reception, as most guests find the quality of food, drink, and service well worth their visit. In conclusion, both the warm hospitality and the business’s charitable mission resonate strongly with patrons, cementing The Refuge Coffee, Food and Wine as a cherished community venue with a purpose-driven heart.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Rio Henley
Finally, a great Espresso Martini at Phoenix Sky Harbor! Refuge Coffee, Food, and Wine is such a welcome addition to Sky Harbor. It’s been way too hard to find a decent espresso martini at the airport, so I was genuinely happy to come across a place that actually makes a good one. The light bites were also really solid, if you want something before you board. The vibe overall was on point. They were playing banger after banger, from André 3000 to Maxwell. It made the whole experience feel more like a cool lounge than an airport restaurant. The service was excellent, too. I wish I caught the name of the woman who took my order. She had curly hair and such a warm, friendly personality. We ended up chatting about wine tours in California, and she made the whole visit even better. If you’ve got some time before your flight, definitely stop by.
Philip Obermarck
Terrible tasting coffee, food that was heated to nuclear meltdown and service that was friendly but mediocre. Sorry guys but a soggy hot croissant breakfast sandwich didn’t deserve this treatment. It really was disgusting and inedible.
Randy REO
At the American Airlines gate here in Phoenix for an early morning flight departure, and grabbed an iced coffee at Refuge by the B9 gate. The guy who waited on me had the best personality and customer service I’ve experienced, the iced coffee is delicious and doesn’t feel burnt like other coffee chains do. What a great morning this is to have such friendly customer service. I’m sold on this place and very impressed with reading their website.
Kate Fox
I am gluten free so my options are limited. I asked for a piece of gluten free toast with a side of bacon and avocado and I got charged more then my daughters breakfast sandwich. It was a complete rip off. And I didn't ask for egg or anything but they made me a complete breakfast sandwich and charged me over $18 for basically toast, bacon, and a gross smear of avocado. Do not order avocado here. It's just not worth it, is overpriced, and has no flavor.
Phoebe Chou
Ordered a honey lavender iced coffee, it was watery has no flavor, The worst coffee ever and it cost me $8.80 .....
How to reach The Refuge Coffee, Food and Wine
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Why The Refuge Coffee, Food and Wine may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Refuge Coffee, Food and Wine with your friends?
Gathering at The Refuge Coffee, Food and Wine offers an inviting atmosphere that perfectly balances comfort with culinary delight, making it an exceptional spot for friends and family to reconnect. With its cozy yet vibrant setting, this establishment invites groups to savor thoughtfully prepared food and specialty coffee or unwind with a curated selection of wines. Rated 4.3 from over 200 reviews, it clearly resonates with patrons who appreciate quality and ambiance equally. Whether you’re meeting for a casual coffee catch-up or a celebratory evening featuring gourmet plates and fine wine, The Refuge provides a relaxed and welcoming environment that encourages conversation and conviviality. The accessibility of the location and generous operating hours—open from early morning until late evening—further enhances its appeal as a versatile meetup spot. At The Refuge, the blend of comfort, community, and cuisine makes it easy for friends to rally, share stories, and create lasting memories around great food and drink.
What activities can groups enjoy at The Refuge Coffee, Food and Wine?
The Refuge offers a range of activities suited for groups looking to enjoy time together beyond just dining. For morning meetups, the coffee selection is specialized and robust, featuring freshly roasted beans and expertly brewed drinks that fuel lively conversation. Their diverse menu includes freshly made sandwiches, salads, and more substantial food items that accommodate casual brunches or lunch gatherings. As the day transitions into evening, The Refuge shifts atmosphere, opening up for wine service alongside its food offerings, ideal for groups wanting to savor a tasteful dinner paired with fine wines. On weekends, especially Sunday brunch, the place buzzes with activity and is popular for its extensive menu options, making it a favorite time for group meetups. Furthermore, The Refuge doubles as an event-friendly venue, equipped to host celebrations such as birthdays, rehearsal dinners, and other special occasions, complete with customized menus and attentive service that ensure large gatherings feel personal and special.
Why is The Refuge perfect for a group meetup?
The Refuge excels as a group meetup location due to its combination of spaciousness, ambiance, and service flexibility. Unlike many coffee shops or casual restaurants, it offers a multi-purpose environment where groups can comfortably linger without feeling rushed. Its interior design strikingly balances warmth and modernity, featuring ample seating arrangements that accommodate both intimate groups and larger parties with ease. The staff’s expertise in accommodating dietary needs and tailoring menu options means every guest—from coffee aficionados to wine lovers—finds something enjoyable. With extended hours, including late evenings on weekends, groups have the freedom to choose what best fits their schedule. Additionally, The Refuge embraces a social vibe with its food and wine bar format, encouraging guests to sample and share plates, which naturally fosters interaction. Its reputation for quality, backed by consistent positive reviews, further assures guests of a dependable and satisfying experience, making it an ideal place for both routine get-togethers and significant celebrations.
What type of food and drink can groups expect at The Refuge?
At The Refuge Coffee, Food and Wine, the culinary offerings cater to diverse tastes, perfect for a group with varied preferences. The coffee program is a standout, featuring specialty blends including dark roast, medium roast, espresso, and decaf, all sourced from 100% Arabica beans and freshly roasted to preserve flavor quality. Whether your group prefers a classic drip, an expertly crafted espresso, or a comforting latte, the coffee menu satisfies. Food options range from light, fresh salads and gourmet sandwiches to more hearty plates suited for dinner, providing something for every appetite. When it comes to wine, the selection is thoughtfully curated to pair well with their food menu, providing rich reds, crisp whites, and approachable varieties that encourage shared tasting experiences. Weekend brunches are especially popular, offering elevated yet approachable dishes that complement the coffee and wine pours. This broad and quality-focused menu ensures that groups can enjoy a full spectrum of tastes—from morning coffee runs to leisurely dinner gatherings with wine pairings.
How does The Refuge support hosting special events and private gatherings?
The Refuge takes pride in being more than just a restaurant—it’s an event destination that skillfully caters to private functions and special occasions. Their event services encompass rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions, corporate events, birthday parties, and more, supported by a dedicated team that assists with planning and customization. Guests can expect tailored menus crafted to meet the specific tastes and needs of their group, whether that means themed dishes, dietary accommodations, or special drink selections. The layout and ambiance of The Refuge allow it to transform into a lively party space or an elegant, intimate setting depending on the event. Their experience dealing with a variety of event types ensures smooth coordination, leaving hosts free to enjoy the occasion with their guests. This makes The Refuge an ideal location for those looking to blend excellent cuisine with a professional but welcoming environment for memorable gatherings.
What makes the atmosphere at The Refuge inviting for social meetups?
The ambiance at The Refuge Coffee, Food and Wine is carefully designed to be both cozy and sophisticated, helping guests feel instantly welcome whether they come for a quick coffee or a prolonged dinner. The lighting is warm and inviting, yet bright enough to keep energy levels up for lively discussions. Seating options include comfortable booths, communal tables, and intimate corners, allowing groups to choose settings that best suit their social dynamic. Music and background noise levels are balanced so as not to overpower conversation, while the layout facilitates natural flow and mingling. Additionally, the visible focus on quality and presentation—whether in drink preparation or plating of food—adds a subtle touch of elegance that elevates the experience. This combination of thoughtful design and attentive service creates an atmosphere where groups feel relaxed, valued, and eager to linger longer.
How does the location and hours of The Refuge cater to group meetups?
Located in a bustling area, The Refuge enjoys convenient accessibility that makes it easy for groups to gather without hassle. It opens early in the morning and stays open well into the evening, accommodating a wide variety of planned or spontaneous meetups. This flexibility means groups can meet before work for coffee, enjoy lunch breaks together, catch up over weekday dinners, or celebrate special weekend occasions without time constraints. The ample parking and nearby transit options further facilitate access for diverse groups. Extended weekend hours, including late-night service, are especially beneficial for groups wanting to keep the energy up into the night, turning informal meetups into full celebratory evenings. The Refuge’s location and schedule choices demonstrate a clear understanding of the needs of its socially active community.
Why do reviews rate The Refuge highly as a meetup destination?
With a solid 4.3-star rating from over 200 reviews, The Refuge’s appeal as a great meetup spot is well documented by those who have experienced it firsthand. Reviewers consistently praise the quality of the coffee and food, noting how the offerings exceed expectations for a coffee shop-cum-restaurant. Many highlight the attentive and friendly staff who enhance the overall experience by making groups feel welcome and well cared-for. The diversity of the menu appeals broadly, allowing groups with different tastes to all find something they enjoy easily. Patrons also value the ambiance —often described as cozy and upscale —which strikes a perfect balance for informal and special gatherings alike. Positive feedback about the location and hours reinforce why many choose The Refuge as their go-to place for friendships and family meetups. In short, its consistent performance in food, service, and environment create a dependable and appealing destination for groups seeking a memorable social experience.