On a slow weekday morning the room feels almost private — but on weekends, every seat is earned.
Set in Phoenix, AZ, Fair Trade Cafe has carved out a corner of the city's weekend brunch scene with a personality of its own. The room comfortably seats a mix of solo diners working through a coffee and a newspaper, couples splitting a stack of pancakes, and friend groups settling in for a slow, three-hour Saturday.
Order coffee black and let the kitchen do the rest — French toast made with thick-cut brioche, dusted with powdered sugar, and crowned with seasonal berries.
Menu highlights
Here is a snapshot of the kinds of brunch dishes you can expect to find on the menu at Fair Trade Cafe. Specials rotate weekly with what's in season — check the chalkboard at the host stand when you arrive.
- Crab cake Benedict with old-bay hollandaise (regional specialty)
- Acai bowl with granola, banana, coconut, and honey drizzle
- House bloody mary with bacon, olives, and pickled vegetables
- Buttermilk pancakes with whipped butter and warm maple syrup
- Avocado toast on grilled sourdough with chili crisp and a soft egg
- Chicken and waffles with hot honey and pickled jalapeño
- Steel-cut oats with brown sugar, toasted nuts, and stewed fruit
- Huevos rancheros with corn tortillas, refried beans, and salsa verde
Service is friendly without being chatty, refills come without asking, and nobody rushes you out of your seat.
Order the pancakes and you'll get a stack tall enough to make you reconsider lunch — fluffy, lightly tangy from buttermilk, and finished with a generous pour of warm maple syrup.
Local tip: they take walk-ins only, but the host will quote you a realistic time and call your phone — go grab a coffee and explore the block.
Like a lot of the best brunch spots in Phoenix, Fair Trade Cafe is at its most magical on weekend mornings, when the kitchen is firing on all burners and the room slowly fills with the kind of low, happy hum that only good food and unhurried company can produce. Save room for one of the pastries on the way out — they bake everything in-house, and the morning buns are legendary among regulars.
Tips from the regulars
- If you're walking from public transit, the closest stop is a short stroll away — a small price to pay for the breakfast burrito.
- Vegetarian and gluten-free diners have real options, not just sad fruit cups.
- Tip generously — the brunch shift is the toughest in any restaurant, and the staff here keeps it warm even at peak rush.
- Save room: the pastry case at the front is part of the experience.
- Best time to go: arrive before 9:30 a.m. on weekends to skip the worst of the wait at Fair Trade Cafe.
Hours
| Mon | Mo-Su 07:00-19:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | Mo-Su 07:00-19:00 |
| Wed | Mo-Su 07:00-19:00 |
| Thu | Mo-Su 07:00-19:00 |
| Fri | Mo-Su 07:00-19:00 |
| Sat | Mo-Su 07:00-19:00 |
| Sun | Mo-Su 07:00-19:00 |
Frequently asked questions
What time does Fair Trade Cafe open for brunch?
Posted hours are: Mo-Su 07:00-19:00. Hours can change on holidays — call ahead if you're traveling.
Does Fair Trade Cafe take reservations?
Most brunch spots in Phoenix are walk-in friendly, with a wait list during peak hours. Larger parties (5+) should call ahead to ask about a reservation.
Is Fair Trade Cafe kid-friendly?
Yes — Fair Trade Cafe welcomes families. Most brunch menus include simple kid-friendly options like pancakes, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit. Highchairs are usually available.
What kind of cuisine does Fair Trade Cafe serve?
It's classified under coffee_shop — broadly an American-style brunch experience with regional touches you'd expect in Phoenix.
Is there outdoor seating at Fair Trade Cafe?
Yes — outdoor seating is available, weather permitting.
Location
Located at 1020 North 1st Avenue. Coordinates: 33.4594, -112.0743. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.